PBS News Hour

The true story behind the ‘welfare queen’ stereotype

In his new book "The Queen," author Josh Levin tells the story of Linda Taylor, a woman who became infamous as a welfare cheat. She was a woman who went by many names, was accused of many crimes, and whose image as a Cadillac-driving welfare recipient has lived on. Hari Sreenivasan spoke with Levin to learn more.

The true story behind the ‘welfare queen’ stereotype

7m 12s

  • December 3, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    December 3, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode

    S2025 E337 - 57m 46s

    Wednesday on the News Hour, the Pentagon's watchdog finds Pete Hegseth's infamous Signal chat put U.S. personnel at risk. As immigration crackdowns begin in new cities, we explore the expanded role Border Patrol agents are playing, far beyond the U.S.-Mexico border. Plus, Congress returns to Washington as Republicans confront issues that expose rifts within the party, including the Epstein files.

  • December 2, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    December 2, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode

    S2025 E336 - 57m 46s

    Tuesday on the News Hour, more details emerge about the deadly U.S. strikes on alleged drug boats as tensions rise across the region. An interview with American Mohammad Ibrahim and his father after the teen spent nine months in an Israeli jail. Plus, music power couple Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz are spotlighting giants of contemporary art in a new exhibition drawn from their private collection.

PBS PASSPORT

Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA+ and PBS Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.