With a Republican administration that’s not shy about invoking laws from the 1800s, it’s no surprise Republicans aren’t above rehashing the moral panics of the 90s. Recalling the truly ancient Bert and Ernie discourse, Congressional Republicans are now claiming that Sesame Street is “grooming kids” for a Pride post.
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The post in question, shared June 1st on the official Sesame Street account, was an illustration of multicolored puppet arms embracing, creating a rainbow. Far from sexualizing or grooming, the caption accompanying the post simply declared that the world should be a safe place for everyone.
“On our street, everyone is welcome,” the post said. “Together, let’s build a world where every person and family feels loved and respected for who they are. Happy Pride month.”
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Republicans have now seized on the post to claim that Sesame Street is grooming minors. The Republican Study Committee (RSC), which is made up of anonymous GOP representatives in the House, responded with a (now deleted) Bernie Sanders meme, captioned, “I am once again asking PBS to stop grooming children.”
Multiple other Congressional Republicans have used the post as a rallying cry to defund PBS.
Rep Mary Miller of Illinois, a self-identified member of the RSC, responded to the post writing, “PBS is shamelessly grooming our children while collecting taxpayer dollars. This is evil and should infuriate every parent in America. DEFUND!!”
“Federal funds aren’t for grooming. Through Sesame Street characters or otherwise,” wrote Sen Mike Lee of Utah, resharing an older clip of Jonathan Van Ness’s guest appearance on Sesame Street. “Defund PBS.”
“PBS is grooming children on American taxpayers’ dime,” Rep Andy Biggs of Arizona wrote under the same clip. “This is unacceptable. Congress must defund them and hold the executives accountable.”
Both PBS and NPR are currently embroiled in a legal battle with the Tr*mp Administration over funding. Last month, Tr*mp signed an executive order directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to cut federal funding to both public broadcasters, accusing them of being biased against conservatives.
PBS has sued Tr*mp for First Amendment violations. The CPB has declined to enforce the order, arguing that it is a private nonprofit agency created by Congress and not subject to the federal government. Now, Congressional Republicans are evidently looking for any excuse to justify defunding the broadcasters through legislation.
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