You know things are really bad when even Elmo was laid off. Well, to be fair, it is a joke but it still is pretty telling that we all understand Elmo’s fake pain.
The meme started with X user Amanda Litman posted a supposed LinkedIn update from our favorite 3 and a half year old on Sesame Street. It reads “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.”
The joke post was a reference to the Trump administration cutting the budget of things like PBS. Recently, the Department of Education cut the grant for PBS’ children’s shows, which includes Sesame Street. Max had previously had a deal with the show but opted to not renew it this year.
Elmo’s LinkedIn post goes on to say that Elmo is looking for work. “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.”
Since, the post has been taken down and a spokesperson for Sesame Workshop confirmed to Variety that it was not from any official source. But it does show that people are afraid that Sesame Street is going to suffer because of the Trump administration. The show has been a staple in children’s programming since 1969. Generations of children watched the characters of Sesame Street and learn from them.
Since 1980, we’ve seen our favorite 3 and a half year old dealing with his hatred of Rocco, learning how to be the best Elmo, and more. The fear that other generations will not get to have that same experience has now manifested in us thinking that Elmo was laid off.
Luckily, Elmo still has a job. For now.
(featured image: Max)
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