This Is Topeka
In what can only be described as a bold move against puppets, the Trump administration has drafted a formal request to Congress to strip nearly all federal funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting — the financial lifeline behind NPR and PBS. The White House memo, leaked earlier this week, effectively hands Big Bird a pink slip and tells Elmo to go get a real job.
The proposal rescinds $1.1 billion in funding, a move Trump officials say is necessary to stop “radical, woke propaganda disguised as ‘news.’” Which, apparently, includes Arthur, Sesame Street, and Downton Abbey. Somewhere, Cookie Monster is stress-eating again.
“This is about draining the swamp,” one anonymous official said, “and that swamp includes talking felt.”
Public broadcasting leaders, however, are not amused. PBS President Paula Kerger warned that the cuts would devastate small and rural stations — many of which serve communities with no other access to educational programming.
“If the government pulls this funding,” Kerger said, “we lose local storytelling, children’s programming, and rural coverage — not just British accents and pledge drives.”
NPR CEO Katherine Maher added, “This isn’t just about liberal or conservative media. It’s about whether your local station can afford to keep the lights on while covering your town council meeting and broadcasting All Things Considered.”
Critics of the administration’s move say it’s cultural sabotage. Supporters say it’s long overdue and want Oscar the Grouch evicted next.
The funding cut is part of a broader $9.3 billion rescission package targeting everything from diplomacy to educational outreach. Congress now has 45 days to act — or not — before the money evaporates.
In the meantime, viewers may want to hug their local puppet — and maybe donate a little extra during the next pledge drive. If you want Elmo to keep teaching the ABCs, it might be time to pony up.
