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Kristi Noem had plenty to say after “South Park” took aim at her in its latest episode on Aug. 6. The show’s Season 27 return didn’t stop with jabs at Donald Trump and JD Vance. It also poked fun at Noem, who now serves as Homeland Security secretary. A day later, she told Glenn Beck the portrayal was “so lazy” and “petty,” making it clear she didn’t appreciate the animated roasting.
Who is Kristi Noem?
Kristi Noem, 53, started her political career in 2006 when she joined the South Dakota House of Representatives. She spent two terms there before running for the state’s lone U.S. House seat in 2010 and winning.
After four terms in Congress, she became South Dakota’s first female governor in 2019. Earlier this year, on Jan. 25, she took on a new role as Homeland Security secretary under Donald Trump, putting her in the national spotlight all over again.
What Was The Episode With Kristi Noem About?
The episode takes a direct jab at Kristi Noem by tying her to one of her most talked-about controversies. ICE hires Mr. Mackey, who watches a spoof recruitment video of Noem repeatedly shooting dogs, nodding to her 2024 admission about killing a family pet.
From there, she’s shown in over-the-top raids, including one at a “Dora the Explorer” show. The storyline ends with Trump replacing her because her face “freaks me out,” adding another layer to the parody.
What did Kristi Noem Say?
Kristi Noem told Glenn Beck she hadn’t watched the episode because she was busy going over budget numbers. She said the jokes about her looks felt “so lazy” and claimed “only the liberals and the extremists do that.”
Noem added that critics should focus on her work instead of her appearance. She called the humor “petty” and said it never seems to end, making it clear she wasn’t laughing along with the animated show’s take on her.
How South Park Portrayed Kristi Noem
South Park didn’t hold back with its take on Kristi Noem. The show leaned into an exaggerated version of her public image, mixing political satire with over-the-top scenes.
It tied her to outrageous storylines, like shooting dogs in a spoof video and joining bizarre ICE raids. The writers also poked fun at her appearance through a Trump character who says her face “freaks me out.” It was classic South Park, with sharp humor aimed straight at a real-life figure.
Why The Show Targeted Kristi Noem This Season
Kristi Noem has been in the headlines a lot lately, so it made sense that South Park would take a swing at her. She’s been outspoken on national issues and recently took over as Homeland Security secretary.
Her past comments and controversial stories, like the dog shooting admission, gave the show plenty to work with. South Park has always gone after figures who stir conversation, and Noem’s mix of political and polarizing made her an easy pick for the season.
Reactions From Viewers After The Episode Aired
Viewers reacted quickly after the episode aired, so social media lit up with clips and comments. Some people laughed at how far the show went, while others thought it crossed a line. A lot of fans said it felt like classic South Park, mixing politics with shock humor.
There were also plenty who defended Noem, telling the jokes about her looks went too far. The episode sparked debates online that kept rolling for days after it was broadcast.
Watch for the Next Round in This Feud
South Park seems to have landed exactly where it wanted, sparking conversation and pulling in reactions from every side. Noem stood her ground in interviews, and her department even found a way to turn the moment into a recruiting push.
The show fired back with its own quick jab online, keeping the exchange going. It’s the kind of back-and-forth that fuels more episodes, more memes, and more people tuning in to see what happens the next time around.