The iconic animated series South Park is back with its 27th season, and it wastes no time diving into sharp political satire targeting some of America’s most talked-about figures. In the latest episode titled “Got a Nut,” the show turns its spotlight on former President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, known widely for her tough stance on immigration enforcement.
A standout moment is the portrayal of Noem, nicknamed “ICE Barbie” by critics, who is depicted in a darkly humorous light. The episode references her real-life admission of having shot her dog, using this detail to create a disturbing yet satirical image that pushes boundaries. Noem appears in an ICE training video, instructing new recruits, including Mr. Mackey, who, after losing his job as a school counsellor due to budget cuts, joins ICE to make ends meet.
The show’s humour turns macabre as Noem boasts about “doing what’s hard,” even if it means shooting puppies, all while emphasizing the goal of ensuring only legal residents remain in the country.
The Motif
South Park doesn’t just stop at Noem. It mocks immigration raids with an outrageous scene where ICE agents raid heaven, arresting none other than Dora the Explorer under a racialized quip: “If it’s Brown, it goes down.” The episode also features Trump in a bizarre ménage à trois with Satan, with Vance playing an obsequious aide in a parody reminiscent of Fantasy Island.
These sharp jokes come amid real-world tensions, with the Department of Homeland Security ironically using South Park imagery in an ICE recruitment campaign. The show quickly responded on social media, cheekily questioning if that made them relevant again. Meanwhile, the White House dismissed the series as outdated and desperate for attention.
South Park’s fearless approach continues to cut through the noise in U.S. political satire. Its creative creators, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, masterfully blend absurdity with biting commentary, ensuring the show remains a cultural lightning rod that sparks conversation every season.
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