Palm Springs has a problem with trees. A new PBS show called “Racist Trees” claims a row of plants in California was planted to keep black folks out. The documentary says tall tamarisk trees split a golf course from a black neighborhood. Some residents say the trees are racist. They want them gone.
The story blew up when Republican lawmakers found out. They grilled PBS bosses about why taxpayers fund shows like this. At a hearing, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene called the documentary “ridiculous.” She said PBS wasted money on “woke” stories instead of real news.
PBS CEO Paula Kerger got asked about the tree film. She didn’t know much about it. Congressman Will Timmons joked about the idea of racist trees. He said PBS should focus on facts, not made-up racism.
The trees were cut down in 2018. After that, house prices in the area jumped. Some folks cheered. Others say the whole story is fake. The documentary claims the trees were planted to hide black families. But city leaders say that’s not true.
Conservative critics say this is another example of liberals seeing racism everywhere. They argue PBS uses tax dollars to push left-wing ideas. The hearing showed how heated this fight has become.
The Palm Springs story went viral online. Many called it silly. Some asked why PBS makes shows about trees instead of important issues. Others defended the film, saying it shows hidden racism.
Republican leaders want to cut funding for PBS and NPR. They say these networks don’t deserve taxpayer cash. The tree documentary is now a key example in their argument.
This clash highlights America’s culture wars. While some see racism in trees, others see political games. The debate won’t end soon. Critics say it’s time to stop funding media that divides Americans.
