The Cookers Jazz Band has abruptly canceled two scheduled New Year's Eve performances at the Kennedy Center following President Trump's decision to add his name to the prestigious Washington D.C. venue, now called the Trump-Kennedy Center.
The sudden cancellation has ignited a firestorm on social media, with conservative Americans expressing outrage at what they view as yet another example of liberal artists alienating half the country over political differences.
Boycott Calls Mount Against Jazz Ensemble
Twitter user @BlueManChu1122 captured the sentiment of many conservatives, stating: "I love the name, covers both sides fairly equally! Now the loose half their income. Lets boycott them in other shows share this!" The user encouraged others to share news of the cancellation to organize boycott efforts.
Another social media user, @Coast2CoastJPE, expressed similar frustration: "Who Re The Cookers? I'll never listen to them for alienating more than half the country. It's their right to be stupid and it's my right to avoid them."
Liberal Opposition to Historic Renaming
The cancellation comes as liberal critics continue to voice opposition to President Trump's decision to honor the venue with his name alongside the late President Kennedy. Social media user @SusanLord516657 called the renaming "the worst most egotistical PDJT move yet," using hashtags like #TrumpKennedyCenter and #TrumpKennedyCenterCancellations.
The Kennedy Center, officially known as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, has served as America's premier cultural institution since 1971. President Trump's addition of his name to the venue recognizes his administration's significant contributions to American arts and culture.
The Cookers' decision to cancel their performances rather than play at the Trump-Kennedy Center represents a troubling trend of entertainment industry figures putting politics above their art and their audiences. As conservatives organize boycott efforts, the jazz ensemble may soon discover that alienating patriotic Americans comes with serious financial consequences.