Ryan Chen, a business manager from the sprawling city of Chongqing, China (population 32 million), became a social media sensation—dubbed “China’s Trump”—after losing a bet in January.
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- The Dare: Chen lost a truth-or-dare game and was challenged to post a video of himself doing a Donald Trump impression.
- Instant Fame: The video immediately went viral, launching him into the public eye.
- Massive Following: He now commands over two million followers combined on Instagram and Douyin (China’s TikTok), making him one of China’s most popular English-language creators.
The Schtick and the Tightrope
Chen’s act is an uncanny, pitch-perfect Trump impression used not for politics, but for boosterism of China.
- He employs Trump’s signature bombast and hyperbole to give a “Trump-style salesmanship” of Chongqing, calling the local hotpot “the best, the finest” and the skyline “totally incredible.”
- Despite his subject, Chen maintains a strict “non-political” stance on China’s closely monitored platforms, focusing solely on promoting Chinese culture, food, and tourism.
- For millions in China, Chen serves as a “one-man portal” to the American presidency without the “clunky geopolitical baggage.”
Life in the Spotlight
The author joined Chen in Chongqing, witnessing his celebrity status firsthand:
- He is mobbed by fans requesting photos and his signature “Can you do the voice?”
- He offers a meticulously curated Trumpian sales pitch during lunch, praising dishes like braised pork belly and even declaring his approval of the reporter: “I love this guy! He likes every controversial food!”
- He even directs his barber, Mr. Tom, during a haircut, demanding a “tremendous” result.
Looking Ahead
- Chen, who has never been to the United States, is winding down his architecture day job to pursue acting full-time.
- His “audacious” dream is to visit New York, the city that produced Trump, to “experience, embrace the chaos.”
- Ultimately, Chen’s success demonstrates that his goal is simply to bring joy, showing that laughter can bridge barriers between superpowers.
Would you like me to find out more about his current acting projects or search for videos of his impression?
