Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, finds herself in the spotlight yet again, but this time she can breathe a sigh of relief as she was not the target of the latest episode of *South Park*. Following a hectic week filled with personal and professional challenges, Leavitt’s experiences have kept her in the headlines, but last night’s episode instead focused on other topics, including a critique of Saudi Arabia and a parody of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
Leavitt’s week was marked by significant events, including a podcast interview with New York Post columnist Miranda Devine, where she candidly discussed her demanding job and personal life. She revealed that she struggles with “PTSD” due to her high-pressure schedule. The interview also touched upon the substantial 30-year age gap between her and her husband, Nicholas Riccio. When asked about her relationship choice, Leavitt humorously admitted, “Honestly, no, if you want to know the truth,” regarding the difficulties in finding someone her own age who shares her maturity.
In the midst of these revelations, Leavitt faced backlash on social media after the recent detention of her nephew’s mother, Bruna Ferreira, by ICE officers. Ferreira is currently in a facility in Louisiana, facing deportation to Brazil. This personal turmoil added to the challenges Leavitt has navigated this week.
On Wednesday, the situation escalated further when a shooting occurred near the White House, injuring two members of the West Virginia National Guard. Leavitt promptly issued a statement indicating that the White House was actively monitoring the incident, illustrating the constant balance she maintains between personal matters and her professional responsibilities.
Despite the week’s tribulations, the latest *South Park* episode, titled “Turkey Trot,” opted not to target Leavitt. Instead, the show’s creators directed their satirical lens towards Hegseth and the controversy surrounding the Riyadh Comedy Festival, where prominent comedians, including Pete Davidson and Jimmy Carr, performed under the condition they would not joke about the Saudi royal family. The episode humorously depicted Hegseth trying to engage his troops in creating social media content while urging viewers to “like and subscribe,” a nod to contemporary digital culture.
As the episode unfolded, viewers also noted a minor animation error involving character Eric Cartman’s turkey-shaped hat, which changed color mid-scene. Such details often distract from the broader commentary the show aims to deliver, showcasing its blend of humor and critique.
*South Park* has a long history of satirizing high-profile politicians, and Leavitt was not spared in previous episodes. During a summer episode, she was portrayed interacting with former President Donald Trump at a garden party, dressed in her signature pink suit, earning her the nickname “MAGA Barbie.” Following the airing, her public appearances saw her wearing the notable cross necklace less frequently.
Leavitt’s personal and professional life continues to intersect dramatically, illustrating the pressures faced by public figures. As she moves forward from this tumultuous week, her experiences resonate with many as she navigates the complexities of her role while managing personal challenges.