South Park changes name to South America in response to Trump changes | South Park
US politics | The Guardian — 2026-09-08 13:21:00 — www.theguardian.com
Donald Trump’s Push to Rename American Landmarks Sparks Satirical Response and Political Backlash
Donald Trump has once again drawn attention for his attempts to rebrand prominent geographic features and even a U.S. state with the name “America.” Most recently, Trump suggested on social media that the state of New Mexico should be renamed “New America.” He posted an AI-generated video depicting himself placing the word “America” over “Mexico” on a “welcome to New Mexico” sign. This move was swiftly condemned by Democrats, who accused him of trying to distract from ongoing issues such as his war in Iran and rising prices. It is important to note that the U.S. federal government has no authority to change a state’s name.
This is not the first time Trump has attempted such rebranding. Early in his second term, he moved to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.” More recently, amid escalating trade tensions with Canada, his administration tried to relabel Lake Ontario as “Lake America.” These efforts have become a hallmark of Trump’s presidency, often drawing ridicule and criticism for their lack of legal basis and perceived attempts at distraction.
The satirical animated series South Park, known for lampooning those in power, responded to Trump’s renaming spree by announcing its own tongue-in-cheek name change for its 29th season: “South America.” The show’s creators, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, issued a statement mocking the trend and the corporate landscape shaped by Trump’s administration, particularly after the Trump administration approved a $111 billion media merger involving a company owned by Trump ally David Ellison.
Trump’s penchant for grandiose and legally dubious rebranding has become a recurring theme, often serving as fodder for satire and criticism alike. While these moves have no legal standing, they continue to generate controversy and highlight the administration’s willingness to pursue symbolic gestures over substantive policy.
In summary, Trump’s repeated attempts to rename states and landmarks after “America” have drawn widespread criticism and satire, underscoring ongoing concerns about his approach to governance and public communication.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/sep/08/south-park-changes-name-to-south-america-trump