In a tongue‑in‑cheek move that underscores the cultural pushback against President Trump’s recent renaming campaign, the creators of South Park revealed that the show will be rebranded as “South America” for its upcoming season. Trey Parker and Matt Stone made the announcement on Tuesday, citing the “bravery and patriotism” of major tech firms that have already updated map labels to reflect the administration’s changes.
Trump’s Renaming Initiative
Since taking office in January 2025, President Trump has used executive orders to rename several high‑profile geographic landmarks. In January 2025, he signed an order changing the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” a change that was entered into the Geographic Names Information System and quickly reflected on U.S. versions of Google Maps and Apple Maps. More recently, the president posted a series of images suggesting that New Mexico be renamed “New America,” and he signed an order to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America.” While the president can direct federal agencies to alter the names of bodies of water and other federal landmarks, he lacks authority to rename a state.
South Park’s Satirical Response
Known for its sharp political satire, South Park has long mocked President Trump and his administration. The show’s latest gag targets the renaming spree itself, with Parker and Stone saying, “Inspired by the bravery and patriotism of Apple and Google, we are changing the name of South Park to SOUTH AMERICA.” They also thanked Paramount, the show’s parent company, in a tongue‑in‑cheek nod to the ongoing media consolidation involving Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery.
Local Reactions and Broader Context
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham quickly denounced the president’s New America posts, calling them a distraction from the war in Iran and rising consumer prices. The governor’s response highlights the tension between federal executive actions and state leadership, a recurring theme in the Trump administration’s approach to governance.
Map providers have been swift to implement the president’s changes. Google confirmed that U.S. users of Google Maps now see “Lake America,” while Canadian users continue to see “Lake Ontario.” Apple followed suit, updating its maps for U.S. users to match Google’s labeling. These updates illustrate how private companies respond to official government directives, reinforcing the administration’s influence over everyday digital tools.
Upcoming Season Details
The new season of the rebranded “South America” premieres on September 16 on Comedy Central, with next‑day streaming on Paramount+ in the United States, Canada, and Australia. The show’s official X account celebrated its recent Emmy win for Outstanding Animated Program by posting an image of President Trump with his pants around his ankles, holding an Emmy trophy.
While the renaming effort has sparked debate among policymakers, tech companies, and cultural commentators, the satire from South Park adds a humorous counterpoint that resonates with audiences who view the president’s actions as overreach. The episode’s launch will likely reignite discussions about the appropriate role of the executive branch in naming public landmarks and the broader implications for American identity.
What This Means for Viewers
For fans of the long‑running series, the name change is a playful nod to current events rather than a permanent rebranding. It underscores the show’s tradition of using humor to critique political developments, especially those that touch on national pride and the symbolism of American geography.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
