Toby Morton, a former voice-over actor and writer for “South Park,” has transitioned from a career in comedy to becoming a politically active figure in the online domain space. Morton is making headlines for his recent acquisition of web domains associated with prominent Republican politicians and organizations. His latest notable capture includes two domain names anticipating President Trump’s overhaul of the Kennedy Center, which he secured months in advance.
Morton initially gained fame on “South Park,” voicing the character Scott Tenorman alongside Eric Cartman. Following his stint on the show, Morton took part in various scriptwriting and consulting projects, but a shift toward political engagement emerged around 2019. He began purchasing political domain names, starting with those connected to figures like Devin Nunes and Lauren Boebert, aiming to comment on the branding of political figures through humor and satire. His approach hinges on using these names to reveal truths about political narratives and the spectacle of power.
This year, Morton accurately predicted Trump’s intent to change the Kennedy Center’s name after observing the president’s actions to overhaul its board. On December 18, a board appointed by Trump voted to rename the institution the Trump-Kennedy Center, a move that reflects the broader trend of Trump’s efforts to leave a lasting imprint on Washington’s cultural landscape. However, Morton aims to disrupt this narrative in the digital sphere.
On his Substack, Morton clarifies his mission to “buy fascists’ domain names and create anti-fascist websites” and describes himself as the “founder of the First Church of Petty Digital Revenge.” With a career spanning six years in this domain space, Morton has not only entertained but also fostered significant political discourse through his websites. A prime example is the site MomsForLiberties.com, which he credits with helping to raise awareness and prompt community actions during the 2023 school board elections, contributing to the electoral defeat of extremist candidates in various areas.
Morton’s satirical critique targets groups like Moms for Liberty, a self-defined parental rights movement identified by the Southern Poverty Law Center as promoting far-right anti-inclusion viewpoints. His critique serves to highlight the often contentious narratives within contemporary politics.
Looking ahead, Morton plans to develop content on the Trump-Kennedy Center domains as part of a broader project examining political branding. He emphasizes that his efforts are not merely partisan, insisting that they stem from a general skepticism toward all politicians, which he believes makes them all fair game for critique.
In an era where political discourse can often feel divisive and polarized, Morton’s unique approach offers a refreshing perspective that encourages critical engagement with power and its many manifestations. By blending satire with activism, he illustrates the power of humor in addressing serious political issues, ultimately fostering a dialogue that challenges the status quo.