South Park continued its war of words with the Trump administration on Tuesday, escalating a feud that has spanned over two decades. The show’s official X account responded with a vulgar message to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security after it used a screenshot from South Park’s depiction of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to encourage recruitment through JOIN.ICE.GOV. The show’s message was a direct critique of the department’s use of the show’s content for recruitment, which has sparked a continued conflict between the show and the administration.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin responded to South Park’s post in a statement shared with Fox News Digital. She acknowledged the attention drawn by the show’s depiction of ICE agents, stating that the department is calling on patriotic Americans to help remove murderers, gang members, pedophiles, and other violent criminals from the country. McLaughlin highlighted the benefits available to new recruits, including an up to $50,000 signing bonus, student loan forgiveness, and retirement benefits. Her statement was a clear effort to justify the department’s use of the show’s content to promote recruitment.
The show’s post appeared to reference a previous comment from White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers, who had criticized South Park’s relevance following a controversial depiction of President Donald Trump in its season premiere on July 23. Rogers had dismissed the show’s impact, stating that it had not been relevant for over 20 years and was struggling for attention. This sentiment reflects a broader critique of the show’s influence, with the administration consistently challenging its cultural impact.
South Park’s season 27 premiere had previously targeted Trump, depicting him in a sexual relationship with the devil and mocking the size of his genitalia. The episode also accused Trump of covering up details of the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case, a topic that has remained a point of controversy. During the premiere, Satan reportedly asked if Trump was on the Epstein list, to which Trump responded, implying that the matter was not as significant. This depiction was part of a larger narrative that has drawn both praise and condemnation from various political and cultural groups.
Additionally, the show’s creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, have navigated their own challenges in the entertainment industry, including a $1.5 billion streaming deal with Paramount. Despite these successes, the merging of Skydance and Paramount has been a point of contention for the creators, who have criticized the deal as a ‘s—show’ and blamed it for the delay of their new season. Their critiques highlight the complexities of navigating the changing landscape of media and entertainment while maintaining their artistic vision.
The ongoing conflict between South Park and the Trump administration is emblematic of a larger cultural divide, where the show’s content continues to provoke strong reactions. The administration’s use of the show’s imagery for recruitment purposes has further fueled the feud, showcasing the enduring influence of media on public discourse and political agendas.