Before Alec Baldwin’s iconic portrayal of Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live, there was Ronald Grump on Sesame Street. The beloved children’s show has been cleverly lampooning the real estate mogul and eventual president since the early 1980s, long before Trump traded Trump Tower for the White House.
Earlier in the month, Trump sparked controversy by proposing the elimination of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a vital source of funding for PBS and National Public Radio. Sesame Street, while now airing on HBO, was a PBS staple for decades, and PBS still frequently broadcasts reruns.
Sesame Workshop issued a statement emphasizing the importance of PBS in providing preschool education to all Americans, particularly underprivileged children. They highlighted that while Sesame Workshop doesn’t currently receive direct funding from CPB or PBS, they strongly support public investment in these crucial institutions.
In light of this renewed attention on public broadcasting and Trump’s policies, let’s revisit the times Sesame Street brilliantly trolled Donald Trump through the character of Donald Grump.
1. Grump Tower (1988): The Original Donald Grump Parody
Ronald Grump, a Grouch developer with ambitions to gentrify Sesame Street, marked the debut of Sesame Street‘s Trump parody. In a classic late 80s episode, Grump approaches Oscar the Grouch with an enticing proposition: Grump Tower. This tower, a clear nod to Trump Tower, was envisioned as a six-trash-can monstrosity, planned right on the very spot of Oscar’s beloved trash can.
“You get one can upstairs and one can downstairs, it’s a duplex can-dominium!” Grump pitches to a skeptical Oscar, sweetening the deal with a spot in Grump Tower and three complimentary trash bags. Oscar, swayed by the irresistible offer, signs a contract, agreeing to the demolition of his current trash can home. This early parody cleverly highlights Trump’s real estate dealings and larger-than-life personality through a Sesame Street lens.
2. Joe Pesci as Ronald Grump (1994): Grump World Takeover
For Sesame Street‘s landmark 25th anniversary special, Hollywood heavyweight Joe Pesci made a memorable cameo as Ronald Grump. This time, Grump was a developer aiming to transform the cozy neighborhood of Sesame Street into the sprawling “Grump World.”
Pesci’s Grump attempts to charm the Sesame Street residents, declaring, “I love you people. You deserve some of the finer things. Trust me, you won’t miss all this.” He paints a picture of luxury, promising, “You all get shiny new apartments! You’ll even get a concierge!”
However, when the residents voice their opposition to his drastic plans, Grump’s demeanor instantly shifts. In true Trump-esque fashion, he resorts to threats: “OK OK, that’s it! I tried to be nice to you people, but you don’t want to listen! You got two weeks — pack up and get out!” Pesci’s performance brilliantly captures the volatile and demanding persona associated with Donald Trump, adding a celebrity punch to Sesame Street‘s political satire.
3. Grouch Apprentice (2005): “You’re Fired!” – Sesame Street Style
In a 2005 episode, Sesame Street took aim at Trump’s reality TV fame with “Grouch Apprentice,” a parody of the hit show The Apprentice. Donald Grump, now portrayed as an exceptionally wealthy Grouch boasting the “most trash in the world,” sports a business suit and a bright orange wig, mimicking Trump’s distinctive hairstyle. He announces his search for a helper, declaring, “I’m Donald Grump, and I have more trash than all of you. I got so much trash, I need someone to help me sort.”
Elmo and other Grouches enthusiastically participate in Grump’s bizarre trash-related challenges, including sorting old sneakers, all while singing praises like “His name is on every piece of trash in town!” Despite Elmo clearly winning the “apprentice” competition, Grump delivers his signature Apprentice catchphrase with a Grouch twist. “I’m a Grouch! I can’t have a good helper! I got my reputation to think of,” Grump exclaims before firing Elmo, “Scram! You’re fired.” This sketch cleverly satirizes Trump’s persona as seen on The Apprentice, highlighting the absurdity through the Grouch lens of Sesame Street.
Through these memorable parodies, Sesame Street has provided a humorous and insightful commentary on Donald Trump’s public image for decades, proving that even a children’s show can offer sharp political satire that resonates with audiences of all ages.
