Comedian Behind Trump Kennedy Center Sites Runs Long-Standing Political Parodies
With the recent announcement of Donald Trump’s name being associated with the Kennedy Center, a comedy writer has seized the moment by acquiring relevant domain names. Toby Morton, known for his work on South Park and MADtv, purchased trumpkennedycenter.org and trumpkennedycenter.com in August. His actions are part of a long-standing tactic of using online parody to critique political developments.
The Implications of Trump’s Name at the Kennedy Center
The renaming of the Kennedy Center has sparked controversy. Critics argue it conflicts with a federal law established in 1964, which designated the venue as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. A lawsuit has been filed by Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) to challenge this change.
Toby Morton’s Strategy
Morton anticipates significant public interest in his newly acquired domains. He stated that he acted after observing changes in the Kennedy Center board initiated by Trump earlier this year. “I thought, Yep, that name’s going on the building,” he remarked, seizing the online spaces before the official rebranding occurred.
Political Satire and Domain Acquisition
Morton is not new to political satire. Over the years, he has acquired more than 100 domain names related to various political figures and campaigns. His approach includes building official-looking websites that often highlight the absurdity of modern politics.
- Number of domains purchased: Over 100
- Websites built in four years: More than 50
- Notable targets: Moms for Liberty and Republican politicians
Satirical Projects and Public Response
One of Morton’s notable projects includes a fake “MAGA dating website,” where he expected light-hearted interactions but received alarming responses that underscored political extremism. This experience reinforced his understanding of how quickly political messages can mobilize online.
The Legal Battle Over the Kennedy Center’s Name
The legal struggle surrounding the Kennedy Center’s renaming has further complicated public sentiment. The artistic community has reacted, with some performances being canceled and organizations severing ties with the institution.
What’s Next for Toby Morton?
Currently, Morton has not launched any content on his newly acquired websites. He intends to reflect the “absurdity of the moment” when he does. His unique strategy continues to draw attention and support as he navigates the challenges of satirizing an ever-evolving political landscape.
Morton’s ability to leverage domain names allows him to hold a playful but impactful position in the discourse surrounding political events. As the Kennedy Center’s fate hangs in the balance, Morton maintains control over the online narrative associated with Trump. His work showcases an innovative intersection of comedy and political commentary.
