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!

[@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?

[@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_

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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” - 😂

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@wolfgangvondreckendorf4897]

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"

[@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.

[@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.

[@우사민-r3c]

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

[@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.

[@alterego6075]

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

[@michaelfrieber]

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

[@jdp5606]

Rarely do I laugh that hard during the interview.

[@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!

[@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

[@thesirms]

“Only I can get the amulet” LOL

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@bikingsamsara]

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

[@Reem-oo1of]

An incredible trump impression

[@podracer35]

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

[@emsulich]

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

[@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!

[@ArtooX2]

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

[@millerezra8]

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

[@ErisRising]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@carouselqueen4946]

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

[@cynthiarowley719]

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

[@contrapasso]

How dare! Seth has amazing impressions!

[@kstepko]

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

[@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.

[@BlackLizrd]

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

[@MauiMauiMe]

Listening to Seth laugh at medieval Dump is too rich.

[@embrio.]

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

[@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!!!

[@robertcarr4172]

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

[@eponymousIme]

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

[@memento81]

Second best Trump-impersonator after Anthony Atamanuik - still so sad, that The President Show only got one season.

[@TheGreatAtario]

I *knew* this guy sounded familiar! I'm gonna go ahead and credit _The Majority Report_ with discovering him: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2rXqYaBd7CFhNk#t=1h13m12s

[@iamskippy]

I bet he made the rest of the cast *jealous* _especially the new cast members_ when he was given the first cold open of the season ❗️ *The guy is VERY TALENTED* … a male Melissa Villasenor or Sarah Sherman _if you will_

[@jesperjee]

It would make sense that you like BOTH Melissa Villasenor or Sarah Sherman since neither of them is very funny. And his Trump impression is so far the only thing he has done that has been fun on the show.

[@patientzero5685]

@@jesperjee wha wha (sad trombone)

[@jesperjee]

@@patientzero5685 Not sure how a sad trombone facture in to my comment but I love a brass instrument so thanks.

[@hatelovebowel4571]

He has the best Trump impersonation of all Trump impersonators

[@srb7006]

Some people do Trump well, some do Biden well. This guy does both extremely well.

[@wahme]

This guy is incredible.

[@taylorsloth9833]

I liked his Trump better than his Biden, but they are both chillingly accurate.

[@umair111]

Medieval T***p is freakin hilarious

[@xaviertemple7037]

Watched this thinking this guy is ok until he started doing Trump then I was in tears 🤣

[@fundifferent1]

3:46: Uh...that's like extra illegal....Employers are not supposed to ask any of those questions. Then proceeds to match his answers with the production schedule 😬. That whole part of the interview felt like he was saying too much.

[@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.

[@TeonMcLean]

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

[@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.

[@kimbernewman6403]

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

[@kimp428]

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

[@farber2]

25 years from now, cast members will still have Lorne meetings.

[@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!

[@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.

[@Lalaphive]

I'm crying laughing at how good this guy is

[@AllTheBestCO]

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

[@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!

[@user-kb9cu4rl9z]

I always hate to see great SNL cast members leave the show. But sure love the addition of JAJ. He is an astounding talent. I loathe tRump and can't listen to a second of him. But I could listen to James's impression all day long. Spot on! I hope James stays with SNL til his new baby goes off to college!

[@xaviertemple7037]

“Character actor beak” 😂

[@johnbod]

Correction: In the beginning 10 seconds while doing the introduction Seth says “NPC”. In video game terms this actually means “non playable character” and Ryan Reynolds just did a movie about it called Free Guy.

[@xTheOxx]

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

[@keithmanfredi]

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

[@Orangeflava]

like young Pacino and old Pacino. Totally different voices.

[@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 !

[@malako777A]

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

[@prisonmike4971]

His trump is so spot on. I love it.

[@jbanders2358]

Seth laughing the whole time is great 😂

[@gioia221]

Almost as annoying as Jimmy Fallon

[@eatmoremusic3650]

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

[@dianer8004]

He is right. His baby is beautiful!

[@felicitousfeline9956]

Now I like JAJ even more!

[@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.

[@GiftSparks]

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

[@scoobydoo3928]

I prefer his Trump to the real thing. He's much funnier.

[@godnah]

Look at James' suit! SMASHING!

[@kevink973]

When you listen to Johnson doing Trump, you realize how awful Baldwin was.

[@greatestsportslegends]

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

[@paulgush]

6:30 for Donald Trump impersonation

[@amygrant9434]

Wow, James graduated from impression camp!

[@watchdealer11]

The impression is terrible. It's two octaves too deep and too guttural. 3/10

[@lukehferris]

Instant star. So natural and calm under pressure.

[@catherinereynolds9644]

24 hours on a train. You are meant to play Biden!😜☮️

[@MS-dh9gh]

a two part segment for a new snl cast member?? This is awesome! I hope they do this with all of the cast! or even just the new cast! Though a part of me also is wondering if someone cancelled

[@garbagearchive]

Simply JAW DROPPING Trump Impression

[@NewMessage]

How to make sure your kid HATES the exclamation "D'oh!" by age six.

[@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!

[@crystalkarma2015]

Homer is a super cutie pie!

[@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"