A viral LinkedIn post claiming that the beloved Muppet Elmo has been laid off due to federal budget cuts linked to President Trump’s attempts to defund public media has been confirmed to be fake. The post, which circulated widely on social media with over two million views, purportedly came from an unverified account and was not an official Sesame Workshop statement.
In the fictional post, “Elmo” expressed sadness over being let go after 45 years with “Sesame Street,” mentioning his love for his friends and his skills, including giving hugs and recognizing the letter E. The post encouraged people to advocate for public media by contacting their local representatives.
Sesame Workshop clarified that the post did not originate from them and reiterated their commitment to public television and its essential role in providing educational programming. This controversy comes on the heels of Trump’s executive order aimed at cutting federal funding for public broadcasting, which he alleges has been biased in its coverage.
PBS president Paula Kerger has condemned the order as unlawful, stating it threatens the ability of PBS to serve the American public. During recent congressional hearings, some lawmakers have engaged in pointed and satirical questioning about characters like Elmo and Cookie Monster, further highlighting the political scrutiny facing public media.
In support of this ongoing issue, Sesame Workshop underscored the partnership with PBS and the importance of public investment in educational programming that benefits children across the country. With many still advocating for the preservation of public media, it shows a hopeful resilience among supporters who recognize the vital role these programs play in education and community engagement.