A mural inspired by South Park’s satirical portrayal of President Donald Trump has surfaced on a sidewalk in Los Angeles, just days after the animated series aired a provocative new episode that triggered a sharp response from the White House.
The artwork, depicting Trump in bed with Satan—mirroring a scene from the show’s Season 27 premiere—was spotted on Sunday and quickly drew attention. The mural appears to be the work of street artist Rod Benson, who shared it on Instagram Saturday, where it amassed over 10,000 likes within hours.
The Context
South Park returned to television this month after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus. The premiere episode, titled “Sermon on the ‘Mount,’” portrayed President Trump in a series of outlandish and politically charged scenarios, including a confrontation with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and a reference to the so-called “Epstein list”—a rumored list of clients tied to Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes, which the FBI and Department of Justice have publicly stated does not exist.
The episode aired the day after the FCC approved the Paramount Global-Skydance Media merger, and just weeks after Paramount settled a $16 million lawsuit brought by President Trump over a CBS interview with Vice President Kamala Harris.
White House Reacts
Although President Trump has not personally addressed the episode or the mural, the White House swiftly issued a statement condemning the show.
Spokesperson Taylor Rogers told Rolling Stone on July 24:
“The Left’s hypocrisy truly has no end—for years they’ve attacked South Park for being offensive, but now they celebrate it. The show hasn’t been culturally relevant for over two decades and is clearly desperate for attention. Meanwhile, President Trump continues delivering on his promises at a pace no other president in history has matched. No fourth-rate cartoon is going to derail that momentum.”
Satirical Response and Legal Perspective
At Comic-Con International in San Diego, South Park co-creator Trey Parker responded in characteristically deadpan fashion when asked about the administration’s reaction: “We’re terribly sorry,” he said with a grin, noting the show’s choice not to blur controversial visuals was deliberate and in keeping with its long-standing satirical tone.
Legal experts say the episode and mural fall squarely within the bounds of protected free speech.
Veteran media attorney David S. Korzenik told Newsweek, “There’s no credible legal risk here. Any lawsuit over this episode would be absurd.”
First Amendment lawyer Marjorie Heins added, “It’s clearly satire—not a factual assertion—and thus fully protected under current free speech laws.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the backlash, South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone are expected to continue releasing episodes under their extended deal with Paramount. The show’s return has once again sparked debate over the limits of political satire—and its power to provoke even the highest office in the land.
