The Department of Homeland Security has gone silent on South Park after the show’s latest episode brutally mocked Secretary Kristi Noem—despite previously using the show to hype its recruitment efforts.

Wondering why South Park is suddenly in the middle of a political controversy? A recent post from the Department of Homeland Security has sparked debate online, drawing an unexpected response from the show’s official account.

In the episode, South Park Elementary guidance counselor Mr. Mackey gets fired due to the government "cutting back on unnecessary expenses" — a reference to the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) extensive cuts across the government.