Clarifying USAID’s Funding for ‘Sesame Street’ in Iraq

The White House claimed USAID allocated $20 million for a ‘Sesame Street’ show in Iraq. However, this funding pertains to the Ahlan Simsim Iraq educational program, distinctly separate from a television series. Despite confusion, USAID financing is set aside specifically for early childhood development, incorporating character-based localized content.

During a press conference on February 5, 2025, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated $20 million for a ‘Sesame Street’ television program in Iraq. She emphasized this funding in a context criticizing Democrats for their concerns over federal expenditure cuts, which also included various other programs funded by USAID.

Senator Joni Ernst reiterated this claim on February 13 at a Senate hearing, while emphasizing support for tech initiatives under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). However, there is confusion surrounding this funding, as it conflates a television project featuring ‘Sesame Street’ characters with a separate educational initiative named Ahlan Simsim Iraq.

Previously, USAID’s archived webpage indicated that the agency committed $20 million to support Ahlan Simsim Iraq, an early childhood development initiative in Iraq, from 2021 to 2027. This program is designed to enhance early education and includes programming that utilizes characters from ‘Sesame Street’, but is distinctly separate from the show itself.

Despite attempts for clarification, inquiries made by Snopes to USAID, Senator Ernst’s office, and Sesame Workshop on the funding’s details did not yield satisfactory explanations regarding the inconsistencies presented. Sesame Workshop clarified that USAID funds specifically support the Ahlan Simsim Iraq program, which integrates localized content aligned with early childhood education, distinct from an independent ‘Sesame Street’ show.

In summary, while the White House announced USAID funding for a program related to ‘Sesame Street’ in Iraq, the funding specifically refers to the Ahlan Simsim Iraq educational initiative. This program focuses on early childhood development in conflict-affected areas, utilizing localized content featuring characters from ‘Sesame Street’. The distinction between the educational initiative and a standalone television program must be recognized, as they are funded separately even though they share common elements.

Original Source: www.snopes.com