Key facts
- Elmo voiced support for Team USA in the FIFA World Cup.
- House Republicans called Elmo a 'certified PATRIOT' on X.
- Many users highlighted Republican votes to cut funding for PBS, the network that airs Sesame Street.
- Donald Trump previously issued an executive order to block federal funding for PBS and NPR.
A video of Sesame Street's Elmo declaring his support for Team USA during the FIFA World Cup has ignited a debate, with critics accusing Republicans of hypocrisy. Elmo, known for his wholesome messages, stated, 'Just to be clear, Elmo wants Team USA to win. OK? But Elmo loves everybody.' This statement was met with a response from the official House Republicans X account, which branded Elmo a 'certified PATRIOT'.
However, many social media users quickly pointed out that a majority of Republican lawmakers voted in July 2025 for a bill to cut funding for the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), the network that hosts Sesame Street. President Donald Trump had issued an executive order to block federal funding for PBS and NPR, alleging biased news coverage, with only two Republicans voting against the proposal. The situation has led to widespread calls of 'hypocrisy' against the Republican party.