Once upon a time, children’s programming meant singalongs, counting to ten, and learning how to be a good friend. But today, even a visit to Sesame Street feels more like a cultural battleground than a lesson in ABCs. The beloved children’s show is under fire this week for what many are calling an overreach into political messaging—and this time, it’s not just parents who are upset. Republican lawmakers are stepping in, and they’re demanding action.
On June 1st, Sesame Street’s official social media account posted an image showing its cast of colorful puppets arranged like a rainbow flag in honor of Pride Month. The caption read: “On our street, everyone is welcome. Together, let’s build a world where every person and family feels loved and respected for who they are. Happy #PrideMonth!”
Cue the national firestorm.
Representative Mary Miller of Illinois didn’t hold back. She called the post “evil” and accused the show of “grooming” children. “DEFUND!!” she posted on X. Senator Mike Lee of Utah joined in, stating, “Federal funds aren’t for grooming. Through Sesame Street characters or otherwise. Defund PBS.” And Representative Andy Biggs of Arizona added, “PBS is grooming children on American taxpayers’ dime. This is unacceptable. Congress must defund them and hold the executives accountable.”
It’s not just harsh rhetoric. This controversy comes on the heels of President Donald Trump’s recent executive order, “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Biased Media.” That order halted federal funding to PBS and NPR, arguing that public dollars should not be used to support politically slanted content. The Sesame Street incident only strengthens the conservative argument that PBS—through its flagship children’s programming—is no longer neutral territory.
For families across the country, the reaction is understandable. Sesame Street was once a staple in American homes, trusted by parents for decades. It taught kindness, numbers, letters, and the importance of friendship. But in recent years, critics say it has traded timeless lessons for progressive messaging that many believe is out of step with mainstream American values.
The question many are asking is simple: who gets to teach children moral and social values? Parents or public institutions? For a growing number of families, it feels like that decision is being made without them—and using their own tax dollars to boot.
This isn’t Sesame Street’s first dive into controversial waters. In 2020, the show featured “Queer Eye” host Jonathan Van Ness, sparking concern from parents who felt it was inappropriate for a preschool audience. With each new step into cultural activism, the program seems to drift further from its original mission of offering universally accessible, nonpolitical educational content.
Now, with PBS and NPR receiving around $500 million annually through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the stakes are higher than ever. These networks are engaged in ongoing legal battles against the Trump administration’s funding cuts. But as the backlash over this Pride post grows, it’s becoming harder for their defenders to argue that they’re staying in their lane.
Even humor isn’t off the table. The Republican Study Committee responded with a meme of Senator Bernie Sanders, reworked to say: “I am once again asking PBS to stop grooming children.” It’s a joke, yes—but it reflects a serious concern that cuts across much of conservative America.
At its heart, this isn’t about tolerance or kindness. Most parents aren’t outraged by the idea of teaching kids to be respectful. But they are tired of feeling like they’re being pushed aside while public television decides what values are “correct.” There’s a difference between inclusion and indoctrination, and many believe Sesame Street has crossed that line.
For now, families are left to decide whether they still recognize the street they grew up on. Sunny days may still sweep the clouds away—but they may not be bringing as many parents along with them anymore.