5 Reasons Why Shane Gillis’s Donald Trump Impression Is The Funniest In Comedy Right Now

The comedic landscape of political impressions is constantly shifting, but as of late 2025, one name consistently dominates the conversation: Shane Gillis. His take on former President Donald J. Trump has moved beyond a simple stand-up bit to become a cultural touchstone, recognized for its uncanny accuracy and its ability to land with audiences across the political spectrum. This deep dive explores the latest appearances, the unique style, and the context that makes Gillis's Trump impression arguably the gold standard in modern political humor. The impression has become a staple of his live shows, his hit podcasts, and even his high-profile television appearances, cementing his status as one of the most influential and—at times—controversial voices in stand-up comedy today.

Shane Gillis: A Controversial Rise to Comedy Stardom

Shane Michael Gillis is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and podcaster known for his raw, edgy, and often politically incorrect style of humor. His career trajectory is unique, marked by a massive professional setback followed by an unprecedented surge in popularity.

• Full Name: Shane Michael Gillis
• Born: December 11, 1987
• Birthplace: Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Career Start: Began stand-up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, winning Philly's Funniest at Helium Comedy Club in 2016.
• Key Works:
  • Stand-up Specials: *Shane Gillis: Live in Austin* (2021), *Beautiful Dogs* (2023)
  • Podcast: *Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast* (*MSSP*), co-hosted with Matt McCusker.
  • Sketch Comedy: *Gilly and Keeves* (with John McKeever).
• Noteworthy Controversy: He was famously hired and then fired from *Saturday Night Live* (*SNL*) in 2019 after past controversial remarks resurfaced.
• Career Rebound: Gillis made a triumphant and highly-rated return to *SNL* as a host in early 2024, a rare move that signaled his mainstream acceptance despite his controversial past.

This background is crucial because his independent, anti-establishment persona is what gives his political humor, particularly the Trump impression, a sense of authenticity that resonates with his fanbase, often referred to as "the dawgz."

The Anatomy of the 'Best' Trump Impression

What sets Shane Gillis’s Donald Trump impression apart from the countless others—including those by comedy heavyweights like Alec Baldwin and *SNL*'s current cast member James Austin Johnson—is its focus on the *spirit* of Trump rather than just a vocal imitation. Gillis captures the stream-of-consciousness delivery, the specific cadence, and the rambling tangents that are hallmarks of the former President's public speaking style.

1. It Captures the 'Vibe' Over the Voice

While *SNL*'s James Austin Johnson (JAJ) is widely praised for his near-perfect vocal mimicry and ability to weave in obscure pop culture references, Gillis's impression is dirtier and more grounded in a blue-collar comedic perspective. Gillis doesn't just sound like Trump; he embodies the personality, often delivering a version of Trump that sounds like a slightly unhinged, rambling uncle at a family barbecue, which is a common observation among his fans.

2. The 'Live in Austin' Gold Standard

The impression gained massive traction following its inclusion in his 2021 special, *Shane Gillis: Live in Austin*. The "Trump" track from this special became a viral hit, establishing the core elements of his take: the use of the word "beautiful," the self-aggrandizing tangents, and the abrupt, signature pauses. This special is frequently cited as the moment the impression became an iconic piece of modern stand-up comedy.

3. It's Politically Apolitical

One of Gillis's strengths is his ability to mock figures across the political spectrum, preventing his humor from being easily labeled as partisan. His impression of Trump often focuses on the absurdity and the personality quirks, not necessarily a deep political critique. This "equal opportunity offender" style allows his comedy to be consumed by a wider audience, including people who may be Trump supporters, a rare feat in today's polarized media environment.

From SNL to the ESPYs: The Impression’s Latest Appearances

Gillis’s Trump impression has been a recurring entity in his work throughout 2024 and 2025, proving its enduring relevance in a major election cycle.

The SNL "Trump Sneakers" Sketch (2024)

During his highly anticipated return to host *Saturday Night Live* in February 2024, Gillis used his impression in the now-famous "Trump Sneakers" sketch. The sketch saw Gillis playing a struggling man who, upon receiving a pair of Trump's gold sneakers, is magically transformed into the former President himself. This appearance was significant, as it was the first time his version of Trump was showcased on the very stage that had previously fired him, a moment critics and fans alike viewed as a major victory for his style of comedy.

The Controversial 2025 ESPYs Monologue

In one of his most recent and high-profile appearances, Gillis hosted the 2025 ESPY Awards, where he immediately incorporated his political humor. His opening monologue featured a joke about Donald Trump wanting to stage a UFC fight on the White House lawn, quickly pivoting to a controversial punchline about the January 6th Capitol incident. This moment demonstrated the impression’s versatility, as it can be deployed in a variety of settings—from a stand-up club to a major televised sports awards show—to deliver a sharp, sometimes awkward, but always memorable laugh.

The MSSP and *Gilly and Keeves* Universe

For dedicated fans, the Trump impression is a frequent guest on *Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast* (*MSSP*). It's here, in the unscripted, long-form environment, where the impression truly shines, often used to riff on current events, pop culture, and even the mental health of public figures. Furthermore, his sketch comedy series *Gilly and Keeves* has also featured the impression in sketches like "Trump Speed Dating," showcasing its adaptability beyond the stand-up stage. The cumulative effect of these appearances—from his self-produced specials to his mainstream TV hosting gigs—is what gives Gillis’s impression its current topical authority and reputation as one of the best and most culturally relevant comedic acts of the mid-2020s.

The Enduring Appeal of Raw, Unfiltered Political Comedy

Shane Gillis’s success with his Donald Trump impression is a microcosm of a larger shift in comedy: a hunger for raw, unfiltered, and often boundary-pushing humor. His style, which some have described as leaning into "edgy humor" and "arrested adolescence," connects deeply with a demographic that feels overlooked by traditional, mainstream comedy. By taking a figure as polarizing as Donald Trump and consistently finding ways to make his persona funny without necessarily taking a definitive political side, Gillis has mastered the art of comedic tightrope walking. The impression is more than just a voice; it's a vehicle for Gillis's unique comedic worldview, one that is unafraid to tackle sensitive topics and, in the process, has earned him a massive, loyal following that continues to grow with every new appearance. As the political cycle heats up, expect Gillis's Trump impression to remain a dominant and hilarious force in the comedy world.