James Austin Johnson Reveals the Secret to a Perfect Trump Impersonation

[@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!

[@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

[@MichaelAronson]

@@TheFujiwuji Comedians lean left, because they actually value free speech.

[@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_

[@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!

[@Carolina-4JC]

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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@globdrop]

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

[@TheFujiwuji]

@@globdrop 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.

[@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!

[@jpara617]

I found it very annoying

[@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.

[@WolfgangVonDreckendorf]

His impersonations are fantastic. But when he is just being himself he is very annoying with his "like blabla, like bla like, blablabla like, like blablabla"

[@rkeithh5]

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.

[@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

[@firstbaldwin]

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

[@lolodee3528]

Carrey’s. Hands down.

[@auramac]

Dana Carvey does the best Biden I’ve heard so far.

[@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.

[@michaelfrieber]

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

[@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” - 😂

[@mummyjohn]

"between the two of 'em they're doing a great job" one of the best political jokes I've heard in years!

[@millerezra8]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@PAresident93]

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.

[@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.

[@우사민-r3c]

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

[@thesirms]

“Only I can get the amulet” LOL

[@jdp5606]

Rarely do I laugh that hard during the interview.

[@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.

[@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.

[@digitalrico]

This guy deserves his success

[@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!

[@embrio.]

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

[@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

[@bikingsamsara]

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

[@alterego6075]

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

[@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!

[@carouselqueen4946]

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

[@emsulich]

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

[@ArtooX2]

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

[@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!!

[@eponymousIme]

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

[@podracer35]

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

[@ErisRising]

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

[@lw5592]

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

[@lukehferris]

Instant star. So natural and calm under pressure.

[@Jeff_Bobo]

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

[@DavidEFarner]

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

[@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 !

[@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!!!

[@GiftSparks]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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. 👏🏻

[@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.

[@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.

[@godnah]

Look at James' suit! SMASHING!

[@robertcarr4172]

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

[@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.

[@wahme]

This guy is incredible.

[@paulwalsh2344]

OMG I thought there have been great Trump impressions before... but this guy is OFF THE CHART SCARY ACCURATE !

[@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.

[@dianer8004]

He is right. His baby is beautiful!

[@AllTheBestCO]

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

[@AmyJoyLandry]

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 😭

[@greatestsportslegends]

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

[@MsKScreations]

Such a great trump impersonator!! Always so hilarious with right on impressions.

[@Lalaphive]

I'm crying laughing at how good this guy is

[@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.

[@TrollMeister_]

9:02 “We are going to make the wizard’s ‘ead spin” . That was the most accurate Trump impression I’ve heard. Notice how he leaves out the h’s.

[@drawcoder]

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

[@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

[@Tarantulisimo]

Love the Lorne Michaels stories I've heard over the decades, & JAJs anecdote captures it perfectly: No happy, jolly, sweet "congratulations, you're hired" -- Just a somewhat cryptic, deadpan, & psuedo-jaded "We have a show on December 18th"

[@BlackLizrd]

Medieval Trump and 80's Trump! This dude's got the stuff and I dig his suit too.

[@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.

[@kimp428]

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

[@daveg5857]

He's the best Trump impersonator I've ever heard. It's the stream of consciousness thing he just does so, so well.

[@Reem-oo1of]

An incredible trump impression

[@sagebrushrepair]

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

[@stevenj9970]

He is so talented! SNL is lucky to have him

[@garbagearchive]

Simply JAW DROPPING Trump Impression

[@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.

[@heatherwhite2788]

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

[@christophsauer2857]

his 80s Trump so good! bravo

[@prisonmike4971]

His trump is so spot on. I love it.

[@nickkenis1615]

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

[@lookissjaxin]

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

[@keithmanfredi]

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

[@Orangeflava]

like young Pacino and old Pacino. Totally different voices.

[@MissKHYT1]

My Jamaican Mama is sooooo impressed by his T rump impression😁

[@DanielWesleyKCK]

The first 100 times I listened to this was to delight in just how good his Trump impression is. The next 100 times I listen to this will be to delight in Seth's giggle. It's an Anderson Cooper level of man-giggle.

[@JamieTheBangles11Fan]

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

[@hatelovebowel4571]

He has the best Trump impersonation of all Trump impersonators

[@catmonkey6826]

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

[@kstepko]

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

[@andreagale6058]

He is soooooooooo accurate on that impression of Trump!

[@nicholasbartonlaw341]

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

[@userbosco]

Listening to Seth giggle like a school boy is hilarious.

[@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!

[@jacobaccurso]

James is our newest national treasure. Incredible talent.

[@jbanders2358]

Seth laughing the whole time is great 😂

[@gioia221]

Almost as annoying as Jimmy Fallon

[@ChrystalWater97]

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

[@malako777A]

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

[@pho3nix-]

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

[@xTheOxx]

The little glimpse of 80's Trump at the end!!

[@phriedokra6158]

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

[@s.mattread3064]

8:41 if you want to skip to the giant dragon.

[@TheRealLeesyKate]

Had not heard of this Austin guy until now, and now I'm a fan. Thanks Seth.