The latest season premiere of "South Park," titled "Sermon on the 'Mount,'" aired on July 23, 2025, drawing immediate and sharp criticism from the White House for its pointed satirical portrayal of Donald Trump. The episode, which marked the animated series' return after a two-year hiatus, depicted the former president in a highly controversial light, including scenes with Satan and references to ongoing legal matters.
The episode featured a South Park version of Donald Trump, using actual photos of his head on an animated body, engaging in various contentious scenarios. These included him getting into bed with Satan, threatening to sue the fictional town of South Park for billions, and a deepfake public service announcement showing him stripping naked in the desert. The satirical elements also touched upon the Epstein files and Trump's legal actions.
The premiere's release coincided with a significant $1.5 billion streaming deal between "South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and Paramount Global. The episode notably skewered Paramount itself, criticizing the company's reported $16 million settlement with Trump over a "60 Minutes" interview and the subsequent cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." Jesus Christ, a character in the episode, even advised the town to settle their dispute with Trump, referencing what happened to CBS, a Paramount subsidiary.
In response to the episode, the White House issued a statement labeling "South Park" a "fourth-rate show" that "hasn't been relevant for over 20 years." The statement asserted that "no fourth-rate show can derail President Trump’s hot streak," claiming he had delivered on more promises in six months than any other president. Following the uproar, co-creator Trey Parker sarcastically "apologized" for the episode at San Diego Comic-Con.
"South Park" has a long history of provocative political satire, previously featuring a character named Mr. Garrison as a stand-in for Trump during his presidency. The latest episode drew parallels to a 1999 "South Park" film where Saddam Hussein was depicted in a relationship with Satan, with the devil character noting Trump reminded him of his former lover. The show's direct and unflinching approach continues to generate significant public and political discourse.