James Austin Johnson Reveals the Secret to a Perfect Trump Impersonation

James Austin Johnson talks about moving to New York City for Saturday Night Live when his wife was pregnant, his cryptic meetings with Lorne Michaels and how he perfected his Trump impersonation.
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James Austin Johnson Reveals the Secret to a Perfect Trump Impersonation - Late Night with Seth Meyers
• James Austin Johnson R...
Late Night with Seth Meyers
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[@Arven501]

I could listen to him ramble on as Medieval Trump for hours - that was gold.

[@bobwiegers]

yes! this needs to be a netflix special. series, actually

[@TheBjjninja]

His medieval Trump was better than his worldly Trump on last SNL

[@b.valentine5283]

Me too! I want this to be a real show lol

[@bumblebeeswsw]

Me too 🤣🤣

[@Auguur]

Omg, Medieval trump had me rolling!

[@masterofallgoons]

They have to do an 80s trump vs current Trump sketch .. he's got both voices down perfectly

[@cgill914]

That would be so good 😂

[@eclipsespilce]

Yes!

[@carolyntalbot947]

I mean, it's uncanny!

[@timkluntz8362]

Maybe they can get Fred Armisen to play Jeffrey Epstein!

[@eXpLiiiSiT]

@@timkluntz8362 who's playing bill clinton and bill gates?

[@sadlystuckinreality]

I remember when he did his Trump for the first time on the show I genuinely went 'woah' out loud. It's so spot on that it's scary!

[@TheFujiwuji]

It's interesting that SNL keeps picking impersonators that despise Trump... which affects their performance. The best Trump, hands down, was Darrell Hammond. He was truly funny... not like this guy or shitty, angry "impersonator" Alex Baldwin.

[@emilytruesdell5969]

I was thinking during last night's cold open that if I closed my eyes, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference!

[@lamarravery4094]

​@@TheFujiwuji What are you talking about? Alec Baldwin was a great Trump impersonator then this guy comes in and he's even better. Trump is a moron and both of them capture him very well.

[@imBKCmmk]

​@@TheFujiwujiHaha, you're so salty

[@TheChupacabra]

HOLY MOLEY what a lesson in mimicry. So interesting to see the mechanics of being a master impressionist.

[@CottonCandyPops]

He could teach at Impression Camp!

[@rabbit251]

Seth, are you taking notes?

[@S.Pociecha]

@@CottonCandyPops, one person doing this frighteningly accurate DT is plenty. If they started cropping up all over ... [shudder!]

[@tylerlewis6813]

@@rabbit251 JAJ learned from Seth!

[@zeusmedusa7942]

6:49 _and grab them by the puppets_

[@milquest]

Hearing Seth giggle uncontrollably at James different Trumps was just too much fun😄

[@jamestarrou3685]

I feel like Seth Invited him on the show because he really wants to be his friend lol

[@ArmyJames]

I found his giggling to be very annoying.

[@claw1888]

@@ArmyJames Fallon too!

[@Tessmage_Tessera]

@Bonny Prince Billiam All of them did.

[@jpara617]

I found it very annoying

[@josephiudice8287]

"Both current presidents." A beautiful and subtle joke...nice wit.

[@pdcdesign9632]

Not too many people picked up on that one. The BIG LIE continues 🤨🤥

[@JewelCPeach]

Also “Moscow mules” - 😂

[@charlesbronson2926]

This dude did fantastic impressions of BOTH Biden and Trump, so impressive!

[@mayaaa2695]

It’s funny how he does both, will b very difficult getting those characters to appear in the same skit lol

[@callmeshaggy5166]

@@mayaaa2695 the republicans are too scared to debate live so don't worry, the chance for them to both appear together is slim to none

[@samsepiol05590]

@@callmeshaggy5166 true that 😂

[@firstbaldwin]

"come on, man" his Biden "impersonation" SUCKS !!!!!

[@samsepiol05590]

@@firstbaldwin no it doesn’t

[@johnfdm123]

That's some masterful impression right there. I'm glad he mentioned that it took him a while to get the voice right. People often ascribe this kind of skill to sheer talent. Talent is a big part of the equation, sure, but the work is what gets you there.

[@artbargra]

For sure. Talent will only get you so far, but this guy has evidently put some serious effort here.

[@lizisasleep]

That’s what they always stress in impression camp.

[@TheFujiwuji]

It's interesting that SNL keeps picking impersonators that despise Trump... which affects their performance. The best Trump, hands down, was Darrell Hammond. He was truly funny... not like this guy or shitty, angry "impersonator" Alex Baldwin.

[@m1l1t1am1ke]

@@TheFujiwuji lmao good luck finding other actors who don't despise Trump. This guy's impression is fantastic you're outta your mind

[@TheFujiwuji]

@@m1l1t1am1ke you're joking, right? Best impression of Trump on SNL was Darrell Hammond, by far. Nobody even comes in a close second. He was incredible. And unlike the other Trump impressions, Hammond was actually funny.

[@TheDjKnockturn]

"Only I can get the amulet" is one of the funniest things I have heard in a while. I must have watched that part of the video 10 times. Dying of laughter over here.

[@rticle15]

This guy has nailed all the little quirks. The tone, speech pattern, and train of thought are all dead on. Best Trump I've seen.

[@thesirms]

“Only I can get the amulet” LOL

[@llkeithh]

It's super rare for a new cast member to come in and have a big impact so quickly - usually takes them a while to find their footing, if and when they're able. So congrats to him for pulling that off!

[@Omni0404]

*sad Pete Davidson noises*

[@phriedokra6158]

Trump effect...hope it Doesn't hurt him later ...like Brad Parscale

[@sarahfuller5482]

I feel like Bowen Yang came in swinging.

[@lamarravery4094]

If I can recall, I think it was in the 1990s when all the stars from SNL left the show to do movies and virtually a new team was hired. None of them were any good at the time, but one guy stood out and I knew he was going to be huge...His name, Will Ferrel.

[@MB57]

Hilarious, "ONLY I can get the amulet!"

[@johnbod]

I need to find the clip of him actually doing this so I can hear the full bit. I need more!

[@mon-6416]

I think this is the best Trump impression I've heard. He, as mentioned, really captures that throaty sound that Trump has. It's good to hear from new cast members on SNL. This guy has a bright future there!

[@Pyrolonn]

I'm not so sure he's kind of a one trick pony, once Trump is off the world stage maybe he won't be needed anymore? That said, he is so much better than the caricature that Alec Baldwin did.

[@snap-n-shoot]

Check out Jamie Foxes impersonation....very accurate

[@TheFujiwuji]

It's interesting that SNL keeps picking impersonators that despise Trump... which affects their performance. The best Trump, hands down, was Darrell Hammond. He was truly funny... not like this guy or shitty, angry "impersonator" Alex Baldwin.

[@jeffreym.8957]

@@TheFujiwuji Just because you love Trump doesn't make your opinion correct. Baldwin captures the ugliness of Trump very well. And Johnson's impersonation is magnificent. Maybe you should stick to Gutfield or whatever that lame guy's name is?

[@jeffreym.8957]

@@TheFujiwuji And Spitting Image has the "Trump look" down the best of all.

[@justin.booth.]

Him and Bowen Yang are probably some of the best new hires SNL has had in a while, absolutely stellar from the get-go.

[@licandres01]

Don't forget about Sarah!

[@PSUfan93]

Am I watching the same SNL? Bowan is the same character every sketch.

[@nedrah3490]

You must be high because Bowan Yang has to be the worst hire ever on snl. He literally offers nothing original or funny to the show, he's just the token gay character in every sketch and somehow even plays that role worse than the straight cast members.

[@AndrewStro]

Baldwins impression was more of an exaggerated characature, he leaned on extreme expressions. James' impression is great in how he nails the cadence. One thing he could work more into the act is the softer sounding moments like Seth does.

[@charlesbronson2926]

James does a much better impression, from the perspective of not necessarily trying to hurt the other person’s feelings. I forget where I saw it, but someone said that good impressions cannot come from hating the other person and wanting to hurt them.

[@Junksaint]

They're both pretty great impressions, I'm sure the orange gets mad at both equally.

[@weebjeez]

Yeah... I feel like he goes far too gravelly with his light moments.

[@bradleyrounds9148]

I think Baldwin's impression was just to piss the ex president off

[@Charliefox71]

@@bradleyrounds9148 It doesn’t take much to piss him off. Trump is notoriously thin skinned

[@michaelfrieber]

I loved the sound Seth made when James mentioned that NBC used to have a show with Trump.

[@yourmommashouse]

He sounds , JUST like trump, best impersonation hands down.

[@jenniferfranco1748]

Yup

[@JP-lu9ed]

His voice is perfect and Baldwin had the imposing physicality. Hopefully James can add that for the whole package.

[@bjv93]

That is single handedly the best Trump impression I've ever heard. Dude is miles and miles beyond the rest.

[@rdecredico]

Check out: Trump the Internet Much more accurate and funnier.

[@MistressNilah]

Is rdecredico trump the internet's mom? Because that's the only way their opinion makes any sense. You can close your eyes and literally not know if it's Trump or James speaking. That internet fellow sounds like some dude who's maybe the second-best impressionist in the OfficeMax where he works

[@rdecredico]

@@MistressNilah Hahahahaha Nonsense. Enjoy your Kool-aid, mope.

[@MistressNilah]

@@rdecredico 🤗

[@TaylorTrask]

I was with you until that Jamie Fox impression went virL

[@Junksaint]

The wizard said it was a great quest, the biggest quest, big beautiful quest

[@snoobins4623]

Many people are saying.. they say sir.. this is one of the strongest quests in, frankly, in a lot of years folks.

[@user-ms3jz7ub7n]

If you close your eyes...it's frigging Trump I swear! Try it! This guy is a comedic genius!

[@jdp5606]

Rarely do I laugh that hard during the interview.

[@fdrstan]

JAJ is an instant legend. Never seen anyone so comfortable on SNL so quickly.

[@TheKillahKyla]

Feels like he's been there for several seasons already

[@millerezra8]

Dude’s poise and confidence is impressive, he just crushed that interview

[@alterego6075]

I believe most of us would prefer the "D&D Trump"...well played!

[@TheCheat420]

He is a great addition to the SNL cast. He is a great impressionist.

[@drkskwlkr]

Talented impressionists (meaning those who can *really* do the voice and mannerisms) don't seem to do well on SNL I am afraid. Impersonator masters like Jay Pharoah, Melissa Villaseñor for example are fiendishly good, yet struggle in sketches. I think this is because the show (and the audience) value more over the top performances for purely satirical purposes. That said, I do hope he will have a long and successful career in SNL. His talent is out of this world. The way he can get into and out of these voices is amazing.

[@John_C_J]

@@drkskwlkr Melissa has to wait till AOC gets some spotlight to make it into political sketches.

[@biegebythesea6775]

@@drkskwlkr well now things can change.

[@lynnstlaurent6789]

I love listening to SNL cast members discuss Lorne. I can’t decide if he’s psychotic, genius, kind or all of the above.

[@Qermaq]

From all I've heard, it's the last ones for sure, but I think (toparaphrase the BBC show Sherlock) he's not a psychopath, he's a high-functioning sociopath.

[@clashcitywannabe]

He's the literal inspiration for Doctor Evil so make of that what you will

[@shenanikenz]

They say there’s a thin line between genius and insanity

[@hellohello6510]

my fav lorne story/bit is this bill hader one about lorne name dropping serial killers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHzZXouAZdNsna8

[@thomasd3146]

Michaels is awful. Kills all the good ideas, petty tyrant. All the cast are equivocal about him.

[@obsessedfortoys]

OK, SNL has to do a recurring skit where Trump has got a time machine, hes going back into history and take over elections from famous people !!! That medieval Trump was absolutely hilarious!! so have him in an election against King Arthur or something like that, it would be brilliant. He has the best trump impersonation I've ever heard😉👍

[@JoshuaWillis89]

You listening, @snl?

[@stevencaseymiller8376]

This is a dumb idea.

[@pamelamanning99]

@@stevencaseymiller8376 This is a GREAT idea. I'd listen to an hour of Medieval Trump.

[@michaelmccoy1794]

👏 B R I L L I A N T !

[@stevencaseymiller8376]

@@pamelamanning99 okay, but it's so dumb on so many levels - to name just one, kings aren't elected.

[@embrio.]

I don't know why, but I lost it at "Oh! What a glamorous life you lead."

[@podracer35]

That switch between 80s Trump and Present Day Trump was unreal.

[@digitalrico]

This guy deserves his success

[@patricksullivan6988]

James Austin Johnson gives Anthony Atamanuik a run for his money, when it comes to his Trump impression. The two best Trump impersonators in the game, hands down.

[@MauiMauiMe]

So true! But when Anthony did him on the truck, that was pure gold. Both talented comedians.

[@ericminch]

Please be careful. Otherwise these two will be kidnapped and forced to impersonate the Twitler when justice finally calls him; one of them will end up incarcerated, while the real villain escapes to South America (or more likely to Russia).

[@BbGun-lw5vi]

Gumby is right that Johnson is better. Except I would say twice as good is being generous to Anthony. They’re not even close. Johnson sounds exactly like Trump.

[@JoshuaWillis89]

Johnson’s is better.

[@namj8145]

They're both great, in slightly different ways. Johnson has the voice and rambling non sequitors down perfectly. Atamanuik has a decent vocal part, but gets more into the twisted psyche behind the image...the nacisssim and conceit, the fear and insecurity. Each one a scary vision of a powerful man.

[@wgb01001]

This guy absolutely rules, he’s incredibly funny, and the crappy studio audience is just dead.

[@lizisasleep]

Totally. Been following him online for a couple of years now and I always lose it at his Trump rambles.

[@illuminatorlumina4694]

Yeah they gave him very little encouragement/reception? I wondered if it was a less than full audience. He's uncanny, I can't help but applaud him.

[@dvbernard]

That was the COVID-era camera-crew-and-stage-hands audience.

[@wgb01001]

@@dvbernard Aaahhhhhh, ok. Felt like this was too recent to be a Covid skeleton crew.

[@dvbernard]

@@wgb01001 the video is from January: we were in the middle of Omicron back then.

[@carouselqueen4946]

A master of imitation! He must have attended "IMPRESSIONS CAMP" w/ Mr. Seth Meyers!!!! Applause 👏🏽🙌😆🎭🏕️

[@G3n3vaL3st3r]

We moved from NC to NJ last February. I was 37 weeks pregnant and had 2 weeks notice. My husband is lucky he is still alive! 😂

[@rkms5606]

Bless you!!!

[@bikingsamsara]

Absolutely the best Trump voice ever - almost eerie. I bet Trump hates it. I love it!

[@xaviertemple7037]

“Character actor beak” 😂

[@ErisRising]

Already knew he was talented, but he's also almost insanely likeable.

[@ArtooX2]

James does an awesome 45! I love Seth’s giggling during the Wizard impression!!!!!

[@emsulich]

I rarely laugh out loud to these interviews but this guy is hilarious 😂

[@qzuentinwatts6607]

“Only I can get the Amulet.” 🤣😂 This is the greatest thing to ever happen. I NEED either NBC or Comedy Central to do a Mid-evil Trump show.

[@Reem-oo1of]

An incredible trump impression

[@2videosilike]

This was the funniest, most interesting interview I've seen in quite some time! The very detailed explanation as to how he got the voices and the different impressions he made in such a short amount of time, and he just went from 1 character to another and in-between, his own voice. WOW! Just... WOW!

[@godnah]

Look at James' suit! SMASHING!

[@wahme]

This guy is incredible.

[@eponymousIme]

Omigosh that was fabulous. Such a treat getting to know James Austin Johnson better. So talented!

[@robertcarr4172]

Holy cow that's the best sounding Trump impression I have ever heard

[@megaultimatemega]

Seth’s NO when James suggested trump may have had a show on this network was so passionate like he wanted to make sure no one ever thought that again! Killed me !

[@dianer8004]

He is right. His baby is beautiful!

[@prisonmike4971]

His trump is so spot on. I love it.

[@JillKnapp]

Holy crap-- when he did the one line as "smooth '80s Trump" I cried laughing-- it caught me so off-guard and I am done. So damn funny!

[@Lalaphive]

I'm crying laughing at how good this guy is

[@GiftSparks]

His version is absolute perfection. I never heard of him until SNL, but he is insanely talented!

[@kstepko]

I like his Trump more than I like his Biden, but the “don’t see Spiderman” cold open slayed me.

[@morrisal]

He's been the BEST hire at SNL recently. He's great.

[@jacksonmorganfroghin4815]

Yeah it's like when Dana Carvey first appeared on SNL then later explained exactly how he arrived at certain impressions, like church lady "isn't that special" or HW "nah gonna duh" not at this juncture etc. So kids we gotta get to the polls and vote Trump back in..... not only for lower prices and less crime but so Johnson can cold open every SNL show and it can be funny once again. Yaaaahhhh!! Make SNL great again.

[@davidfarner2836]

I can’t get enough of this guy. 🤣 What a talent!! He is such a natural.

[@lukehferris]

Instant star. So natural and calm under pressure.

[@santiagobenites]

SNL is in good hands with up and coming super talents like James Austin Johnson.

[@MarsCapone]

Always has been, so long as Lorne’s at the reigns. Long live the king!

[@sagebrushrepair]

Your beak is your brand James, own the hell out of it. People look different and it rules. Love your work!

[@hatelovebowel4571]

He has the best Trump impersonation of all Trump impersonators

[@jeffbarber2687]

There truly is no better impression out there! He is a master and I can't wait to see JAJ do more and more.

[@tom_something]

Wait, *this* is the guy? I assumed the actor who played Trump on SNL had to be at least 60 in real life. I'm even more impressed now. At times I worry that his impression is _too_ accurate. But if you've got someone who can do it this well, you've got to let him do it.

[@garbagearchive]

Simply JAW DROPPING Trump Impression

[@kimp428]

So TALENTED! Thanks for these laughs! (and for working so hard, to be so good!).

[@ArtsCO2024]

James Austin Johnson is a natural actor/comedian! He's the star of SNL (to maybe revive it)!

[@TeonMcLean]

Now HE graduated impression camp! Seth has to repeat a year

[@umair111]

Medieval T***p is freakin hilarious

[@pj828]

Seth's crowd was not gracious enough. That is Thee Best trump impression I have EVER heard. It's not even close!! Just Wow!!

[@keithmanfredi]

That 80s Trump vs 2010s... amazing observation and performance. Great job James!

[@Orangeflava]

like young Pacino and old Pacino. Totally different voices.

[@jbanders2358]

Seth laughing the whole time is great 😂

[@gioia221]

Almost as annoying as Jimmy Fallon

[@KRONIK3636]

Holy Sh*t! That is the best Tr*mp impression I've ever heard, & the transition from 80's to present day Tr*mp was spot on!

[@catmonkey6826]

Huge talent!! Absolutely nails it. Don't you just love it when you discover a new star!

[@greatestsportslegends]

I think Seth's genuine laughter around min 10 says it all... #awesome

[@davidsobel3303]

I grew up watching master impressionists like Rich Little, Frank Gorshin. When you can close your eyes and believe it's the person they're doing you know it's good.

[@diamondbanana-pl2435]

This guy is already a legend in my book 😂 and I’m voting for trump. TV gold

[@heatherwhite2788]

What a glamorous life you lead 😂 He truly has the best T**** voice.

[@jeffreysisson7948]

Wow! That is not only the best Trump impression but also the best celebrity impression ever IMO! Completely pitch perfect in every way. The cadence, the body language, bravo! Such a talent. 👏🏻

[@stevenj9970]

He is so talented! SNL is lucky to have him

[@drawcoder]

James Austin Johnson is massively skilled. All his impressions are on point because of his study and unique take on things.

[@MsAmyjoy7802]

He's incredible Not only the best Trump impressions, I feel the best impression of anyone ever. Can't get enough, he's my favorite part of SNL, I get so excited the second he rolls out as Trump 😭

[@nickkenis1615]

This is one of the best impressions of any person. Dan Soder’s Randy Savage is also in this league. Perfection.

[@poppingjaz]

wow, man I remember doing a couple of small comedy mics with James back in like 2013 in Nashville, Bowling Green etc. Never saw this coming. Really nice guy, I'm very happy for him

[@andreagale6058]

He is soooooooooo accurate on that impression of Trump!

[@jamiethornton6101]

That Trump Easter Cold OPening on SNL with him was maybe the funniest skit I've ever seen. It came out of left field.

[@uosdwiSrdewoH]

He's not only incredibly talented with his voice work he also has this easy going charm. Laid back but very sharp and quick witted. He's already basically taken over most of the impressions on SNL. Most of the cast could take a holiday and he'd probably do fine. All the cast members they currently have are really good but if I were to make the roster a bit lighter I'd take a show with James, Melissa, Kenan, Cecily, Kate, Ego, Chris, Bowen, Chloe and Aidy. As I said, every cast member is fantastic. But for whatever reason Lorne keeps adding people without letting anyone leave so the cast is too big and there's always a few people who miss out. Despite Melissa's talent with impressions she's basically been sidelined lately. Aristotle has really only had one chance to really shine. His bit at the end of Rami Malek's episode was unreal. Now that Beck's gone I'm not sure they really know what to do with Kyle anymore now that the nepotism trio have taken over the digital short spot. He's never really been a sketch guy. He does do some great Update bits. Speaking of I feel like it might be getting close to a shake up at the Update desk. They're both fine but I get the impression Colin is happy to just coast along. Che keeps pushing the envelope. Colin, not so much. I don't know why I did all this and I expect nobody will read it but it's going to stay because I spent way too long writing it out.

[@chriskelly6559]

He needs to call in to Tucker or Hannity while they're live on air. He could do some serious damage to their egos.

[@TheKrazysexykool]

That is the best idea of 2022. That would be priceless

[@hayberdasher8625]

I already loved his impressions on SNL. After seeing this, he is now one of my New Favorite People.

[@lw5592]

He's FANTASTIC. He almost out-trumps Trump! Nice going, James!

[@nk-dw2hm]

I love the guy laughing when he is talking about how his son is beautiful, didn't realize the punchlines hadn't started yet 1:20

[@cynthiarowley719]

This fella has great impressions, help Seth!! I hope we see more Trump as medieval.

[@contrapasso]

How dare! Seth has amazing impressions!

[@pho3nix-]

Even the shape of his mouth blends, or regresses, into Trump. Amazing, probably the best impression of him I've seen so far.

[@soumage]

Every time he says “he’s banging the hammer” I completely lose it-so absurd and yet so perfectly drumpf

[@johnhatzi2283]

totally mate hahaha

[@eatmoremusic3650]

I saw him a couple years ago doing his trump weird Al rant and I was floored

[@nicholasbartonlaw341]

Spot on impressions, and he seems to have a natural sense of humor to go along.

[@phriedokra6158]

Some folks do have dreams that come true....live it fully !! Congrats on the little guy and the new job and dream life

[@tedfreeman2709]

When it was announced they had hired an amazing Trump talent in JAJ, I looked up his youtube entries and there's one of him just driving, talking as a confused rambling nutjob Trump - literally my jaw dropped. It's remarkable. And THEN I forwarded the link to as many people as I could. Fantastic work James.

[@kimbernewman6403]

This guy is SPOT on for Trump literally exact dialect!!! Wow

[@malako777A]

Damn he nailed the trump impression! Even the 80’s Trump is amazing

[@ChrystalWater97]

JAJ is the best trump impressionist!! SO GOOD. and not just that. what a funny guy.

[@lookissjaxin]

Fantastic 😂. The best trumpf impression I’ve ever heard/seen. 😂😂😂