【2014 Archives】

It's always a sunny day when Sesame Streetis trolling President Donald Trump. And though you might not realize it014 Archives the classic children's show has been poking fun at the business man turned leader of the U.S. for yearssss.

Way before Donald Trump was president, Sesame Street was there, trolling him long before any of us knew what we were in for. The show was ahead of its time, creating parody-inspired characters like Ronald Grump and Donald Grump as early as the 1980s.

While the nonprofit show is careful not to get too political with its programming, over the years Sesame Streethas delivered some epic burns to Donald Trump, and in light of his recent plans to cut PBS funding -- a network that re-airs Sesame Street episodes even though the show moved to HBO -- we thought it would be a perfect time to revisit them.

Though Sesame Streetreceives no direct funding from PBS, the showreleased a statement explaining that "PBS makes Sesame Street available to all Americans, and thereby continues to play a major role in helping less privileged kids gain access to preschool education that has proven and enduring value."

So now, in all their glory, we present to you the best Sesame StreetTrump burns.

Grump Tower, 1988

Back in 1988 the Muppets were already on top of their Trump trolling game, as children tuned in to watch a conniving Ronald Grump build his iconic Grump Tower.

Aside from the extra LOL-worthy wordplay insinuating that the real Trump is grumpy AF, Ronald Grump enlists Oscar the Grouch's help to build the architectural structure entirely out of trashcans. How nice.

Despite Sesame Streetpal Maria's disapproval, Grump makes some sketchy promises to get the tower built. Ultimately, though, the deal falls through because it is ~literally~ trash.

Joe Pesci returns as Ronald Grump, 1994

The 1994 return of Ronald Grump was a bit unexpected, seeing as how he magically transformed from a muppet into a human.

In honor of Sesame Street's25th anniversary, ABC aired a special entitled: Sesame Street's All-Star 25th Birthday: Stars and Street Forever,which included over fifty guest stars.

If you skip to 1:50, you can watch the introduction of human Ronald Grump, portrayed by a legendary, wig-wearing Joe Pesci. Grump explains his new theme park, Grump World, which would essentially destroy the homes of devastated Sesame Street residents. Eeek.

When the residents push back against Grump's proposed plans, he has a straight-up temper tantrum, leaving them in tears. Classy.

"I tried to be nice to you people! You got two weeks. Pack up and leave," he yells.

Later on, the businessman exclaims, "I am deeply and profoundly disgusted. If there’s one thing I despise, it’s cheap sentiment -- hugs, kiddie television, cute, furry animals."

What a joy, right?

Grump is not swayed the least bit by the muppets' pleas for compassion, but after Oscar the Grouch reveals that his home (a.k.a., his trashcan) is government property, Trump decides building would be too much of a hassle and gives up his plans.

Grouch Apprentice, 2005

Donald Grump (not to be confused with Ronald Grump) visited our friends on Sesame Streetin 2005 for a very important parody of Trump's reality television show, The Apprentice.

The updated Grump character comes complete with a loud personality and poofy orange wig to really solidify the likeness. After proclaiming "his name is on every piece of trash in town," the Sesame Street characters sing a catchy tune about the trashy grouch that will live on for eternity.

Before Donald Grump obnoxiously searches for his Sesame Street "apprentice," he fires Omagrossa from his team. Elmo proves victorious in all of Grump’s challenges, but is obviously too helpful and well-mannered to work with Grump, so he winds up yanking Grump's wig off in a very touching ending.

The real Donald Trump has yet to tweet any insults at Sesame Streetby our count,but based on the decades between the above sketches, Donald Grump is due for another appearance any day now.