Noem’s Reaction to Animated Satire
Kristi Noem Responds to South Park’s ‘ICE Barbie’ Portrayal
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has responded to her portrayal in the latest episode of South Park. The 27th season installment titled Got a Nut mocked her “ICE Barbie” image and depicted her Botox wearing off.
In an interview on the Glenn Beck podcast, Noem said she had not watched the episode. She described the segment as “petty” and “lazy,” criticising what she saw as repeated jabs at women’s appearances. She stated that critics should focus on her work rather than her looks.
Episode Depicts Noem in Controversial Role
The episode follows Mr. Mackey, a school guidance counselor, after he loses his job. His banker suggests joining Immigration and Customs Enforcement due to the high salaries. Mackey is then introduced to a fictionalised Noem, who delivers a speech referencing shooting her puppy a detail drawn from Noem’s 2024 memoir.
South Park depicts Kristi Noem in a controversial ICE orientation scene
The animated character continues by firing at several dogs during an ICE orientation, a sequence designed to amplify the satire. The depiction reignited discussion around Noem’s real-life admission of shooting her dog years earlier.
Trump and Vance Also Featured
Donald Trump and miniature JD Vance appear in the satirical episode
Former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance also appear in the same episode. Vance is presented as a miniature assistant attending to Trump, including a scene at Mar-a-Lago with a fantastical twist involving Satan.
During their on-screen introduction to Mr. Mackey, Vance responds to his portrayal by saying, “Well, I’ve finally made it.” The programme’s creators used the scene to lampoon political figures and exaggerate their fictional relationships.
DHS Recruitment Reference Sparks Online Exchange
Days before the episode aired, the Department of Homeland Security’s X account posted a still image from the series. The frame showed ICE officers arriving in South Park, accompanied by the caption “JOIN.ICE.GOV.”
The show’s official account reposted the image with the caption: “Wait, so we ARE relevant?” This was a direct nod to a previous White House statement that labelled the programme “irrelevant” and criticised its creative direction.
Previous White House Comments on the Show
Following the 27th season premiere, the White House issued a statement claiming South Park had not been relevant for over 20 years. The statement argued the show relied on “uninspired ideas” to gain attention.
The same release defended the president’s record, saying more promises had been fulfilled in six months than by any other president. It dismissed the animated series as a “fourth-rate show” incapable of affecting the administration’s progress.
Co-Creators’ Past Responses
The co-creators of the series, Trey Parker and Matt Stone have already made official dialogic interaction with political figures. During an appearance at Comic-Con, they have made a sarcastic apology of previous portrayals of political leaders.
The newest episode is another one in the history of the show satirising real life figures by exaggerating the story and making it controversial in many aspects.
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Final Thoughts
Kristi Noem and the South Park episode are an indication of the conflict between political leaders and satirical media. Though the makers of the program go on making far-fetched portrayals of real-life characters, it is the reactions of the citizens that make the case of homage and politics current.
