Rylan Ferguson: The Man Behind the Viral Trump Impersonation in Georgia

Rylan Ferguson, known for his towering presence at seven feet, recently gained attention after impersonating Donald Trump during a rally in Georgia. He emphasized that his actions were meant as a gesture of admiration towards the president rather than mockery.

In an interview on Friday, Ferguson, a self-proclaimed extrovert, described his impersonation as a “sincere form of flattery.” The 21-year-old revealed his comfort with the situation, noting, “My friends were sitting right beside me,” which made him feel at ease.

A finance major at the University of Alabama, Ferguson explained he didn’t initially realize his gesture would be captured on camera. “I was just having a little fun,” he stated, reflecting on the unplanned nature of his actions. Despite the overwhelming response from friends, associates, and reporters, Ferguson expressed no regrets.

Ferguson is known among his friends for a skilled Trump impersonation, yet had no intention to command the rally. Being a native of Marietta, Georgia, he felt compelled to attend the event at his former high school with the president speaking. “It could’ve been Biden or Obama,” he remarked about the significance of a sitting president visiting his school.

Politically independent, Ferguson expressed a desire to meet Trump. Though he anticipates his viral moment will fade quickly, he acknowledged the global attention it’s garnered. “This made me laugh out loud and I voted for him,” one observer commented online. Even comedian Jimmy Fallon commented on Ferguson being “a little distracting” during the speech.

The decision to attend the rally came late, prompted by a friend’s encouragement. Ferguson decided to dress formally, anticipating an encounter with the president. Despite some criticism from differing political views, Ferguson maintained his actions were without malice. “Some people are criticizing me,” he admitted, yet emphasized the fun nature of his mimicry.

For more insights, contact Newsweek editors Jason Lemon and Sam Wilson.