Have you ever wondered what politicians think is the best use of your hard-earned money? While many Americans struggle with inflation and rising costs, some in Washington have very creative ideas about spending priorities. Imagine working overtime to pay your bills, only to discover your tax dollars are funding children’s TV shows in other countries.

Sometimes the gap between what regular Americans think is reasonable and what politicians defend can be wider than the Grand Canyon. It’s like being told the secret to home security is having a good bird feeder in your backyard – it just doesn’t add up, no matter how you look at it.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas has once again left Americans scratching their heads. During a House Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday, she passionately defended using American taxpayer money to fund “Sesame Street” programs in Iraq. Yes, you read that correctly – Sesame Street in Iraq.

From ‘Daily Caller’:

“[When] we start to talk about whether or not ‘Sesame Street’ or anything else that’s on NPR or PBS ends up in other places, this is so there is not this warped thought process about the western world or the United States. We’re talking about making sure that we don’t end up allowing people to be radicalized against us because they have a terrible vision of us because they maybe in a government that actually puts out bad, terrible propaganda about us,” Crockett said.

According to Crockett, these puppet shows are apparently keeping America safe by preventing “radicalization” against the United States. Big Bird and Elmo: the unsung heroes of national security!

The congresswoman’s comments came after the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) dismantled the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in February 2025. Why? Because of wasteful spending – including funding “Sesame Workshop” and “Ahlan Simsim” (Arabic for “Welcome Sesame”) in Middle Eastern countries.

A Pattern of Puzzling Statements

This isn’t the first time Rep. Crockett has made eyebrow-raising claims. Just last week, she claimed without evidence that cutting USAID funding could lead to another 9/11-style attack. Earlier this month, she floated a bizarre theory about the Trump assassination attempt, suggesting without evidence that it might have been staged.

What Crockett failed to explain is how puppet shows will counter serious propaganda. Meanwhile, USAID has spent billions on questionable programs, including $68 billion in foreign aid in 2023 (mostly to Ukraine), 65.5 million condoms sent abroad, and $2 million to Guatemala for organizations performing sex change operations.

Common Sense vs. Congressional Logic

Most Americans understand that foreign aid should have clear benefits and accountability. When politicians defend sending millions overseas for puppet shows while many communities at home need help, it shows how disconnected Washington has become from everyday concerns.

The question isn’t whether Sesame Street has value – it’s whether American taxpayers should fund international versions while facing economic challenges at home. And more importantly, whether elected officials understand basic priorities.

Rep. Crockett’s confusing defense of these programs highlights a growing problem in Congress. When representatives can’t make logical arguments for how they spend public money, voters might wonder if they’re getting proper representation.

Next time you look at your paycheck and see what went to taxes, remember some of it might be funding Cookie Monster’s international adventures. With representatives like Crockett, it’s no wonder Americans question whether Washington has the right people making decisions about our nation’s future.

Key Takeaways

• Rep. Jasmine Crockett claimed puppet shows in Iraq prevent terrorism against America
• The Department of Government Efficiency dismantled USAID in February 2025 due to wasteful spending
• USAID spent $68 billion in foreign aid in 2023 while Americans faced economic challenges at home
• Crockett’s defense of foreign Sesame Street funding showcases a pattern of questionable judgment

Sources: Daily Caller