A satirical move by a South Park writer exposes the absurdity of Trump’s influence over cultural landmarks, stirring conservative discussions on preserving traditional values.
Story Highlights
- Toby Morton, a South Park writer, purchased domains anticipating Trump’s influence on the Kennedy Center.
- The Kennedy Center has been renamed to include Donald Trump, raising concerns over cultural alterations.
- Morton’s actions underline a broader critique of political branding and influence over public spaces.
Trump’s Influence on Cultural Landmarks
In August 2025, Toby Morton, a writer known for his work on South Park, bought the domains trumpkennedycenter.org and trumpkennedycenter.com. This preemptive strike was in response to President Trump’s influence over the Kennedy Center’s board, leading to its renaming as “The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.” Morton’s satirical domain purchase highlights the growing concerns over political branding in public institutions, a move seen as undermining cultural neutrality.
Morton’s history of similar domain stunts against political figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. frames this act as more than a mere prank. It’s a strategic move to critique what he perceives as political vanity and narcissism. Morton’s actions have sparked a conversation among conservatives about the need to protect cultural and public spaces from becoming pawns in political branding games.
Conservative Concerns Over Institutional Changes
The renaming of the Kennedy Center, a prestigious cultural hub established in 1971, reflects a broader trend of Trump’s administration reshaping federal institutions to reflect personal branding. This has raised concerns among conservatives who value traditional cultural expressions and fear the erosion of public institution neutrality. The change was facilitated by Trump’s appointees on the board, sparking debates about the overreach of political influence.
Morton’s satirical approach adds a layer of humor to the serious issue of institutional integrity. By owning these domains, Morton aims to redirect attention to the absurdity of the situation, while also pointing out the potential long-term effects of such branding exercises on public perception and cultural heritage.
The Impact of Digital Activism
Morton’s actions have highlighted the role of digital activism in modern political commentary. By using domains as a platform for satire, he has opened a new front in the cultural resistance against political influence. This tactic could inspire similar movements, embedding a critical lens within the digital landscape. Morton’s initiative has drawn support from creatives and writers who share his vision for preserving the integrity of cultural institutions.
The Kennedy Center performers and audiences now face a venue with a politicized identity, potentially affecting its reputation and funding. For Trump supporters, Morton’s actions could be seen as petty trolling, but for many conservatives, it’s a necessary step to maintain the sanctity of public institutions against undue political influence.
Sources:
A South Park Writer Owns the Trump-Kennedy Center Websites
