The $20 million funding claim for a “Sesame Street” program in Iraq by USAID is based on the Ahlan Simsim Iraq initiative, which aims to support early childhood education. This funding supports educational resources, not a separate TV show.
During a news conference on February 5, 2025, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt asserted that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated $20 million for a “Sesame Street” television program in Iraq. This statement was made in the context of the Trump administration’s plans to cut funding for various federal expenditures.
Leavitt highlighted perceived budgetary waste, listing various funding cuts, including the $20 million designated for the new “Sesame Street” initiative in Iraq. Her remarks were echoed by Senator Joni Ernst during a Senate Committee hearing, further propagating the claim related to this educational program.
However, the assertion conflates a children’s program featuring “Sesame Street” characters with USAID’s Ahlan Simsim Iraq initiative. An archived USAID website page clarifies that funding was intended for Ahlan Simsim Iraq, an educational project launched in 2021, which aims to promote early childhood development in conflict areas.
The Ahlan Simsim Iraq initiative focuses on creating localized educational content and materials to cater to children in Iraq. This includes teacher training resources and various educational materials such as storybooks and classroom guides designed for early childhood education centers. It is important to distinguish that the funding for Ahlan Simsim does not directly support a new standalone “Sesame Street” show.
In conclusion, the $20 million funding referenced by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt pertains specifically to the Ahlan Simsim Iraq program, which promotes early childhood education. This initiative is distinct from the broader “Sesame Street” television series, although it incorporates localized media content. Understanding the differences between these funding types is essential, especially in discussions about government budgeting and international educational programs.
Original Source: www.snopes.com
