The White House harshly criticized the animated series South Park after its latest episode portrayed President Donald Trump in a grotesque manner, questioning his masculinity and depicting him in bed with the devil, alluding to the character of Saddam Hussein who appeared in the show for many years.
In statements to the magazine Rolling Stone, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers described the episode as “low quality” and accused the left of hypocrisy: “For years they have criticized South Park for its offensive content, but now they celebrate it. The show is outdated, lacking fresh ideas, and cannot tarnish President Trump’s historic streak.”
The episode (the first of season 27) coincided with the announcement of a multimillion-dollar agreement between Paramount and the creators of the series, through which the company acquired global broadcasting rights for $1.5 billion in a five-year contract. This timing further fueled the frustration within the presidential circle.
In addition to the satirical content, the episode concluded with an AI-generated advertisement that showed Trump completely naked, wandering in the desert with a tiny phallus, a clear mockery of the supposed public service announcement deal made between Trump and Paramount.
Before the official statement, Rolling Stone confirmed that several of Trump’s advisors had seen the episode. “Of course,” said a senior official when asked, while another, a fan of the series, described it as “disappointing.”
Criticism from the administration also takes place in the context of a recent agreement between Trump and Paramount, which resolved a lawsuit related to the program 60 Minutes from CBS News.
The White House claims that the program intentionally edited an interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris to favor her. As part of the arrangement, Paramount allegedly made a payment to Trump's presidential library fund.
This new episode of the confrontation between the Trump administration and pop culture is part of a long series of clashes between the president and late-night television, celebrities, and media conglomerates, which some observers interpret as a component of his strategy for authoritarian consolidation and control of public discourse.
The controversy also reignites criticism towards Paramount, especially for its apparent connection to Trump's circle at a time when it seeks regulatory approval for its merger with Skydance.
The company had already generated controversy following the resignation of the executive producer of 60 Minutes and the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
The co-creator of South Park, Trey Parker responded ironically and succinctly to the strong criticism from the White House: "We're very sorry," he declared with a comedic and expressionless demeanor during a Comedy Central animation panel at Comic-Con International in San Diego, where he shared the stage with his partner Matt Stone, Beavis and Butt-Head creator Mike Judge, and actor Andy Samberg.
According to a report by AP, Parker emphasized the creative flexibility and production pace of the series. “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 White House's Criticism of South Park for Mocking Trump
Why did the White House criticize South Park?
The White House criticized South Park for an episode that grotesquely portrayed President Donald Trump, questioning his masculinity and showing him in satirical situations, such as in bed with the devil. The administration deemed the episode "low quality" and accused the left of hypocrisy for celebrating it.
What is the connection between this episode of South Park and Paramount?
The episode coincided with the announcement of a multimillion-dollar deal between Paramount and the creators of South Park, through which the company acquired global broadcast rights for $1.5 billion. This timing sparked frustration within the presidential circle, as the deal was seen as support for the mockery of Trump.
What was the response of the creators of South Park to the criticism from the White House?
The co-creator of South Park, Trey Parker, responded ironically to the criticisms from the White House, saying "We're very sorry" during an animation panel. Parker emphasized the creative flexibility and production pace of the series, suggesting that the criticisms will not impact their satirical approach.
What other controversies have surrounded Trump and popular culture?
The Trump administration has had several confrontations with pop culture, including criticism from celebrities and the media. Trump has been the target of mockery and criticism for his public image and political decisions, ranging from controversial portrayals to social media posts that stir controversy. These conflicts are part of a strategy of authoritarian consolidation and control of public discourse.
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