Trump administration ends CPB grant funding Sesame Street and PBS kids shows
The Trump administration has terminated a key federal grant program that supported several PBS children's shows, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) confirmed Tuesday. The move follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump that directed federal agencies to end funding for NPR and PBS, citing concerns about political bias.
Known as Ready To Learn, the $23 million grant funded a wide range of educational content, including long-running shows like Sesame Street, Reading Rainbow, and Clifford the Big Red Dog, as well as newer titles such as Molly of Denali, Work It Out Wombats!, and Lyla in the Loop.
A Department of Education spokesperson told The New York Times that the grant had supported 'racial justice educational programming,' which the administration deemed divisive. The department said it would instead prioritize content focused on improving academic outcomes.
On Friday, the Department of Education formally notified CPB that the 2020–2025 Ready To Learn grant was terminated effective immediately. CPB then instructed PBS and 44 public media stations across 28 states and Washington, D.C., to halt all related programming by Sunday.
CPB President and CEO Patricia Harrison responded with concern, highlighting the program's bipartisan support and positive impact on early childhood education. 'Nearly every parent has raised their kids on public broadcasting's children's content,' she said. 'We will work with Congress and the Administration to preserve funding for this essential program.'
PBS and NPR have vowed to challenge the order. PBS CEO Paula Kreger called the move 'blatantly unlawful' and said the organization would explore all legal and legislative avenues to restore funding.
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