The creators of South Park humorously announced a name change for the series, rebranding it as South America. This jest targeted President Donald Trump and major tech companies. As South Park prepares for its Season 29 premiere, creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone revealed inspiration from Apple and Google, which have followed geographic renaming requests by the Trump administration.
In their statement, Parker and Stone expressed their satire, saying, “Inspired by the bravery and patriotism of Apple and Google, we are changing the name of ‘South Park’ to ‘South America.’” They joked about their parent company, Paramount, calling it “a Skydance Capitulation.” Reporters from Newsweek reached out to Paramount, Apple, Google, and the White House for comments.
Importance of Political Satire
For almost three decades, South Park has been known for mocking political figures and corporations. Its focus on Trump has stirred discussions on political satire in entertainment. Parker and Stone criticize not only governmental measures but also the compliance of major corporations with such initiatives.
Was ‘South Park’ Really Renamed?
The announcement was satirical, coinciding with the Season 29 premiere. Parker and Stone humorously claimed they were renaming the show South America, parodying Trump’s efforts to rename geographic features. The show continues as South Park, demonstrating the creators’ trademark political satire.
In their statement, creators referenced Apple and Google’s compliance with recent renaming actions by Trump’s administration, including calling Lake Ontario “Lake America” after a clash with Canada. Trump’s suggestion to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America saw support from Google and Apple’s mapping services.
Recently, Trump threatened to rename New Mexico “New America,” despite lacking authority to rename a state.
‘South Park’s’ Focus on Trump
The name-change joke is among many instances where the series has targeted Trump. The latest season mocked Trump and his administration, including comedic portrayals of Trump in a relationship with Satan, echoing prior depictions of Saddam Hussein.
These storylines earned attention during the recent Emmy Awards, where the series won Outstanding Animated Program for a season satirizing Trump and his allies. Prior to the “South America” joke, the show’s social media celebrated its Emmy win, taking a direct jab at Trump.
At the award ceremony, Parker expressed gratitude to fans for the show’s 30-year run. Previously, the White House commented on South Park, calling it “irrelevant for 20 years” and reliant on “uninspired ideas for attention.” Trump criticized the Emmys, lamenting NBC’s The Apprentice never won despite nominations.
Why Did Trump Rename Lake Ontario?
Trump signed an executive order to refer to Lake Ontario as “Lake America”, following a trade dispute with Canada. This was part of efforts to rename geographic locations. His earlier decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico sparked debate and attention.
Which Map Applications Show Lake America?
Google Maps and Apple Maps reflected Trump’s order by displaying Lake America. Parker and Stone jokingly cited the patriotism of Apple and Google in their satirical statement about renaming South Park.
MapQuest defied this trend, gaining popularity on Apple’s App Store for refusing the Lake America renaming.
Emmys Won by ‘South Park’
South Park won Outstanding Animated Program at the 2026 Emmys after a Trump-focused season. This marked the sixth Emmy win for the series and its first in over a decade. Celebrating the achievement, the show referenced Trump’s frustration over The Apprentice never winning.
The Future
Season 29 of South Park premieres on September 16 on Comedy Central, with episodes available on Paramount+ the next day in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. The promotional stunt implies ongoing satire of Trump and his administration.
For more information, Newsweek editors on the story are Jenni Fink and Gray R. Thomas.
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