RESEARCH FILE:

Media Matters for America 1

A cartoon Booker T. Washington distorting the history of
the Civil War. A narrator explaining that embracing climate
denialism is akin to participating in the Warsaw Uprising. An
instructional video telling girls that conforming to gender
stereotypes is a great way to embrace their femininity. A
dramatization of the supposedly civilizing, benevolent era of
British colonial rule in India.
These are just some of the episodes of PragerU Kids — an offshoot of right-wing
propaganda organization PragerU — that Florida and Oklahoma have just approved
for use in its public school classrooms.

Media Matters reviewed every PragerU Kids video released on YouTube up to

August 14, 2023, and included the most egregious right-wing content below,
organized according to the series in which it appears.

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The “Around The World” series
“Poland: Ania’s Energy Crisis”
In “Poland: Ania’s Energy Crisis,” a young girl learning about climate change decides to stand up for fossil fuel
energy. Though ostracized by her peers, she is supported by her family members, who compare her bravery to that
of the Polish Jews in the Warsaw Uprising. In the video:

The narrator denies fossil fuels are to blame for climate change, stating, “The planet has been
warming and cooling since prehistoric times, long before carbon emissions were a factor.” Fossil fuels
are the largest contributor to climate change. [YouTube, 7/19/23]

In order to further push pro-fossil fuel propaganda, the narrator claims, “Renewable energy sources
don’t contribute that much energy. Unlike coal or fossil fuels, energy from wind or sun is unreliable,
expensive, and difficult to store.” The narrator pushes the idea that without fossil fuel energy, Polish
people will not be able to heat their homes in the harsh winter. It is possible to rely on renewable energy
for electricity. [YouTube, 7/19/23]

Instead of affirming the dangers of climate change and energy poverty, the video pits one against
another, stating, “Energy poverty, not climate change, is the real threat.” [YouTube, 7/19/23]

The main character, Ania, supports Poland using fossil fuels and loses her friends. The narrator
disparages Ania’s friend, who says Poland’s green energy plan is “saving the Earth.” [YouTube, 7/19/23]

Ania’s family supports her for “telling the truth” about fossil fuels and encourages her by “sharing their
own stories of perseverance,” which include stories of her father hiding from “communist authorities”
and her grandfather’s role in the Warsaw Uprising, “when the city’s Jews fought back against the
Nazis.” Ania has a realization that “fighting oppression is risky and that it always takes courage.”
[YouTube, 7/19/23]

The video ends in a celebration of the success of fossil fuels, with Ania fundraising and buying brown
coal to help Polish people heat their homes. [YouTube, 7/19/23]

“India: Priya Overcomes Adversity”

In “India: Priya Overcomes Adversity,” PragerU Kids attempts to explain India’s caste system through the story of a
young girl who wants to be a fashion designer. The video calls the caste system a “harmful tradition” that the British
were unfortunately unable to eliminate during their time ruling the country. The video praises the British Empire for
bringing Western values and Christianity to India.

The narrator of this video claims the British colonization of India benefited the country: “This Western
influence helped transform the country in many positive ways.” [YouTube, 6/21/23]

The video praises the British empire for bringing “advancements in transportation, agriculture,
and government” and “the influence of Christianity and Western values.” The video also belittles
the experience of Indian people, claiming that India was “given” its independence, and Indian people
who “were inspired to overcome their obstacles” did so “thanks to these [British] changes.” [YouTube,
6/21/23]

“Canada: Marcel Makes a Sacrifice”

In “Canada: Marcel Makes a Sacrifice,” Canada’s universal health care system is criticized as slow and substandard.
Marcel is forced to sacrifice taking a college preparation class so his father can get life-saving surgery through the

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United States’ superior health care system.

The introduction to this video includes unsubstantiated claims about Canada’s universal health care
system. The narrator states that “like many countries, Canada has a universal, government-run health
care system,” which “means that Canadians have fewer options for treatment and wait longer for
medical care than people in other advanced countries.” Though Canada does struggle with long wait
times for specialist visits, most countries with universal health care programs have similar or shorter
wait times than the U.S. health care system. [YouTube, 5/17/23]

While positively describing privatized health care in the U.S., the video depicts a man receiving one-
on-one care from his doctor, a stark contrast to the line of angry patients waiting for care in its
depiction of Canadian health care. [YouTube, 5/17/23]

“Los Angeles: Mateo Backs the Blue”

In “Los Angeles: Mateo Backs the Blue,” a young boy whose family fled to Los Angeles to escape drug cartels in
Mexico sees crime on the rise due to Black Lives Matter protests, which he compares to crime spurred by cartels
in Mexico, and learns how to support the police. The video description claims that the video’s purpose is to “teach
middle and high school kids how the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and anti-police sentiment affected crime,
families, and small businesses in American cities.”

The narrator describes George Floyd as “a Black man who resisted arrest” and claims that accusations
of racial targeting leveled by protestors against police were “false.” [YouTube, 4/26/23]

The video criticizes people who demand police reform by claiming the character, Mateo, saw
protestors “smash their windows, steal all their merchandise, and even set the buildings on fire.”
The narrator muses, apparently on behalf of Mateo, “How would fewer cops be able to stop this type of
behavior?” [YouTube, 4/26/23]

Mateo visits “the only cop that Mateo knows personally,” his school resource officer, whom he sees “as
a guide, a mentor, and a protector.” The video goes on to contrast this view with “how he has seen police
characterized in the news, as mean-spirited bullies.” [YouTube, 4/26/23]

The video promotes the right-wing idea of a national crime crisis, claiming Mateo has seen an increase
in shoplifting at his family store. The narrator says that Mateo saw “crime erupting everywhere” and
sought advice on what to do from the police. [YouTube, 4/26/23]

The video addresses Floyd’s death by stating that Mateo “felt sorry for Mr. Floyd’s family” but that
he “couldn’t understand why rioters seemed to think that destroying other people’s property helped
the family feel better.” The video then compares the Black Lives Matter riots to the actions of criminal
cartels in Mexico. [YouTube, 4/26/23]

The video ends with the message that, as a kid, “the easiest thing he could do would be to say ‘thank
you’ to the police officers that work in his neighborhood.” [YouTube, 4/26/23]

“Israel: Shira Prays for Peace”

In “Israel: Shira Prays for Peace,” a young Israeli girl can’t wait to join the Israeli Defense Forces and protect her
country.

The introduction to this video avoids any discussion of Palestinian people or territory and instead
focuses on the relationship between the U.S. and Israel, stating, “For decades the United States has
been one of their strongest allies.” [YouTube, 12/21/22]

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 The video baselessly claims, “Uniquely, Israel is the only country in the Middle East that does not
oppress its minority populations.” [YouTube, 12/21/22]

The narrator claims Israel has fought for peace with both “surrounding countries and the local
Palestinians,” but blames the continuing conflict on the Palestinians not agreeing to a deal: “Sadly,
despite many attempts, Israel has not been able to achieve a much-desired permanent peace
agreement with the local Palestinians, and conflicts still continue today.” [YouTube, 12/21/22]

The video repeatedly praises the Israel Defense Forces. The narrator states, “The Israeli military serves
an important social role in uniting the country,” and claims that, while it’s not required, “many Arab
Israeli men and women also join the military because they love their country.” [YouTube, 12/21/22]

The video also praises the United States for its weapon development, which the narrator claims has
greatly helped Israel defend itself from attacks. [YouTube, 12/21/22]

“North Korea: Learning the Truth”

In “North Korea: Learning the Truth,” PragerU makes anti-communist claims and praises the United States’ role in
the Korean War.

The narrator claims about communism: “Under communism people aren’t free to make decisions
for themselves. The government has full control.” The video echoes 1950s Cold War anti-communist
propaganda. Meanwhile, right-wing media are currently using the term “communist” to attack the left.
[YouTube, 10/19/22]

“Central Africa: Niyah Needs Energy”

In “Central Africa: Niyah Needs Energy,” PragerU Kids explains the electricity crisis in Africa and discourages the
use of green energy sources.

While explaining possible solutions to Africa’s energy crisis, the narrator discourages using green
energy sources because wind and solar allegedly require too many materials, “their batteries
break down and become hazardous waste,” wind and solar farms disturb natural habitats, and their
components are not recyclable. The video calls use of wind and solar energy “risky” because the
source of their energy is not constant. It is possible to install renewable energy resources without
disturbing environmental habitats. As renewable energy sources reach their end-of-life, there are many
opportunities to recycle the components. [YouTube, 9/21/22]

“Hong Kong: Keo Fights for Freedom”

In “Hong Kong: Keo Fights for Freedom,” a young boy from Hong Kong joins protests against the Chinese Communist
Party for censoring the media and taking over the education curriculum.

In the video, the narrator implies that Hong Kong was much better off when it was ruled by the British.
[YouTube, 8/17/22]

The video claims protests in Hong Kong arose after the CCP took over the education curriculum.
In reality, the protests arose after a vote on a controversial Chinese extradition law was suspended.
[YouTube, 8/17/22]

“Venezuela: Vivi’s Life under Socialism”

In “Venezuela: Vivi’s Life under Socialism,” the narrator describes socialism as a failing, unworkable system of
government. The video praises privately owned oil companies for their ingenuity.

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 The narrator blames socialism and the people who voted for it for Venezuela’s economic downfall,
stating, “Venezuela was once one of the wealthiest countries on the continent — until the people
were persuaded to vote for socialism.” The video also claims, “Eventually all socialist countries face
serious scarcity of basic needs. … Every country that has tried socialism ends up with these problems.”
[YouTube, 7/20/22]

The video describes Venezuela’s oil boom as going “well” when “privately owned international
companies were invited to drill for oil.” The narrator claims it was better for the country when oil profits
were “evenly split between the government and private companies like Shell and Chevron.” Later the
video describes how Venezuela was forced to invite private oil companies back and how it “helped the
economy and created more jobs.” [YouTube, 7/20/22]

The “Leo & Layla” series

“Leo & Layla’s History Adventures with Officer Tatum”
In “Leo & Layla’s History Adventures with Officer Tatum,” Leo and Layla meet a police officer who explains that the
police are a force for good, keeping people and communities safe.

When describing the role of police officers, Officer Tatum slowly explains that their job is to “protect
and serve.” Leo says, “It’s like all of us hired you to protect us, right?” and Tatum responds, “You got it.”
[YouTube, 5/6/22]

Tatum addresses the possibility of bad cops by stating, “Of course, just like any team, we’ve got good
members and bad members. That’s why I work as an instructor for my department.” [YouTube, 5/6/22]

“Leo & Layla Meet Booker T. Washington”

In “Leo & Layla Meet Booker T. Washington,” the sibling duo meet with the famous Black educator, who reassures
them they should not feel bad about American slavery.

When Layla asks Washington if he wishes he could have lived in a country that had outlawed slavery,
he responds that slavery has “been a reality everywhere in the world,” and misleadingly claims,
“America was one of the first places on Earth to outlaw slavery.” Washington reassures the kids that he
is proud to be American. [YouTube, 2/24/23]

While discussing mistreatment due to race, Washington tells Leo and Layla that “future generations
are never responsible for the sins of the past,” and Layla cheerfully responds, “OK. I’ll keep doing my
best to treat everyone well and won’t feel guilty about historical stuff.” [YouTube, 2/24/23]

“Leo & Layla Meet Christopher Columbus”

In “Leo & Layla Meet Christopher Columbus,” Columbus justifies violently enslaving the indigenous people of the
Americas by claiming that some of them were “vicious, warring cannibals.”

The opening of this “Leo & Layla” video includes Leo describing the pros and cons of Columbus’
actions according to arguments made online. He claims the side against Columbus says, “He was a
really mean guy who spread slavery, disease, and violence to people who would’ve been better off
if he’d never gone to the new world,” and the side that supports Columbus says that “he was a really
courageous guy who loved exploring, inspired generations, and spread Christianity and Western

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 civilization to people who really benefited from new ways of thinking and doing things.” [YouTube,
10/7/22]

In an attempt to justify his violence against indigenous people, PragerU’s cartoon Columbus claims
that the land “wasn’t exactly a paradise of civilization, and the native people were far from peaceful.”
He claims that some indigenous tribes were “vicious, warring cannibals” who participated in human
sacrifice in an attempt to justify murdering their population. [YouTube, 10/7/22]

When confronted by the siblings about bringing slavery to the new land, Columbus claimed slavery had
already existed in the Americas and “being taken as a slave is better than being killed, no?” Columbus
scolds them for judging him according to the standards of the 21st century, stating, “For those in the
future to look back and do this is, well, estupido.” [YouTube, 10/7/22]

“Leo & Layla’s History Adventures With Adam Smith”

In “Leo & Layla’s History Adventures with Adam Smith,” Leo and Layla learn about the benefits of capitalism. “When
done right, everybody wins with capitalism,” Smith tells Layla.

Toward the beginning of the episode, Leo tells Layla that Adam Smith “invented the economic system
we use in America. It’s called capitalism.” The siblings then travel back in time to meet Smith, who
teaches Layla how to use the principles of capitalism to transform her $10 into $100 so that she can
afford to go on a beach trip with friends. [YouTube, 7/26/21]

Smith tells the kids that in the past, “people believed that there was a set amount of wealth” in the
world, which “led to violence and made some people really rich, and most people really really poor.”
Smith asserts that “the wealth of the world is limitless” in a capitalist society and that people acting in
“their own self-interest will lead to more happiness and more peace.” [YouTube, 7/26/21]

Layla decides to open a lemonade stand but doesn’t want to pay Leo, so he walks off the job. Smith
advises her to pay him, but not too much. “Pay your employees too much, and your business will fail
from lack of profit. Pay them too little and you’ll also fail because your employees will leave,” Smith
advises, adding, “It’s the invisible hand that will lead you to the right decision.” He concludes, “When
done right, everybody wins with capitalism.” [YouTube, 7/26/21]

“Leo & Layla’s History Adventures With Paul Revere”

“Leo & Layla’s History Adventures with Paul Revere” claims to teach kids about the importance of shared historical
heroes and symbols through Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s 1860 poem Paul Revere’s Ride, which immortalized the
previously obscure Revere. The episode, however, omits important context about Longfellow, his abolitionist aims
in writing the poem on the eve of the Civil War, and the poem’s historical inaccuracy.

PragerU’s animated Longfellow claims the Civil War began because “Americans didn’t get along with
each other because they had different beliefs.” In the episode, Longfellow tells the kids he wrote
Paul Revere’s Ride to bring Americans together. But the episode fails to note that Longfellow was a
committed abolitionist, which profoundly influenced him in writing the poem. “Countries need to have
things that its people can share and be proud of like symbols, heroes, and holidays,” Longfellow adds.
[YouTube, 7/26/21]

“Leo & Layla’s History Adventures With Ronald Reagan”

In “Leo & Layla’s History Adventures with Ronald Reagan,” Leo and Layla learn about the fall of the Berlin Wall from
Ronald Reagan — “one of our most popular presidents.” Reagan claims he ended the Cold War by cutting taxes and
describes the conflict as one resolved “without using any weapons.” The episode features heavy-handed anti-
communist rhetoric. The episode also credits first lady Nancy Reagan with reducing nationwide drug use through
her “Just Say No” campaign, which endorsed the creation of draconian drug laws that led to mass incarceration.

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 In 1980s West Berlin, Reagan tells Leo that “communism makes everyone hungry.” Upon arriving
at the Berlin Wall, Reagan explains to Leo that he is there to “stop the communists and win the Cold
War.” Leo says, “All this talk about communists is making me hungry,” and Reagan responds by saying,
“Communism makes everyone hungry,” adding, “People living under communism are often poor and
don’t have enough money for food. That’s why we have to stop it.” [YouTube, 7/26/21]

Reagan tells Leo that the Cold War earned its name “because we were able to end the war without
using any weapons.” [YouTube, 7/26/21]

Reagan tells Leo about how the United States used “Reaganomics” to win the Cold War. “We cut taxes,
so the government took less of people’s hard-earned money away from them,” Reagan explains.
“You’re amazing, Mr. Reagan. You saved everybody’s lives and made them better at the same time,”
Leo says. Historians have attributed the end of the Cold War and the disintegration of the Soviet Union
to many social, political, and economic factors, most of which had nothing to do with the Reagan
administration’s economic policies. [YouTube, 7/26/21]

Layla meets Nancy Reagan and learns about the first lady’s program “to keep kids off drugs.” In reality,
Nancy Reagan’s “Just Say No” campaign was part of the Reagan administration’s broader zero-tolerance
approach to drug enforcement, a policy that has resulted in millions of Americans being arrested for
drug possession over the years. [YouTube, 7/26/21]

“Leo & Layla’s History Adventures with Frederick Douglass”

In “Leo & Layla’s History Adventures with Frederick Douglass,” an animated version of abolitionist Frederick
Douglass tells the siblings that America’s Founding Fathers “knew that slavery was evil and wrong” but allowed
it anyway “to achieve something great.” The episode also likens modern racial justice activists to “radical”
abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison, who “refuses all compromise.” “If he doesn’t get what he wants, he sets things
on fire,” Douglass says.

The episode begins with the kids watching the news about “violence and destruction” by activists
who want “to abolish the police” and have the “U.S. system torn down.” Leo complains to his sister
that a math teacher gave him an assignment “about being activists for justice.” Right-wing figures have
ramped up attacks on educators for teaching about race, gender, and sexuality, claiming that so-called
activist teachers are “indoctrinating” students. [YouTube, 9/10/21]

Douglass tells Leo and Layla that even though the “Founding Fathers knew slavery was wrong,”
allowing slavery was a “compromise” made to unite the country. “Our Founding Fathers knew that
slavery was evil and wrong, and they knew it would do terrible harm to the nation. They wanted it to end.
But their first priority was getting all 13 colonies to unite as one country,” Douglass says. “The Founding
Fathers made a compromise to achieve something great.” [YouTube, 9/10/21]

At one point, Douglass misleadingly claims that “America started the conversation to end” slavery. In
reality, many French and British colonies, led by Haiti, abolished slavery long before America. [YouTube,
9/10/21]

Douglass characterizes the methods of fellow abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison as “radical” — a label
Garrison actually earned by fighting for the immediate emancipation of all slaves. “William refuses all
compromises,” Douglass says. “If he doesn’t get what he wants, he likes to set things on fire.” The kids
respond by saying, “Sounds familiar,” referring to contemporary racial justice protests. Douglass then
endorses working inside the “wonderful” system that America has set up: “Our system is wonderful
and the Constitution is a glorious liberty document. We just need to convince enough Americans to be
true to it.” Layla then asks Douglass about Garrison’s radical views. “People like Garrison don’t just want
slavery abolished, but the whole American system?” Douglass responds, “You are correct. His approach
is called radical. That means a complete fundamental change of everything.” In response, Leo opines,

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 “That seems silly, there are so many amazing things about America!” [YouTube, 9/10/21]

”Leo & Layla’s History Adventures with Pericles”

In “Leo & Layla’s History Adventures with Pericles,” the siblings time travel to ancient Greece to learn about “civic
responsibility” and the importance of being an educated voter from Pericles, the “first citizen” of Athens.

When Layla asks Pericles why women did not vote in ancient Athens, Pericles argues that “women
have a lot of influence over Athenean politics and society as a whole” even though “they cannot
vote.” He tells the children that the evidence of women’s influence can be found in Greek comedies and
tragedies. [YouTube, 9/21/21]

Pericles tells the children that democracy cannot work without an educated society: “It’s why good
schooling and truthful information is so important,” Pericles says. The call for “truthful” education
seems to be a nod to Leo and Layla’s parents, who are attending a school board meeting and getting
more involved with local politics. Many right-wing pundits are using fights over education — especially
over critical race theory and policies related to the COVID-19 pandemic — to mobilize conservative
voters. [YouTube, 9/21/21]

“Leo & Layla’s History Adventures with Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn”

In “Leo & Layla’s History Adventures with Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn,” Leo and Layla worry that a social media boycott
against their father for exercising “his right to freedom of speech” at a local school board meeting will endanger
the family ski trip.

At the beginning of the video, Leo and Layla complain that people are “saying really mean, crazy
things” about their father and “trying to get the business boycotted” after he spoke up at a school
board meeting to say “he thought parents should know what teachers teach us.” “People who don’t like
what dad said at the school board meeting are trying to close his business down,” Layla says. “There’s
even a petition to get all his ads taken down from Facebook and Google.” “Without any customers,
dad won’t make any money. And without any money, we won’t be able to go on the ski trip,” Leo says.
[YouTube, 11/23/21]

The episode draws similarities between social media backlash and spending time in a Russian gulag.
At one point, Leo tells Solzhenitsyn that “nobody’s getting thrown in a gulag” in modern times, “but
people are getting punished just for their opinions and what they say.” Layla tells the author about
how their father getting “attacked for speaking up,” to which Solzhenitsyn replies, “Sounds familiar.”
[YouTube, 11/23/21]

Layla tells Solzhenitsyn that her father’s microphone was turned off at a school board meeting after
he “got really mad and said schools aren’t respecting parents rights.” Solzhenitsyn says her father is
“very brave” and a “warrior for freedom.” [YouTube, 11/23/21]

Stalin’s ghost appears in the episode and tells the children he threw Solzhenitsyn in the gulag for
“telling the truth.” “I couldn’t defend my bad leadership and bad ideas, so I had to shut you up,” Stalin
tells Solzhenitsyn. “It’s what us communists do: control the language, control the people,” a not-so-
subtle nod to the year-long right-wing smear campaign against supposedly “woke” public school
curricula. [YouTube, 11/23/21]

Layla sums up the episode’s lesson by saying, “People who don’t like freedom of speech are afraid
because they don’t want to defend their opinions.” [YouTube, 11/23/21]

“Leo & Layla’s History Adventures with Nuclear Niyah”

In “Leo & Layla’s History Adventures with Nuclear Niyah,” Leo and Layla’s environmental scientist uncle teaches the

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kids, and their new friend Niyah, who hails from a remote African village with no electricity, that renewable energy
sources like solar and wind are unreliable and even harmful to the environment. The episode also endorses nuclear
energy as both “cheap” and “environmentally friendly.”

Leo explains to Layla that their environmental scientist uncle, Will, told the family that solar panels
“do more harm than good.” [YouTube, 12/18/2021]

Uncle Will tells Niyah and the siblings that “reliable energy comes from coal, natural gas, and nuclear
power plants” while energy generated from solar panels and wind turbines is unreliable “because they
can only make energy when nature cooperates.” [YouTube, 12/18/2021]

Uncle Will also tells Leo, Layla, and Niyah that “solar panels, windmills, and the batteries needed for
these types of energy have to be mined from the earth, cannot be recycled, and become hazardous
waste.” Uncle Will also claims that green energy advocates “give misleading information” and “leave
out very important facts” about how renewable energy technologies aren’t reliable enough to “power
the modern world.” The idea that renewable energy sources are inherently less reliable is a common
myth spread by climate change denialists. In fact, countries that rely more heavily on renewable energy
have fewer power grid interruptions than their fossil fuel and nuclear energy-dependent counterparts.
[YouTube, 12/18/2021]

The episode includes a clip of an animated bird flying into a windmill and dying. “Windmills kill so
many birds, it’s hard to track how many, but that’s just the start of how negative wind and solar are for
our natural environment,” Uncle Will claims. The National Audubon Society “strongly supports” wind
power, as properly sited windmills can mitigate environmental damage to habitats from climate change.
[YouTube, 12/18/2021]

Uncle Will ultimately endorses nuclear power as a source of energy because it is “cheap” and
“environmentally friendly.” “Is there any negative to nuclear energy?” Leo asks. “There really isn’t. It’s
reliable all the time, it’s cheap, and it’s safe,” Uncle Will responds. Nuclear energy comes at the risk
of large scale nuclear accidents and results in waste that the U.S. currently has no way to dispose of.
[YouTube, 12/18/2021]

“Leo & Layla’s History Adventures with Marie Curie”

In “Leo & Layla’s History Adventures with Marie Curie,” scientist Marie Curie teaches the siblings that “women don’t
have to choose between family and career.”

Leo asks Curie if she “could have won more science awards” without a family, to which PragerU’s Marie
Curie responds, “Without my family, I would not have won any awards.” She continues, “Being a wife
and mother has given me the focus and drive that I have needed to have a successful career.” [YouTube,
1/28/2022]

“Leo & Layla’s History Adventures with Galileo”

In “Leo & Layla’s History Adventures with Galileo,” Leo and Layla meet Galileo and learn about his scientific
discoveries and the backlash against them. By the end of the episode, the siblings are skeptical of the
government’s pleas to “trust the science,” an apparent nod to conservative skepticism about narratives
surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the efficacy of vaccines.

Layla concludes, “Science isn’t just about following rules and orders. It’s about observing, having
questions, and testing.” The video ends with the children exchanging a skeptical glance when they
turn on the television and a newscaster says, “Government officials are telling Americans who have
questions not to worry. Everyone just needs to follow the steps they’ve been given and trust the
science.” [YouTube, 2/9/22]

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“Leo & Layla’s History Adventures with Desi Arnaz & Lucille Ball”
In “Leo & Layla’s History Adventures with Desi Arnaz & Lucille Ball,” the siblings ask immigrant Desi Arnaz why
America has so many immigrants, and Lucille Ball attempts to explain away discrimination.

Layla says, “The news is always complaining about how bad America is, but so many people seem to
want to move here.” [YouTube, 6/3/22]

When Layla asks about discrimination against new immigrants, Ball dismisses her concern: “Listen,
you can be discriminated against for anything. Skin color, hair color, accent, height, weight, age,
brains, religion, too good-looking, not good-looking enough, anything.” Ball then claims that she and
Arnaz “turned the discrimination into one of our biggest strengths” by making I Love Lucy successful
with a mixed-race marriage. [YouTube, 6/3/22]

“Leo & Layla’s History Adventures with George Washington”

In “Leo & Layla’s History Adventures with George Washington,” the country’s first president explains leadership
skills and bravery. The video ends with a right-leaning lesson on modern society.

When Leo and Layla meet George Washington, he tells them, “It is normal and natural to have
differences of opinions, but Americans need to place their differences aside when it comes to what is
best for the country.” He also says, “I am warning against having political parties fight so bitterly,” and
“I’m recommending that, even though we rightfully separate church and government, having a religious
and moral population is important for a healthy republic.” Layla decares, “Americans in our time have
forgotten your advice.” [YouTube, 7/20/22]

“Leo & Layla Meet Ulysses S. Grant”

In “Leo & Layla Meet Ulysses S. Grant,” Leo and Layla meet the former president, who explains how to be a gracious
winner while calling Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee a “good man.”

When explaining a time he had to meet a losing opponent face to face, Grant calls Confederate Gen.
Robert E. Lee “a good man” and claims, “We were just caught on the opposite side of things.” Lee, a
leader of the Confederate army, promoted white supremacist ideals and defended slavery. [YouTube,
9/2/22]

“Leo & Layla Meet Abraham Lincoln”

In “Leo & Layla Meet Abraham Lincoln,” Leo and Layla meet Abraham Lincoln, who tells them about his life and the
Civil War.

While considering how he will address the nation near the end of the war, Lincoln says he is “very
disappointed in the Confederacy” but that “yelling and scolding the South for the harm they caused”
is “not going to get me or the nation anywhere.” Layla adds that it would “probably end up pushing them
further away.” [YouTube, 2/10/23]

“Leo & Layla Meet Leo Baekeland”

In “Leo & Layla Meet Leo Baekeland,” Leo’s teacher is on a campaign to rid the school of plastic, so he and Layla
meet the inventor of synthetic plastic.

Despite stressing that synthetic plastics were created because natural materials were becoming
scarce, Leo Baekeland questions why people are concerned about using fossil fuels to create modern

Media Matters for America 11

 synthetic plastic: “You mean to tell me people are upset about using dead plants and animals? Fossil
fuels are cheap and plentiful.” As renewable energy has gained in popularity, fossil fuel producers have
worked to combat limits on the use of plastics, which require the use of fossil fuels to produce. It is
estimated that by 2030, petrochemicals used to produce plastics could account for more than a third of
the growth in the demand for oil. [YouTube, 1/27/23]

Later, Layla says: “I never thought about how plastic makes modern life easier. I’ve only ever heard
about the negatives of plastic.” [YouTube, 1/27/23]

In the end, Leo plans to convince his teacher against trying to ban plastic and says he doesn’t think
she “realizes how difficult school would be without plastic.” Leo adds that he will tell his teacher “about
the benefits of plastic when used responsibly.” [YouTube, 1/27/23]

The “How To” series

“How To Be a Victor & Not a Victim”
In “How to Be a Victor & Not a Victim,” a group of young adults teach the audience that blaming others and feeling
bad for yourself are negative traits and that you must overcome your personal obstacles.

One of the video hosts claims, “The truth is, people all around the world who have encountered great
setbacks have gone on to overcome them — whether it’s poverty, disease, discrimination, or all of it
combined. Don’t believe me? Just ask Helen Keller.” The video then cuts to a black and white skit of
Helen Keller sitting silently, unable to respond to a reporter’s question. [YouTube, 6/12/23]

Later, the host claims that victims “don’t believe that growth is possible. Or even worse, don’t believe
it’s needed,” and that they are often too “busy blaming everything and everyone else for their problems.”
[YouTube, 6/12/23]

“How To Embrace Your Femininity”

In “How To Embrace Your Femininity,” the hosts affirm gender stereotypes and assert the value in women taking on
traditional gender roles.

The video introduction includes a nod to The Daily Wire’s anti-transgender documentary What is a
Woman, saying, “In today’s age, it’s a big question what a woman should look like — or what a woman
even is, for that matter.” [YouTube, 3/8/23]

The host claims, “Most gender stereotypes exist because they reflect the way that men and women
are naturally different.” [YouTube, 3/8/23]

The host later tells the audience to “embrace the idea of being a wife or a mother, and allow yourself to
stay at home to raise your children.” [YouTube, 3/8/23]

“How To Be Reasonably Green”

In “How To Be Reasonably Green,” the host shares ways to conserve energy and reduce waste while also devaluing
discussion of climate change.

In the section about shopping locally, the host says people should try to shop locally instead of
buying products made in China because “we try not to support” communists. On screen is a Chinese

Media Matters for America 12

 communist propaganda poster featuring Mao Zedong. The video echoes 1950s Cold War anti-communist
propaganda. Meanwhile, right-wing media are currently using the term “communist” to attack the left.
[YouTube, 7/26/21]

The host later says that “screaming at your fellow Americans over climate change doesn’t actually
help your community.” [YouTube, 7/26/21]

”How To Think Objectively”

In “How To Think Objectively,” the hosts teach critical thinking skills by showing how they can be used to question
and deny climate change.

As a negative example of someone who likes to “post critically about others,” a host acts out someone
who angrily posts “You. Are. Killing. The. Planet” and “YOUR PRESIDENT KILLED THE TURTLES!!”
[YouTube, 4/20/22]

Encouraging the audience to ask “tough questions,” a host poses as a student questioning his
teacher’s claims about climate change. He asks, “Why in the past did the climate change so drastically
before people started industrializing?” [YouTube, 4/20/22]

The hosts later insist that people should do their own research, specifically about climate change:
“If someone tells you that the world is going to end in 12 years because of global warming, before you
have a panic attack and sell your house and your car, get other opinions on the matter and look at the
data for yourself.” The host goes on to say that “if someone is actively claiming that melting ice will
soon swallow the world’s beaches, but your research shows that investors are still buying waterfront
properties, consider whether their actions match their words.” [YouTube, 4/20/22]

“How To Forgive”
In “How To Forgive,” the hosts teach forgiveness with a biblical example of a person forgiving the men who sold him
into slavery.

The hosts argue that forgiveness is important “whether your brother stole your Pop-Tart … or sold you
into slavery, like that Joseph guy in the Bible,” explaining that “true forgiveness means completely
surrendering your urge to punish the other person.” [YouTube, 8/24/22]

The “Otto’s Tales” series

“Storytime: Otto’s Tales — Today Is Thanksgiving”
In “Storytime: Otto’s Tales — Today Is Thanksgiving,” PragerU Kids Director of Outreach Jill Simonian reads a story
about how the Pilgrims and indigenous people were kind to each other and achieved peace.

The story claims the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock “hoped to trade with the villagers, not wanting to be
rude,” but apparently all of the indigenous villagers had died of disease before they arrived. Though
much of the local Wampanoag group was wiped out by European disease before the Mayflower itself
arrived, indigenous people still lived on the land in smaller numbers. [YouTube, 11/16/21]

Later, the story claims that after the Pilgrims found indigenous people, the “Pilgrims and natives
established good relations” and “signed a treaty of peace.” The video omits the reality that peace
between the two groups was short-lived as the Europeans brought more disease and the colonization of

Media Matters for America 13

 land led to a deadly war in which many indigenous groups were wiped out. [YouTube, 11/16/21]

“Dolley Saves President Washington”

In “Dolley Saves President Washington,” Simonian reads a story in which Dolley Madison’s slaves are repeatedly
referred to as “servants.”

“‘Be mindful of these important papers,’ Dolley instructed, as she and a few of her servants pressed
stacks and stacks of important government documents into trunks.” [YouTube, 5/9/23]

“‘French John, young Paul!’ Dolley called for her trusty servants, ‘Save that picture, if possible.’”
[YouTube, 5/9/23]

“Let’s Visit an American Farm”

In “Let’s Visit an American Farm,” characters Otto and Smidge learn the importance of American farms while
attacking renewable energy.

Smidge calls the farm’s windmills “the ugliest metal trees I’ve ever seen,” and a cow representing the
farmers says, “I agree.” The cow explains that the government pays farmers to erect the turbines, but
that her farm decided not to. She also claims, “Ever since our neighbor put them up we don’t see many
birds because they get hit by the blades.” [YouTube, 4/25/23]

“Legend of the Corn Husk Doll”

In “Legend of the Corn Husk Doll,” Simonian tells an old Iroquois folk tale about vanity and inaccurately describes
the relationship between Indigenous people and George Washington.

During the conclusion of the video Simonian states, “Many history experts say the Oneida tribe, part
of the Iroquois people, traveled from their land to deliver corn to George Washington’s army when they
were hungry and needed food so that they could fight the British.” While the Oneidas did support
Washington’s efforts during the Revolutionary War, the U.S. government prevented them from buying
back their lands and even stole land. [YouTube, 1/10/23]

”Storytime: Otto’s Tales — Today Is Columbus Day with Michael

Knowles”
In “Storytime: Otto’s Tales — Today Is Columbus Day with Michael Knowles,” Knowles, a Daily Wire host and vocal
anti-LGBTQ activist, reads a pacified version of Christopher Columbus’ journey to the Americas.

The story claims, “The settlers and Natives got along quite a lot but also had trouble with each other,
and sometimes they fought.” Ignoring the role Columbus played in enslaving and killing native people,
the story continues, “Columbus established a settlement and brought back many treasures.” [YouTube,
10/5/21]

The story ends with the characters praising Columbus and justifying Columbus Day. Otto says, “I
never knew what an adventurous man Christopher Columbus was,” and Dennis claims, “His hard work
and perseverance paid off, even though he never discovered a faster route to India.” Dennis also says,
“We honor Columbus for his courage, for being the first person to connect the New World to the Old
World of Europe and for making America possible.” [YouTube, 10/5/21]

In the conclusion of the video, Knowles claims the story of Columbus teaches us about “courage and

Media Matters for America 14

 perseverance.” [YouTube, 10/5/21]

“Otto’s Tales — The Emperor’s New Clothes”

In “Otto’s Tales — The Emperor’s New Clothes” Simonian reads the classic Hans Christian Anderson tale, with an
unsubtle conservative conclusion.

Simonian ends the video by stating that the story “reminds us that truth is real.” She explains, “There
is only one truth, and it’s important for us to learn how to find it and to not be afraid to speak up for it —
even when no one else will.” [YouTube, 9/21/21]

“Storytime: Otto’s Tales — Truth, Lies, Fire, and Water”

In “Storytime: Otto’s Tales — Truth, Lies, Fire, and Water,” Simonian reads a classic African fable about the conflict
between truth and lies and concludes with another unsubtle conservative message.

After reading the story, Simonian declares, “We love this tale because it reminds us that lies will
destroy good things around it and we must always be willing to fight for truth, for what’s right, even
when it’s really hard to do and even if some lies seem like they could be true.” Simonian goes on to tell
the young target audience, “It’s up to all of us to protect truth from anything or anyone who wants to
destroy it, because when we value truth we end up protecting our families, our country, and even the
whole world.” [YouTube, 9/16/21]

The “TBH [To Be Honest] History” series

“TBH History: The Industrial Revolution Part 1”
In “TBH History: The Industrial Revolution Part 1,” the hosts say that the industrial revolution flourished in Great
Britain only because, unlike in other countries, its political system encouraged individual rights and discouraged
government regulation. It presents government regulation as a hindrance to progress.

The hosts argue that “Great Britain had an advantage over other countries because they had a political
environment that encouraged innovation,” and faced “fewer government restrictions than other
countries.” The host explains, “In Great Britain, inventors were free to share ideas and try new things.
Investors were free to spend money how they wanted. And businessmen were free to trade and sell
based upon supply and demand. And this political freedom created an ideal environment for
technological advancement to thrive.” [YouTube, 1/11/22]

The lesson concludes, “Thanks to Great Britain’s level of freedom from government restrictions, the
change began rapidly and eventually spread across the entire world.” [YouTube, 1/11/22]

The “thought-provoking question” at the end of the video asks, “What’s the best way for a country to
encourage innovation?” [YouTube, 1/11/22]

“TBH History Industrial Revolution Part 2: Freedom vs. Control”

“TBH History Industrial Revolution Part 2: Freedom vs. Control” describes and defends the environment that led Karl
Marx to write The Communist Manifesto.

Media Matters for America 15

 The video describes capitalism as “an economic system where a country’s trade and industry are
owned and controlled by the private sector, aka, the people, instead of the government.” This way, “you
have the right to buy, sell, trade, and hire however you want.” [YouTube, 2/22/22]

After acknowledging that worker abuse did exist during the Industrial Revolution, the hosts say that
Marx “was wrong that the evil deeds were a result of capitalism. Corruption and exploitation were
results of a lack of competition in the market, not actually capitalism itself.” [YouTube, 2/22/22]

The hosts seemingly go back on their position against government regulation to defend capitalism
further: “And while industrialization did lead to poor working conditions for a time, eventually, it was
industrialized nations who led the way in outlawing slave labor and child labor, and made laws that
protected workers and the environment.” [YouTube, 2/22/22]

They later say that the ideas in The Communist Manifesto were seen as “a pack of lies,” but persisted
“like a bad cold, a bad virus.” [YouTube, 2/22/22]

”TBH History Russian Revolution: The Rise of Communism”

In “TBH History Russian Revolution: The Rise of Communism,” the hosts recount the Russian Revolution through a
pro-capitalist, czar-sympathetic lens.

The hosts paint Vladimir Lenin as a power-hungry leader willing to lie to achieve his aims. They say:
“Power-hungry political leaders love to withhold information from citizens. … A Russian by the name
Vladimir Lenin was successful in rising to power because he knew how to control information and teach
people what he needed them to believe to achieve his own agenda.” [YouTube, 3/29/22]

Later, they say that Karl Marx’s ideas never took hold in industrialized countries because “capitalism
and industrialization made life too good for too many people.” They continued: “Whatever struggles
workers experienced under capitalism, it had given them enough hope and benefits that they didn’t rise
up as Marx had predicted.” [YouTube, 3/29/22]

The hosts are sympathetic to Czar Nicholas II, calling him “a very nice man to those close to him.” They
also explained, “Czar Nicholas loved God, adored his wife, doted on his children … but he refused to allow
the required freedom needed for Russia to modernize.” [YouTube, 3/29/22]

The “Craftory” series

”Craftory: American Trinity Platter”
In “Craftory: American Trinity Platter,” host Jill Simonian teaches kids about the “trinity values” of the United
States, which PragerU claims are: “Liberty, In God We Trust, and E Pluribus Unum.”

Host Jill Simonian claims, “America is the only country that lets people have the kind of liberty to work
as hard as we want to be as successful as we can individually.” According to the Human Freedom Index,
the United States is the 23rd freest country in the world for individuals. [YouTube, 7/26/21]

“Craftory: Ships in a Jar”

In “Craftory: Ships in a Jar” Simonian promotes Columbus Day and teaches kids the PragerU version of Columbus’
history.

During the history segment, Simonian claims, “Columbus was not a perfect person, but his expeditions

Media Matters for America 16

 to the new world inspired exploration and discovery, which led Europeans to settle on new land
that would eventually become our United States of America.” The video heavily waters down the
atrocities committed by Columbus. [YouTube, 10/8/21]

“Craftory: Thankful Jar”

In “Craftory: Thankful Jar” Simonian teaches a watered-down version of the history of Thanksgiving and the
relationships between the pilgrims and Native groups in America.

While explaining the history of Thanksgiving, Simonian incorrectly claims the pilgrims and Native
peoples “protected each other.” In reality, English colonists and Native groups fought what is
considered to be the deadliest war in American history. [YouTube, 11/9/21]

”Craftory: Mount Rushmore Paperweight”

In “Craftory: Mount Rushmore Paperweight,” Simonian teaches kids about the Mount Rushmore monument.

Simonian avoids admitting that the U.S. government forcibly removed Native groups from the
Black Hills, but claims, “The Black Hills region originally belonged to the Native American Kiowa tribe,
who were driven out by the Lakota Sioux tribe before white settlers arrived looking for gold in the
1870s.” The U.S. government’s actions led to a violent war between the Sioux and U.S. troops, who
massacred the Sioux population. [YouTube, 1/21/22]

“Craftory: First Responders T-Shirt”

In “Craftory: First Responders T-Shirt,” Simonian teaches kids how to make thin blue line and thin red line tee-shirts
to celebrate police and firefighters.

Simonian says first responders stop emergencies and “if someone needs help, they help them no
matter what.” She goes on to claim, “Police officers and firefighters keep all of us safe and are our real
life heroes.” [YouTube, 2/11/22]

“Craftory: God Bless America Ornament”

In “Craftory: God Bless America Ornament,” Simonian teaches kids about Christmas and promotes Judeo-Christian
values.

Simonian states, “America was founded on what’s called Judeo-Christian values,” and though not
everyone in America is Christian, “these Judeo-Christian values are at the very core of who America
is.” [YouTube, 2/15/22]

“Craftory: Catapult Cannons”

In “Craftory: Catapult Cannons,” Simonian celebrates military weapons technology while explaining how cannons
helped win the American Revolution.

While teaching kids about military weaponry, Simonian claims, “George Washington’s army and
America’s Founding Fathers knew how important it was for people to be able to fight for freedom
against tyranny,” and that’s why “the Second Amendment of our United States Constitution grants
responsible Americans the right to bear arms.” [YouTube, 12/27/22]

Media Matters for America 17

“Craftory: Iron Dome Defender”
In “Craftory: Iron Dome Defender,” Simonian praises advancements in military weaponry and promotes pro-Israel
propaganda.

While spouting pro-Israel propaganda, Simonian claims, “The Iron Dome was created after 2006 when
thousands of enemy rockets were launched to attack innocent people in Israel.” [YouTube, 12/28/22]

Simonian calls America “Israel’s best friend” because of the alliance between the two countries and
because “we share values that are tied to God known as Judeo-Christian values.” The video also
claims, “America’s military has helped Israel to keep peace in an area of our world known as the Middle
East.” [YouTube, 12/28/22]

The “Street Smarts” series

In the “Street Smarts” series, PragerU hosts conduct on-the-street interviews with kids and ask questions about
American history.

“Street Smarts: The Declaration of Independence”

When asking what unalienable rights the Declaration of Independence cites, one multiple choice
answer is “Free Healthcare, Free Housing, and Free Tacos.” [YouTube, 1/9/23]

“Street Smarts: The Bill of Rights”

A “fun fact” included at the end of the video is that although “the phrase ‘separation of church and
state’ is a phrase commonly associated with the First Amendment, it’s actually not in the
Constitution.” [YouTube, 1/9/23]

“Street Smarts: Citizenship in the U.S.”

One question about rights given to citizens in the United States asks kids to answer, “Which of these
is not a right guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution?” to which the answer is, “An affordable house.”
[YouTube, 5/8/23]

Summarizing the lesson on citizenship, the video claims American citizens have “a deal with the
country” where “they get certain rights, privileges, and protections that are allotted to all U.S. citizens
in exchange for allegiance and responsibilities toward the country.” The video goes on to claim some of
the privileges and “benefits” of being an American citizen include “freedom of speech, religion, the right
to a fair trial, the right to vote, and the ability to run for office.” [YouTube, 5/8/23]

“Street Smarts: The Office of President”

The hosts ask a question that incorrectly defines an executive order as “intended to clarify or further
explain laws and regulations passed by Congress.” In reality, executive orders are simply directives by
the president to manage the federal government. [YouTube, 6/20/23]

The “Cash Course” series

In the “Cash Course” series, PragerU hosts explain monetary concepts to young adults.

Media Matters for America 18

“Cash Course: Debt”
The episode lays out the different kinds of debt, including consumer (credit card) debt and student
loan debt. The video argues that credit card debt is almost always bad, but “student loan debt can be
considered good debt, if you’re using it to gain skills that will land you a more valuable opportunity than
if you had not gone to that school.” The narrator then says that some student debt isn’t worth it, as a
cartoon image of a “big deal drama school” is shown on screen. In recent years right-wing figures have
attacked colleges and universities for allegedly being too liberal or not providing a helpful education.
[YouTube, 11/9/22]

“Cash Course: Borrowing”

In an episode about household debt, the video shows an image depicting the U.S. national debt, which
functions completely differently. [YouTube, 12/7/22]

The “Guess or Mess” series

In the “Guess or Mess” series, PragerU hosts ask kids a series of questions about conservative political figures. If a
contestant gets an answer correct, their opponent receives a “mess” penalty.

“Guess or Mess: Andrew Jackson”

One of the “mess” options given to contestants is “marshmallow tar and feathers” and later in the
video, the host mockingly “tars” and feathers one contestant’s arms. Tarring and feathering is a brutal
historic punishment that many associate with the Revolutionary War period and American colonists,
however it was also popularly used by the Klu Klux Klan against civil rights activists in the 20th century.
[YouTube, 4/8/22]

The video claims Andrew Jackson “led Native Americans and former slaves to fight together as
soldiers against the British.” The video leaves out the brutal Battle of Horseshoe Bend in 1814, when
Jackson’s troops killed a group of almost 600 Creeks, and it does not mention that Jackson promised
freedom to any slaves who fought with him against the British only to go back on his word following their
victory. [YouTube, 4/8/22]

“Guess or Mess: Margaret Thatcher”

The host frames former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s anti-welfare positions in a positive
light, stating, “Thatcher pushed the British people to work hard and believe in themselves instead of
wanting the government to support them.” She goes on to claim that “Thatcher criticized socialism for
taking away liberties from the British people and giving privileges to government leaders.” [YouTube,
4/15/22]

“Guess or Mess: Ayn Rand”

The host asks contestants to “name one of the American political groups that Ayn Rand’s philosophy
of personal freedom and responsibility has influenced.” The acceptable answers are “conservative,
Tea Party, Libertarian, or Republican Party.” Rand has long been admired by the American right for her
pro-capitalist and anti-altruistic ideology. [YouTube, 5/27/22]

“Guess or Mess: Harry Truman”

While outlining former President Harry Truman’s accomplishments and background, the video

Media Matters for America 19

 highlights his ability to make “very difficult decisions” like “dropping the atomic bomb on Japan and
sending troops to South Korea to fight communism.” The video mentions his catchphrase, “The
buck stops here,” as “his way of saying that a president should always be willing to make hard decisions.”
In the video’s concluding summary of Truman, the host claims, “He was unpopular during his presidency,
but Americans now respect him for making difficult decisions.” [YouTube, 6/10/22]

Later, after asking a question about Truman’s use of the atomic bombs, the video claims, “In order to
force Japan’s surrender Truman knew that he would either have to use the atomic bombs or send in
American troops to invade.” The video explains that he chose the atomic bombs because “he did not
want more American soldiers to suffer,” but it glosses over the devastation of the bombs. [YouTube,
6/10/22]

“Guess or Mess: Condoleezza Rice”

One option for the mess in this video is “yogurt tar and feathers.” The video goes on to explain that
former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was raised under Jim Crow laws in the South. When giving
the “mess” to one of the contestants, the host declares that the contestant is “shapeshifting,”
saying, “Now you’re a chicken,” and proceeding to “turn her into a chicken” using the yogurt tar and
feathers. [YouTube, 6/24/22]

While giving a quick summary of Rice’s accomplishments, the video states that she was raised under
“racist laws in the south” but that “Rice’s parents taught her to work hard and never to see herself as a
victim.” [YouTube, 6/24/22]

“Guess or Mess: James Polk”

One of the “mess” options for contestants in the video is “marshmallow tar and feathers.” Former
President James Polk is known to have been a “profit-hungry slave owner” who kept his purchases of
enslaved people a secret from the American public. The marshmallow tar and feathers “mess” was used
on a contestant after a question about Polk’s close friendship with former president, slave owner, and
Trail of Tears instigator Andrew Jackson. [YouTube, 7/22/22]

The final question about Polk asks, “After James Polk’s presidency, which issue did Americans
continue to argue about until the Civil War?” The answer is slavery, but while summarizing the issue
under Polk’s administration, the video fails to mention that he was a slave owner. [YouTube, 7/22/22]

“Guess or Mess: John D. Rockefeller”

The video description portrays the late business magnate John D. Rockefeller as an “often
mischaracterized oil tycoon and great philanthropist who worked hard, saved his customers money,
and gave away much of his wealth.” It frames Rockefeller as an admirable, religious, charitable man,
and his billionaire status as a result of simple hard work. Rockefeller was known for being greedy and
ruthless in building his oil monopoly, and in 1911 his company was dissolved after it was found to have
broken antitrust laws. [YouTube, 10/21/22]

The video implies that Rockefeller amassed his wealth because his parents taught him “Christian
values of hard work, community, and charity.” It focuses on Rockefeller’s religion in multiple questions,
once quoting him as saying, “I believe it is a religious duty to get all the money you can, fairly and
honestly, to keep all you can, and to give away all you can.” [YouTube, 10/21/22]

The host states that Standard Oil was broken up because “many people thought he had too much
control of the industry,” instead of explaining how the company violated antitrust laws. The video
defends Standard Oil’s monopoly, saying Rockefeller “believed that only a large company could be the
best” and buying out other companies “made Standard Oil and its products better.” [YouTube, 10/21/22]

Media Matters for America 20

“Guess or Mess: James Monroe”
While asking trivia questions about former President James Monroe, the host pivots to a question
about the Missouri Compromise, declaring that the addition of Maine as a free state was “meant to
stop the spread of slavery.” The video fails to mention that Monroe was, at one time, one of the most
prolific slave owners in the country, and that he opposed restricting slavery when he signed the
compromise. When summarizing the question, the host adds, “Good people worked to end the practice
of slavery in America since our nation’s beginning.” [YouTube, 8/19/22]

Media Matters for America 21