The White House has launched a sharp critique of the animated series South Park following its latest episode, which portrayed President Donald Trump in a grotesque manner, questioning his masculinity and depicting him in bed with the devil, echoing the show's long-standing character of Saddam Hussein. In a statement to Rolling Stone, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers denounced the episode as "poor quality" and accused the left of hypocrisy: "For years, they've criticized South Park for being offensive, but now they're celebrating it. The show is outdated, lacking fresh ideas, and it can't tarnish President Trump's historic streak."
The episode, which is the premiere of season 27, coincided with a massive multi-billion dollar deal between Paramount and the show's creators, through which the company acquired global streaming rights for $1.5 billion over five years. This timing further fueled irritation within the presidential circle.
Beyond its satirical content, the episode ended with an AI-generated ad depicting Trump completely nude, wandering through a desert, with a small phallus—a clear mockery of a supposed public service announcement deal between Trump and Paramount.
Prior to the official statement, Rolling Stone confirmed that several of Trump's advisors had viewed the episode. "Of course," replied a senior official when asked, while another advisor, a fan of the series, described it as "disappointing."
The Broader Context of Criticism
The critique from the administration also comes amid a recent agreement between Trump and Paramount, settling a lawsuit related to CBS News' program 60 Minutes. The White House claims the show intentionally edited an interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris to her advantage. As part of the settlement, Paramount reportedly made a payment to Trump's presidential library fund.
This latest clash between the Trump administration and pop culture is part of a long-standing series of confrontations with late-night television, celebrities, and media conglomerates, which some observers see as part of his authoritarian strategy to control public discourse.
The controversy also reignites criticism towards Paramount, particularly for its apparent closeness to Trump at a time when it seeks regulatory approval for a merger with Skydance. The company already generated controversy following the resignation of the executive producer of 60 Minutes and the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
South Park's Response
South Park co-creator Trey Parker responded with ironic brevity to the White House's harsh criticism: "We're so sorry," he stated with a comedic deadpan expression during a Comedy Central animation panel at the San Diego Comic-Con International, where he shared the stage with his partner Matt Stone, Beavis and Butt-Head creator Mike Judge, and actor Andy Samberg.
According to the Associated Press, Parker highlighted the show’s creative flexibility and production pace. "I don't know what next week's episode will be," he said. "Just three days ago, we were thinking, ‘I don't know if people are going to like this.’"
Frequently Asked Questions about the South Park Controversy
What was the White House's main criticism of South Park?
The White House criticized the episode for its poor quality and accused the left of hypocrisy, stating that the show is outdated and lacks fresh ideas.
How did South Park creators respond to the criticism?
Trey Parker, co-creator of South Park, responded with a sarcastic apology, maintaining a comedic and expressionless demeanor during a panel discussion.
What is the significance of the Paramount deal with South Park creators?
Paramount's multi-billion dollar deal with South Park creators grants the company global streaming rights for five years, underscoring the show's continued commercial success despite controversies.