One of the Trump Administration's most recent rounds of budget-slashing was aimed squarely at NPR and PBS, the latter of which gave us one of American culture's most iconic institutions: Sesame Street.
The show's future now of course hangs in the balance, and one of its most beloved characters, Elmo, is calling it a layoff.
In a LinkedIn post supposedly posted by the character, Elmo lamented losing his job in his signature third-person style, and people online aren't sure whether to laugh or cry.
In the post, Elmo wrote:
“Hi LinkedIn, Unfortunately Elmo was recently laid off because of the federal budget cuts."
"Elmo worked at Sesame Street for 45 years. Elmo is sad. Elmo loved his time at Sesame Street.”
Elmo then thanked his costars like Big Bird and Grover for being such good coworkers before slipping in a bit of self-promotion.
"Elmo is looking for his next opportunity. Elmo is good at so many things. Like hugs. Elmo LOVES giving hugs."
"Elmo can also recognize the letter E, spell his name, feel empathy, sing ‘Elmo’s Song’ and ask how you are doing. Elmo is open to full-time or freelance roles.”
He then urged those who care about PBS and shows like Sesame Street to "urge your local congress person to save Public Media.”
The Trump Administration axed funding for PBS and NPR in an executive order because of their supposedly "biased" news coverage, which of course is just Trumpspeak for telling the truth.
Like most of Trump's executive orders, there is substantial question as to whether this one is even legal. In any case, the decision will ultimately be up to Congress, which controls federal funding, not the President.
Regardless, Elmo's post definitely touched a nerve with people online.
It sounds like the fight over PBS is far from over, judging from network president and CEO Paula Kerger's statement on the matter.
She wrote:
"The President’s blatantly unlawful Executive Order, issued in the middle of the night, threatens our ability to serve the American public with educational programming, as we have for the past 50-plus years."
"We are currently exploring all options to allow PBS to continue to serve our member stations and all Americans.”
That sure does sound like a lawsuit is forthcoming. Perhaps Elmo can get a wrongful termination claim out of the deal.
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