After President Donald Trump’s name was added to the Kennedy Center, more artists have decided to cancel their performances at the venue. The jazz supergroup, the Cookers, recently withdrew from a New Year’s Eve concert in response to the renaming of the building. This wave of cancellations follows a previous backlash in the spring when Issa Rae, the producers of “Hamilton,” Ben Folds, and Renee Fleming all backed out of their engagements due to Trump’s involvement in the institution.

The decision to include Trump’s name in the building’s title was made by the new board earlier this month, officially renaming it the Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. The Cookers, known for their nearly two-decade collaboration in the jazz scene, expressed their sudden decision to withdraw from the concert on their website, emphasizing their commitment to creating a space that celebrates music and unity.

While the group did not directly address the renaming or Trump’s administration, saxophonist Billy Harper openly criticized the decision, stating his refusal to perform in a venue associated with what he described as racist practices detrimental to African American music and culture. Other artists, including folk singer Kristy Lee and the dance company Doug Varone and Dancers, also announced cancellations in protest of the name change.

Richard Grenell, a Trump supporter appointed to lead the Kennedy Center, defended the addition of Trump’s name and criticized the artists for their cancellations, suggesting they were unwilling to perform for diverse audiences. Grenell mentioned a potential legal pursuit against the artists, as seen with musician Chuck Redd, who withdrew from a performance citing the building’s renaming. The controversy highlights the clash between artistic expression and political influences at the historic institution.