Full Breakdown
South Park Rebrands as “South America” in a Direct Dig at President Trump
9/9/2026, 8:52:51 PM
Core Event
On September 8, creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone announced that the long-running animated series will be marketed as “South America.” The change was presented as a parody of President Donald Trump’s recent executive order to rename Lake Ontario “Lake America.” The announcement coincided with the show’s Emmy win for Outstanding Animated Program and was accompanied by new artwork that slashes “Park” from the logo. A Reuters/Ipsos poll reported that Americans overwhelmingly oppose the stunt. Google Maps and Apple Maps have already reflected the new name for U.S. users.
Background
Trump, now 80, has repeatedly issued naming orders: in January 2025 he renamed the Gulf of Mexico “Gulf of America,” and later changed Lake Ontario to “Lake America.” He has also floated renaming New Mexico “New America.” South Park’s satire of Trump intensified in Seasons 27 and 28, using the president’s actual photo on an animated body and depicting him as a “thin-skinned bully.”
Official Statements & Responses
Parker and Stone’s press release framed the rebrand as a “big change” following their Emmy win. The show celebrated its Emmy on September 7, posting an image of Trump holding the award.
Verbatim Quote
“That is Lake Erie. We think it is still called Lake Erie on the right,” — Al Michaels
What’s Next
Season 29 is slated to premiere on September 16 and will air biweekly, with episodes available on Paramount+ the following day. The name-change stunt signals that future episodes will likely continue the show’s focus on Trump-related satire.
