The creators of the animated show “South Park,” Matt Stone and Trey Parker, are adamant about continuing to satirize U.S. President Trump in the upcoming season despite facing attempts at censorship from a group they describe as having military backing.
During a recent video for the 19th Television Academy Honors, the Peabody Award-winning showrunners defended their show’s irreverence and their choice to mock Trump’s presidency in recent seasons. They emphasized that “South Park” has historically served as America’s court jester, but with Trump now seemingly assuming that role himself.
Stone and Parker highlighted the show’s long-standing history of facing criticism for its boundary-pushing humor, noting that their job is to be the jesters who make fun of societal norms. They pointed out that in the current political climate, it is crucial to have voices challenging the status quo through satire.
In the latest season of “South Park,” which premiered in 2025 after a two-year break, Trump was depicted in bed with Satan, echoing how the show portrayed Saddam Hussein in the 1999 film “South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut.” The season also featured a campaign ad showing an AI-generated Trump wandering in the desert, with a narrator mocking his physical appearance.
The politically charged season took aim at various figures, including Vice-President JD Vance, former homeland security secretary Kristi Noem, and former U.S. attorney general Pam Bondi. While some individuals like Vance took the satire in stride, others, such as Noem, criticized the show for focusing on her appearance.
Following the season premiere, the White House issued a statement condemning the show’s content. Despite pushback from officials, Stone and Parker remain undeterred, expressing their commitment to fearless creativity and a determination to continue producing content that they find humorous and meaningful.
Parker emphasized their disregard for external pressures, stating that they are willing to stand by their work regardless of criticism or attempts at censorship. He concluded by reaffirming their dedication to producing content that they believe is the best and most entertaining, even if it means facing opposition or backlash.