diff --git a/code/game/gamemodes/clown_ops/clown_ops.dm b/code/game/gamemodes/clown_ops/clown_ops.dm
index 11898701fa..108c67ad27 100644
--- a/code/game/gamemodes/clown_ops/clown_ops.dm
+++ b/code/game/gamemodes/clown_ops/clown_ops.dm
@@ -58,6 +58,7 @@
 	if(visualsOnly)
 		return
 	H.dna.add_mutation(SMILE)
+	H.faction |= "clown"
 
 /datum/outfit/syndicate/clownop/leader
 	name = "Clown Operative Leader - Basic"