On Friday, reports began flooding in that the Department of Homeland Security was considering taking part in a reality television show that would have immigrants compete in a series of challenges to attain US citizenship.

It was also being reported that Secretary Kristi Noem had “backed” the reality television

Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the agency, had said that the department was “reviewing” the idea, which was pitched by producer Rob Worsoff.

“The pitch generally was a celebration of being an American and what a privilege it is to be able to be a citizen of the United States of America,” Ms. McLaughlin said. “It’s important to revive civic duty.”

However, the DHS has since slammed the claims, writing in a press release that it was nothing more than “Fake News Friday” and “an affront to journalism.”

Worsoff, a Canadian-American producer, explained that his pitch would see immigrants in the show compete in challenges in various states, including trivia and civic challenges.

The show would end with someone being sworn in as a US citizen, Worsoff said.

“We need a national conversation of what it means to be American,” he said. “We need to be reminded of how proud and how much of an honour it is to be American.”

In a statement, McLaughlin said: “Secretary Noem has not ‘backed’ nor is even aware of the pitch of any scripted or reality show.”

“DHS receives hundreds of television show pitches a year, ranging from documentaries surrounding ICE and CBP border operations to white collar investigations by HSI. Each proposal undergoes a thorough vetting process prior to denial or approval. This pitch has not received approval or rejection by staff.”