In a notable Halloween episode of South Park, titled “The Woman in the Hat,” the show took aim at former President Donald Trump and his recent demolition of the East Wing of the White House. The episode, which aired on Friday, portrays Trump’s character as being haunted by an “entity” following the destruction of the East Wing to clear space for a $300 million ballroom, despite his previous assurances that the construction would not disrupt the existing structure.
In a comedic twist, the “entity” haunting Trump is revealed to be First Lady Melania Trump, depicted wearing a giant purple hat reminiscent of an outfit she wore during a state visit to the U.K. The character of Attorney General Pam Bondi also features prominently, attempting to rid the White House of the “entity” through a series of humorous rituals.
The episode reflects contemporary political issues, with Stan, one of the central characters, expressing concern that South Park has become overly political. The storyline reveals that Stan’s father lost his job amid a government shutdown, forcing the family to relocate to a retirement home, highlighting the impact of political decisions on everyday lives.
In keeping with the show’s satirical style, Stan and his friends initiate a cryptocurrency scheme called “South Park Sucks,” which ultimately leads to one of the kids being indicted by Bondi after admitting the venture is a scam. The episode critiques the political climate with a jab at the frequent indictments portrayed as being made against those who criticize the Trump presidency.
This episode marked a departure from South Park’s usual release schedule, as it aired outside of its regular Wednesday evening slot. The previous season saw an abrupt early conclusion, shifting viewer expectations. South Park has long been known for its sharp commentary on political figures, and the current episode continues this tradition, generating responses that reflect the polarized landscape of American politics.
The White House has previously responded to South Park’s portrayals of the Trump administration, with spokesperson Taylor Rogers criticizing the show’s creators for alleged hypocrisy regarding offensive content. As South Park continues to push boundaries with its satire, this Halloween episode serves as both entertainment and a reflection of ongoing societal dialogues.