In a move reminiscent of Donald Trump, the popular animated show “South Park” has opted for a new moniker for its upcoming 29th season, now rebranding as “South America.” The decision, made with the show’s trademark satirical flair, is a direct jab at the U.S. president’s penchant for renaming geographical features to include “America.”
The show’s creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, stated that the renaming to “SOUTH AMERICA” was inspired by the actions of tech giants Apple and Google. Notably, they thanked their parent company Paramount in a somewhat pointed manner due to the company’s ties to David Ellison, who has faced scrutiny regarding alleged dealings with Trump.
Trump’s trend of renaming landmarks to emphasize American identity began during his second term, with efforts like renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” and Lake Ontario to “Lake America.” While some entities resist these changes, tech platforms like Apple and Google have faced backlash for accommodating Trump’s directives on their maps.
The “South America” rebranding arrives shortly after Trump suggested renaming New Mexico to New America, underscoring the ongoing satire within the show. Known for its provocative humor and frequent lampooning of Trump and his administration, “South Park” has drawn criticism from MAGA supporters over the years.
The upcoming season, premiering on Comedy Central and Paramount+, promises to continue its irreverent take on current events, with Trump remaining a prominent target. The show’s Emmy win for Outstanding Animated Program was celebrated on social media with a post poking fun at Trump’s Emmy aspirations, adding to the ongoing tension between the series and the former president.