Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, can afford a moment of relief after she was not the focus of satire in the latest episode of *South Park*. This follows a demanding week that saw her involved in various headlines, including discussions about her personal life and a significant incident near the White House.
On Wednesday, Leavitt issued a statement regarding a shooting that injured two members of the West Virginia National Guard, emphasizing that the White House was closely monitoring the situation. This incident came on the heels of her facing scrutiny online, particularly after her nephew’s mother, Bruna Ferreira, was detained by ICE officers. Ferreira is currently in a facility in Louisiana, facing deportation to Brazil.
In recent interviews, Leavitt has opened up about her life and work, revealing that she experiences “PTSD” from her intense schedule. During a podcast with New York Post columnist Miranda Devine, she discussed her relationship with her husband, Nicholas Riccio, noting the 30-year age gap between them. When quizzed about this unusual aspect of their relationship, she candidly admitted, “Honestly, no, if you want to know the truth,” when asked if she could find partners her own age who were as mature. She also shared that her parents initially struggled with the age difference but grew to appreciate Riccio’s character and affection for her.
While Leavitt’s week was eventful, the *South Park* episode titled “Turkey Trot,” which aired recently, chose to focus on other subjects. The episode critiqued Saudi Arabia and featured Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s obsession with social media. Key points included the controversy surrounding the Riyadh Comedy Festival, where comedians were reportedly paid large sums not to joke about specific topics.
In a humorous twist, Hegseth’s character attempted to rally his soldiers for content creation, urging them to “like and subscribe.” The episode also included a notable animation error involving Eric Cartman’s turkey-shaped hat, which changed colors during a scene. Viewers took to social media to point out this mistake, which became a talking point alongside the episode’s commentary on political figures.
Leavitt has previously been portrayed in a *South Park* episode where she was depicted at a garden party hosted by former President Donald Trump. Wearing a signature pink suit that earned her the nickname “MAGA Barbie,” she was shown interacting with Trump, who initially appeared in high spirits. Following the episode, she opted to wear her distinctive cross necklace less frequently, perhaps in response to its portrayal.
As events surrounding Leavitt continue to unfold, her experiences highlight the intersection of personal and professional challenges faced by public figures. The scrutiny she endures, both in media and popular culture, reflects the demanding nature of her role at the White House.
