Elmo's LinkedIn Post States He Was 'Laid Off' After Trump Cut Federal Funding for Public Media

Elmo is apparently out of a job.

A LinkedIn page created for the Sesame Street puppet explained that he was recently “laid off” because of President Donald Trump’s federal budget cuts.

A representative confirmed to Complex that Elmo’s unemployment announcement didn't come from Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind Sesame Street. But the now-viral message has put more of a spotlight on the administration’s efforts to shut down public programming.

“Elmo worked at Sesame Street for 45 years. Elmo is sad. Elmo loved his time at Sesame Street,” the message said in part. “Elmo is going to miss his friends Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Ernie, Bert, Abby, Grover, Count and so many more. They made Elmo’s day so much better.”

The note continued: “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.

“If you hear of any opportunities, or want a hug, let’s connect. And if you want to help Elmo and his friends, please urge your local congress person [sic] to save Public Media. While Elmo is sad, Elmo is excited for what’s next. And one more thing: Elmo loves you.”

The LinkedIn post came just days after Trump signed “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Biased Media,” an executive order that directed the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to cease federal funding to NPR and PBS. The latter outlet has aired Sesame Street since 1970.

The White House announced the signing on social media, claiming NPR and PBS “receive millions from taxpayers to spread radical, woke propaganda disguised as ‘news.’”

Several days after the order was issued, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting revealed the U.S. Department of Education had axed the Ready to Learn federal grant program, which has helped fund children’s programming like Sesame Street, Reading Rainbow, Molly of Denali, and Work It Out Wombats!

“Nearly every parent has raised their kids on public broadcasting’s children’s content,” chief executive officer Patricia Harrison said in a statement. “Ready To Learn has received strong bipartisan support from Congress for the last 30 years because of the programs’ proven educational value in advancing early learning skills for all children. We will work with Congress and the Administration to preserve funding for this essential program.”