A former writer for the animated series South Park, Toby Morton, has made headlines by purchasing internet domain names related to the recently announced renaming of the Kennedy Center to the Trump-Kennedy Center. This move comes in response to the president’s plans to overhaul the prestigious arts venue, which has drawn significant attention and criticism.
The White House revealed the name change on December 26, 2025, surprising many, including members of the Kennedy family. Morton had anticipated this decision and secured the domain names ‘trumpkennedycenter.org’ and ‘trumpkennedycenter.com’ in August 2025. He expressed his belief that the president’s actions indicated a forthcoming name change. “As soon as Trump began gutting the Kennedy Center board earlier this year, I thought, ‘Yep, that name’s going on the building,’” Morton told The Washington Post.
Political Satire and Activism
Known for his satirical approach, Morton has a history of acquiring domain names to create comedic websites aimed at political figures. He previously wrote for South Park from 2001 to 2003 and voiced the character Scott Tenorman. Morton views his actions as a form of political activism, stating, “The Kennedy Center has always been a cultural institution meant to outlast any one administration or personality. It’s meant to honor culture, not ego.”
In addition to the Trump-Kennedy domains, Morton owns websites related to other political figures, including Nancy Mace and Marjorie Taylor Greene. His satirical site about Mace’s gubernatorial run in South Carolina captures the essence of political branding, while his mock site for Greene features overtly humorous content. “If that means mocking trans kids, defaming exes, inflating reimbursements, or screaming ‘groomer’ on the House floor for likes, so be it,” he stated.
While neither of the Trump-Kennedy domains has been developed into a website yet, Morton has indicated plans to use them to reflect the current political climate. “It’ll absolutely reflect the absurdity of the moment. Lots of surprises,” he remarked.
Cultural and Legislative Implications
The renaming of the Kennedy Center has sparked debate, particularly among members of the Kennedy family. Kerry Kennedy, the niece of former President John F. Kennedy, has publicly criticized the decision, vowing to take a “pickax” to Trump’s name on the building after he leaves office. The original legislation establishing the Kennedy Center prohibits the renaming of the building or modifying its memorial status without congressional approval. Critics, including former House historian Ray Smock, argue that any changes must adhere to these legal requirements.
Despite the backlash, President Trump expressed surprise and honor at the board’s decision to rename the center after him. The president has been actively involved in reshaping the Kennedy Center, marking a shift from his earlier approach during his first term, when he largely overlooked the institution. His administration has initiated significant changes, including overhauling the board of trustees and hosting the Kennedy Center Honors, a break from the tradition of previous presidents acting as mere spectators.
As the culture war intensifies during Trump’s presidency, the renaming of the Kennedy Center serves as a pivotal moment. Critics have noted a decline in performances at the venue, with notable artists like Issa Rae and Lin-Manuel Miranda canceling their plans in response to the administration’s policies.
In a statement to the Daily Mail, Roma Daravi, Vice President of Public Relations at the Kennedy Center, defended the renaming. She argued that adding Trump’s name is consistent with actions taken by previous administrations, such as renaming military bases. Daravi asserted that the Kennedy Memorial remains unaffected by this addition, reaffirming the center’s bipartisan origins established by President Eisenhower.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Morton’s acquisition of the Trump-Kennedy domains exemplifies the intersection of culture, politics, and satire in contemporary society. With plans for the domains still under wraps, the public eagerly awaits what this former South Park writer has in store.
