In a recent episode of the Comedy Central animated series South Park, President Donald Trump criticized Army Secretary Pete Hegseth, labeling him as “stupid.” This aired on the same day two National Guard soldiers were tragically shot and killed by an Afghan immigrant in Washington, D.C.
The show’s satirical take on Hegseth begins with a scene where a military leader, clad in a pseudo-military outfit, is thrown out of the South Park police station for demanding the release of officer Peter Thiel.
“I don’t think you get it,” an exasperated Hegseth shouted. “You’re messing with the War Department!”
Additionally, the episode criticizes Hegseth’s social media efforts, depicting him as someone more consumed with creating online content and building his social media presence than fulfilling his responsibilities as a cabinet secretary.
In line with this, Trump reportedly advised Hegseth to “actually go do something” instead of “just keep producing content.” After hanging up, Trump was heard exclaiming, “Oh my god, he’s such an idiot.”
Hegseth’s explosive outburst led to his ejection from the police station. “Now get this son of a bitch out of my town,” a warning was issued before he faced arrest and ended up in a cell adjacent to Peter Thiel.
In another part of the episode, Kenny Loggins’ song Highway to the Danger Zone received new lyrics poking fun at Hegseth, including a line about acting tough for social media, “Like a teenage girl, make a lot of content.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also appears to assist in planning an “invasion” of South Park, only to be shot herself.
Noem faces allegations of using the invasion rally for social media promotion, urging, “Everyone, please like and subscribe!” as she wrapped up her segment.
This drew Hegseth’s ire, replying, “This isn’t your content! Everyone loves and subscribes to the War Department!”
Elsewhere, the episode features a jab at Saudi Arabia as South Park organizes a five-kilometer Turkey Trot under the Saudi royal family’s sponsorship. The town warns participants against criticizing their sponsors.
After a lengthy hiatus, the creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, have crafted the plot of this two-season, nine-episode arc to focus predominantly on Trump and his administration.
