In a time when innocence reigned, the beloved puppets of Sesame Street played a significant role in congressional discussions surrounding public broadcasting. These iconic characters served a vital yet somewhat nostalgic purpose, acting as a charming reminder of the importance of public programming. Whenever politicians raised the question of whether PBS or NPR should continue to receive government funding, advocates for public broadcasting would bring out these furry and feathered friends to counter the criticisms and remind everyone of their popularity, especially among children. Sadly, during a recent congressional hearing, Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Big Bird were conspicuously absent.
The hearing took place in a crowded basement-level room at the Capitol Visitor Center, where the atmosphere was far from the sweet, accepting nature typically associated with Sesame Street. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican from Georgia, had invited prominent figures from PBS and NPR—Paula Kerger and Katherine Maher, respectively—to testify before the House Oversight Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE). Greene, as chair of the subcommittee, appeared eager to question the witnesses, setting the tone for the session with the provocative title: “Anti-American Airwaves: Holding the Heads of NPR and PBS Accountable.”
Greene commenced the hearing at 10 a.m., stating, “Today, we are looking at the more than half a billion dollars federal taxpayers spend annually to fund public radio and television.” Her opening remarks included a vow to interrogate the witnesses regarding their oversight of what she termed “radical left-wing echo chambers.” She went on to accuse the CEOs of promoting a “communist agenda” and being complicit in “sexualizing and grooming children.” This hostile environment was not unexpected, as Greene has established herself as a relentless advocate for the MAGA movement, often expressing outrage over various political issues.
The hearing quickly descended into a familiar rhythm, with Republicans and Democrats alternating five-minute speeches that were nominally framed as questions for the witnesses. Representative Stephen F. Lynch from Massachusetts, the ranking Democrat, criticized the subcommittee’s focus, arguing that it should not target beloved characters like Elmo and Cookie Monster. Instead, he suggested that the subcommittee ought to investigate more pressing matters, such as the recent revelations regarding high-level officials in the Trump administration texting sensitive national-security information to a prominent editor. “If shame was still a thing, this hearing would be shameful,” Lynch expressed.
Even as the Sesame Street characters were absent, Democrats drew on the show's themes to critique Trump's presidency. Representative Greg Casar from Texas humorously noted, “To borrow a phrase from Sesame Street, the letter of the day is ‘C’—for corruption,” and implored, “Leave Elmo alone!” Similarly, Robert Garcia from California posed pointed questions to PBS head Paula Kerger, jokingly inquiring if Elmo’s complexion indicated any political affiliations. “Is Elmo now or has he ever been a member of the Communist Party of the United States?” he asked, alongside inquiries about Bert and Ernie’s supposed agendas.
The hearing continued for a few hours, primarily marked by predictable posturing rather than meaningful debate. While it’s theoretically possible to have a legitimate discussion about whether public funds should support radio and television outlets, the session fell short of that standard. Greene’s accusations against PBS, labeling it as “one of the founders of the trans child abuse industry,” exemplified the extreme rhetoric that overshadowed any constructive dialogue.
As the hearing wrapped up around lunchtime, it became clear that the session was more about political theater than genuine governance. The absence of Sesame Street characters symbolized a lost opportunity for a more innocent conversation about the value of public broadcasting. In an era where political discourse often leans towards hostility rather than collaboration, the return of beloved figures like Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Big Bird might serve as a nostalgic reminder of a simpler time in American politics.
This article was brought to you by the letter “D”—for depressing.
