GET THE APP
Monday, September 15, 2025

Category: Culture
56 minutes ago
Culture
Politics

Library of Congress Names Kamala Harris Donor America’s New Poet Laureate.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Library of Congress has named Arthur Sze as the new U.S. Poet Laureate, succeeding Ada Limón. However, Sze could face resistance as the poet has a long history of contributing to Democrat campaigns, including Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential run.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Arthur Sze, acting Librarian Robert Randolph Newlen, President Donald J. Trump, and Kamala Harris.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made Monday, with Sze’s term beginning this fall at the Library of Congress.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I think it was the opportunity to give something back to poetry, to something that I’ve spent my life doing.” – Arthur Sze

🎯IMPACT: Sze’s appointment comes during a turbulent time for the Library, with the former Librarian Carla Hayden having been removed earlier this year for using the office to push a radical and partisan leftist agenda.

IN FULL

The Library of Congress has named Arthur Sze—the first Poet Laureate of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and professor emeritus at the Institute of American Indian Arts—as the next U.S. Poet Laureate. However, the move will likely draw a swift reaction from the Trump White House and its allies, as Sze is a longtime Democrat donor, contributing to Kamala Harris‘s failed 2024 presidential campaign against President Donald J. Trump. In addition, Sze has contributed to the Joe Biden campaign, Raphael Warnock’s U.S. campaign in Georgia, the Democratic National Committee (DNC), the Barack Obama campaign, and John Kerry’s 2004 challenge to then-President George W. Bush.

Federal Election Commission (FEC) records show an extensive history of Sze contributing to Democrat candidates, making his appointment under a Republican administration an oddity. The appointment is especially strange in light of President Trump’s dismissal of the Librarian of Congress earlier this year. Carla Hayden was removed from her position after it was revealed she had used the office to push a radical and partisan leftist agenda. Currently, Robert Randolph Newlen—a long-time official with the Library of Congress—is serving as acting Librarian.

Sze, 74, will serve a one-year term starting this fall, taking over from Ada Limón, who held the position for three years. A son of Chinese immigrants, Sze says he accepted the position as an opportunity to give back to the art form that has defined much of his life. “So many people have helped me along the way. Poetry has just helped me grow so much, in every way,” he said.

In addition to his original poetry, Sze is known for his translations of Chinese poetry, which he credits with helping him develop his craft. As Poet Laureate, Sze will serve as a literary ambassador, tasked with raising national awareness and appreciation for poetry.

Image by slowking4.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
September 9, 2025
Culture
News

The Left’s Demographic Winter: Gen Z Trump Voters Want Kids, But Harris Voters Don’t.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: New polling reveals that Kamala Harris voters place little value in children or having their own family compared to supporters of President Donald J. Trump.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Generation Z voters aged 18-28, divided by gender and voting history, including supporters of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Poll conducted recently; demographic focus on U.S. voters aged 18-28.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Democrat women want to die alone without children.” – Charlie Kirk

🎯IMPACT: The poll highlights a widening gender and political divide among the younger generation, with implications for leftist ideology if its adherents decline to reproduce.

IN FULL

New polling has revealed a stark divide among Generation Z voters regarding the value they place on having children. The survey found that 34 percent of male Trump voters ranked having children as the most important aspect of a successful life. In contrast, only six percent of female voters who support former Vice President Kamala Harris said the same.

Female Trump voters were more likely than their Democratic counterparts to value parenthood, with 26 percent ranking it highest, compared to just nine percent of male Harris supporters.

The sharp difference is perhaps unsurprising, given that the Democrats gleefully advertised a mobile abortion van during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) last year, along with free vasectomy procedures for men. Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk said of the new polling, “Democrat women want to die alone without children.”

This divide is part of a larger pattern in recent research. A May 2024 poll found that just 23 percent of Gen Z adults consider having children to be “very important,” a sharp contrast to 52 percent of Baby Boomers. The same survey also noted that Gen Z respondents were less likely to prioritize religion, patriotism, or community than any previous generation.

Gen Z’s attitudes come amid a declining birthrate and fertility rate in the U.S., with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stating that in 2023, the number of births decreased by two percent. Figures show the overall birthrate for the U.S. is just 1.6 births per woman, far below the 2.1 births per woman replacement rate.

Even lower birthrate levels are seen in Europe, where countries like Spain and Italy face catastrophically low birthrates. Advocates of mass migration use low birth rates as justification to replace the native peoples to shore up local economies and prop up welfare and retirement programs, although research increasingly suggests that migrants mostly end up being a net drain on their host countries, making their economic and welfare issues even worse.

Image by SHYCITYNikon.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
September 2, 2025
Culture
UK

Lefty UK Comic Arrested Over Anti-Trans Tweets.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Graham Linehan, co-creator of the comedy series Father Ted, was arrested at London’s Heathrow Airport for posts shared on the X social media platform (formerly Twitter).

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Graham Linehan, an Irish comedy writer and BAFTA winner based in the United Kingdom, and five armed police officers at Heathrow Airport.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The incident occurred at Heathrow Airport upon the left-wing but gender critical comic’s arrival from Arizona on September 1. He was later taken to a hospital due to health concerns.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I was arrested at an airport like a terrorist, locked in a cell like a criminal, taken to hospital because the stress nearly killed me, and banned from speaking online, all because I made jokes that upset some psychotic crossdressers.” – Graham Linehan

🎯IMPACT: Linehan’s arrest has sparked discussions on the ongoing collapse of freedom of speech in Britain, and British law enforcement’s eagerness to intervene in online disputes.

IN FULL

Graham Linehan, the Irish comedy writer behind the hit shows Father Ted, The IT Crowd, and Black Books, was arrested by five armed police officers at London‘s Heathrow Airport over three social media posts. Linehan, a leftist but also a longtime critic of gender ideology, claims he was taken into custody immediately after arriving from Arizona on September 1. The posts in question, which he shared on X (formerly Twitter), have been described by authorities as potentially inciting violence.

One post, dated April 20, read: “If a trans-identified male is in a female-only space, he is committing a violent, abusive act. Make a scene, call the cops and if all else fails, punch him in the balls.” A separate post from April 19 included a photo of a transgender rights rally with the caption: “A photo you can smell,” followed by another post that stated, “I hate them. Misogynists and homophobes. F*** em.”

Linehan detailed the experience in a blog post, writing, “The moment I stepped off the plane at Heathrow, five armed police officers were waiting. Not one, not two—five. They escorted me to a private area and told me I was under arrest for three tweets.” He says the stress of the incident caused his blood pressure to spike to dangerous levels, leading to a brief hospital stay. Authorities later confirmed he was released on bail while investigations continue.

This is not the first time Linehan has faced repercussions for speaking out against transgenderism. His original Twitter account was permanently suspended in 2020 for what the platform called “hateful conduct,” including remarks like “Men aren’t women tho.” He has been a vocal defender of the rights of real women to single-sex spaces and sports, and has consistently criticized what he calls the erasure of women in favor of radical gender ideology.

Linehan says the United Kingdom has become “hostile to freedom of speech” and accused British law enforcement of going out of its way to appease gender ideologues. “If they think this is going to silence me,” he wrote, “they’ve got another thing coming.”

The Free Speech Union has said it “do[es] not believe Graham’s arrest or the bail conditions imposed”—said to comprise solely of a ban on posting on X—”were lawful.” They added that they would be “backing him all the way in his fight against these preposterous allegations and the disproportionate response from the police.”

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, another noted critic of gender ideology, said of the arrest, “What the f**k has the UK become? This is totalitarianism. Utterly deplorable.”

Image by republica GmbH.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
August 28, 2025
Culture
News

Cracker Barrel Removes Pride Page After Logo Climbdown.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Cracker Barrel has removed its Pride page from its website following backlash over woke rebranding efforts.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Cracker Barrel, conservative activists, and anti-DEI advocate Robby Starbuck.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Recent updates on Cracker Barrel’s website and statements on social media.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Cracker Barrel worked with the far-left HRC [Human Rights Campaign] organization and reportedly sponsored HRC events for 10 years.” – Robby Starbuck

🎯IMPACT: The company faces ongoing scrutiny and has already reversed some unpopular branding decisions to mitigate public backlash.

IN FULL

Cracker Barrel has removed its Pride-themed page from its website following growing criticism of its recent rebranding efforts. The page, which previously featured the slogan “bringing the porch to Pride,” now redirects users to a general “Culture and Belonging” section.

The updated page states, “At Cracker Barrel, welcoming people has always been at the heart of who we are. When we take care of one another, we are able to take even better care of the people who walk through our doors.”

The move comes as the company faces pushback over its branding strategy, including a short-lived attempt to introduce a modernist logo in place of its traditional imagery. The redesign faced swift backlash from both sides of the political aisle, prompting the company to reverse course.

“We thank our guests for sharing your voices and love for Cracker Barrel. We said we would listen, and we have. Our new logo is going away and our ‘Old Timer’ will remain,” the company posted on X, referring to the white man leaning on a barrel that the new logo had erased. “At Cracker Barrel, it’s always been—and always will be—about serving up delicious food, warm welcomes, and the kind of country hospitality that feels like family.”

Conservative voices online have criticized Cracker Barrel’s promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activism, highlighting its past support of LGBT causes. Activist Robby Starbuck accused the company of aligning with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and hosting transgender and pronoun training at its Tennessee headquarters.

“Cracker Barrel worked with the far-left HRC organization and reportedly sponsored HRC events for 10 years,” Starbuck wrote on X. “They even brought an HRC representative to their Tennessee HQ to do a pronoun and transgenderism training.”

Cracker Barrel denied ongoing involvement with the HRC, saying it “has not participated in the Human Rights Campaign Index or had any affiliation with HRC in several years.”

The backlash mirrors similar responses to other brands that have adopted woke messaging. For instance, Jaguar saw a dramatic drop in sales after a rebrand featuring non-binary models and a shift away from showcasing newly designed vehicles. In April, the company sold just 49 cars across the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom.

Bud Light also suffered lasting fallout after partnering with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney in 2023. The campaign led to a 27 percent drop in sales and significant damage to the brand’s image.

Image by Leo Reynolds.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
August 28, 2025
Culture
News

‘I Wish I Never Brainwashed Myself’ — Trans Church Shooter Regretted Gender Transition.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The transgender mass shooter who targeted the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, regretted his gender transition, reports reveal.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Robin Westman, a 23-year-old male-to-female transgender originally named Robert, carried out the attack. Victims included students and staff at the school.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The shooting took place on Wednesday morning, August 27, at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I am tired of being trans, I wish I never brainwashed myself,” Westman wrote in a manifesto-like document.

🎯IMPACT: The attack, which left multiple victims dead or injured, raises concerns about a growing number of disturbed transgenders engaging in extreme violence.

IN FULL

Robin Westman, responsible for yesterday’s mass shooting targeting Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during a morning prayer service, regretted his transgender transition. “I only keep [the long hair] because it is pretty much my last shred of being trans. I am tired of being trans, I wish I never brainwashed myself,” he wrote in a manifesto-like document uploaded to YouTube.

“I can’t cut my hair now as it would be an embarrassing defeat, and it might be a concerning change of character that could get me reported,” he continued, complaining that “It just always gets in my way” and that he would “probably chop it on the day of the attack.”

Elsewhere, he wrote, “‘I know I am not a woman but I definitely don’t feel like a man.”

Westman, who changed his name from Robert in 2019 to align with his transgender identity, inscribed phrases like “Kill Donald Trump” and “Where is your God?” on the firearms and firearm accessories he used to carry out his attack.

Hundreds gathered for a vigil led by community leaders and clergy, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) and Archbishop Bernard Hebda. Hebda highlighted the resilience shown during the tragedy, saying, “In the midst of that there was courage, there was bravery, but most especially there was love.”

Principal Matthew DeBoer and Pastor Dennis Zehren grieved the loss of two students aged eight and ten, saying, “No words can capture what we have gone through, what we are going through, and what we will go through in the coming days and weeks.”

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
August 25, 2025
Culture
News

Katie Couric Gets Humiliated After Bizarre Attack on Kennedy Center Staff.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Journalist Katie Couric drew backlash after attacking the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where President Donald J. Trump has assumed control as chairman and restructured leadership and programming in collaboration with Richard “Ric” Grenell, as a “disgrace” on social media. Bizarrely, the 68-year-old focused her ire on an Instagram post shared by the Kennedy Center featuring several smiling young staffers.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Katie Couric, President Trump, Kennedy Center President and Executive Director Ric Grenell, and The National Pulse Editor-in-Chief Raheem Kassam.

📍WHEN & WHERE: August 2025, Washington, D.C., at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We didn’t cancel a single show. Your team couldn’t perform for Republicans. They cancelled. It is this exact intolerance that we fight against. Everyone is welcome to the Kennedy Center… Even you!” – Ric Grenell

🎯IMPACT: Trump’s restructuring has sparked controversy, with legislation proposed to rename parts of the Kennedy Center in his honor.

IN FULL

Journalist Katie Couric has attacked the Kennedy Center, where President Donald J. Trump has assumed control as chairman, as a “disgrace” on social media. Couric, 68, focused her bizarre outburst on an Instagram post featuring smiling young staffers at the Kennedy Center’s “Opera in the Outfield” event, saying, “This is so sad. I grew up going to the Kennedy Center… What they’ve done to it is a disgrace.”

Richard “Ric” Grenell, acting president and executive director of the Kennedy Center, responded directly: “We didn’t cancel a single show. Your team couldn’t perform for Republicans. They cancelled. It is this exact intolerance that we fight against.” He added, “Everyone is welcome to the Kennedy Center… even you!”

The National Pulse Editor-in-Chief Raheem Kassam, who attended the “Opera in the Outfield” event, also responded to Couric, saying, “It’s a disgrace that you’re trying to hurt this institution now, simply because you have different political ideas from the people running it. It reveals your wafer-thin concern for the arts, and your petulance and disdain for the will of the people.”

Notably, the Kennedy Center had been struggling under the Biden government, which Trump attributed to infiltration by “woke” ideologues pushing ideological programming. Under the leadership of the America First leader and Grenell, it has put on many highly successful events, with Trump promising major renovations to bring it “back to the absolute TOP LEVEL of luxury, glamour, and entertainment.”

Congressional allies of Trump have introduced legislation to rename parts of the Kennedy Center. One proposal seeks to name the Opera House after First Lady Melania Trump, while another, the “Make Entertainment Great Again Act,” aims to rename the entire venue as the “Donald J. Trump Center for Performing Arts.”

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
August 25, 2025
Culture
Media

Snoop Dogg Slams LGBTQ Propaganda in Children’s Movies.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Snoop Dogg expressed unease about taking his grandson to the movies after seeing homosexuality in Disney’s 2022 animated film Lightyear.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Snoop Dogg, his grandson, and Disney.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Snoop’s comments were made during the It’s Giving podcast in August 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “What you see is what you see, and they’re putting it everywhere.” – Snoop Dogg

🎯IMPACT: Snoop’s remarks have drawn criticism from liberals, with some lobbying for him to be dropped from upcoming performances.

IN FULL

Snoop Dogg has shared his discomfort about taking his grandson to the movies after being “blindsided” by homosexuality in Disney‘s animated film Lightyear. Speaking on the It’s Giving podcast, the rapper recalled how the 2022 Pixar spinoff left him struggling to answer his grandson’s questions about the female character Alisha Hawthorne, who is depicted as having a wife and a child who is their biological offspring.

“What you see is what you see, and they’re putting it everywhere,” Snoop stated. He described his grandson’s confusion during the movie, asking, “Papa Snoop? How she have a baby with a woman? She’s a woman!” The rapper admitted he was caught off guard, saying, “I didn’t come in for this s**t. I just came to watch the goddamn movie.”

Snoop expressed concerns about introducing LGBTQ+ relationships to young audiences, saying, “These are kids. We have to show that at this age? They’re going to ask questions. I don’t have the answer.” The film, which features Alisha Hawthorne marrying her partner and raising a child, includes Disney’s first same-sex kiss, a scene that was initially cut but later reinstated after production employee backlash.

The rapper’s remarks have sparked criticism from liberals online, with one writing, “Being afraid of gay parents in movies is crazy.” Liberal lobbying for Snoop to be removed from his scheduled performance at the Australian Football League’s Grand Final has also emerged.

Despite his near-universal celebrity status, Snoop Dogg has a history of skepticism and opposition to the radical LGBTQ+ agenda, especially concerning transgenderism. The grandfather of eight has previously faced backlash for referring to Bruce Jenner—who now calls himself Caitlyn—as a “science project.”

Notably, in recent months, a number of countries have begun reconsidering invasive hormone replacement and gender reassignment surgery and procedure access for minors. President Donald J. Trump has moved aggressively against such practices in the United States.

Image by The Come Up Show.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
August 25, 2025
Crime
Culture
UK

140 Arrests on Day One of London’s Annual Afro-Caribbean Carnival.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: London’s Metropolitan Police made at least 140 arrests on the first day of the annual Notting Hill Carnival, for crimes including assaults on officers, sexual offences, drug dealing, robbery, and possession of weapons.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Metropolitan Police officers, Carnival attendees, and people on criminal watch lists.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The arrests occurred on Sunday during the Notting Hill Carnival’s “family day” in London, England.

💬KEY QUOTE: The family of Cher Maximen, murdered at last year’s Carnival violence in front of her young daughter, described it as an “unimaginable event” and suggested it should be moved to a park.

🎯IMPACT: Arrests were up by 40 percent compared to last year’s first day, despite pre-emptive measures and the use of facial recognition technology.

IN FULL

London’s Metropolitan Police reported 140 arrests on the first day of the Notting Hill Carnival, held on Sunday. The arrests involved offenses such as assaults on police officers, sexual crimes, drug dealing, robbery, and weapon possession. Arrests are up 40 percent compared to the 104 arrests recorded on the first day of the previous year’s Carnival, despite preemptive arrests, the use of facial recognition technology, and other measures designed to tamp down lawlessness.

The Notting Hill Carnival, a multi-day street festival celebrating Afro-Caribbean culture since 1966, draws approximately one million visitors each year. However, it has faced growing scrutiny due to its endemic violence. Calls to relocate or cancel the event have intensified following incidents like the murders of chef Mussie Imnetu and mother Cher Maximen at last year’s Carnival.

Police data from Sunday detailed 15 arrests for assaults on officers, including one officer hospitalized, 21 for possessing offensive weapons, 25 for cannabis possession, 19 for intent to supply drugs, and four for sexual offenses. While police leaders often defend the Carnival festival, the Met’s rank and file members are known to despise it, with the police union-like Metropolitan Police Federation long calling for its cancellation.

In a proactive move, the Metropolitan Police arrested over 100 high-risk individuals before the Carnival started this year. Additionally, 21 people were recalled to prison, and 266 others were barred from attending through bail or probation orders.

The family of Cher Maximen, fatally stabbed in front of her daughter at last year’s Carnival, proposed moving the event to a park to curb violence.

Image by Adrian Scottow.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
August 21, 2025
Culture
News

DeSantis Honors Jimmy Buffett with Governor’s Medal.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) posthumously awarded five Floridians, including tropical rock legend Jimmy Buffett and former politicians, with the Governor’s Medal of Freedom.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Ron DeSantis, Jimmy Buffett, Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Bob Graham, Buddy MacKay, and John Thrasher.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Florida on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Our state is better for their contributions, and we’re proud they called Florida home. They have each earned the honor of being awarded the Governor’s Medal of Freedom.” — Ron DeSantis

🎯IMPACT: Recognition of significant contributions to Florida in politics, music, and culture.

IN FULL

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) posthumously honored five notable Floridians with the Governor’s Medal of Freedom, one of the state’s highest accolades. Among the recipients were singer-songwriter and tropical rock legend Jimmy Buffett, along with former Republican and Democratic politicians.

“I’m proud to recognize the legacies of these great Floridians,” DeSantis said, adding, “Our state is better for their contributions, and we’re proud they called Florida home. They have each earned the honor of being awarded the Governor’s Medal of Freedom.”

The honorees included Jimmy Buffett, known for his hits like “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” as well as his successful business ventures under the “Margaritaville” brand. Buffett passed away on September 1, 2023 at the age of 76, battling Merkel-cell carcinoma—a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. The governor’s office noted, “His legacy continues to influence music and culture in Florida’s coastal communities.”

Outside his impact on American music history, Buffett was known for working to raise money for the victims of hurricanes in Florida, the Gulf Coast, and the Caribbean, as well as his concerts for the United Service Organizations (USO)—a charitable group that supports members of the U.S. military. In 2022, while undergoing cancer treatment, Buffett performed for American troops stationed at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba.

Also recognized was Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R), a Cuban-American politician who strongly advocated for a free Cuba and fought against communism. Former Democratic Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham was honored for his work on education, environmental conservation, and national security. Buddy MacKay, Florida’s last Democratic governor, was acknowledged for his extensive public service, including serving as U.S. Special Envoy for the Americas. John Thrasher, a former Republican Florida House Speaker and Vietnam War veteran, was also honored.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
August 20, 2025
Culture
News

Cracker Barrel Trashed for Dull New Logo and Woke Turn.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Cracker Barrel announced a new logo, sparking backlash on social media.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Cracker Barrel, Chief Marketing Officer Sarah Moore, and CEO Julie Felss Masino.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Changes announced on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The CEO of Cracker Barrel is as woke as they come. She is destroying a once great American brand.” – Trump advisor Alex Bruesewitz

🎯IMPACT: The redesign has led to criticism and debate about the company’s direction and identity.

IN FULL

Homestyle food chain Cracker Barrel has unveiled a bland new logo, having already received backlash for a modernist remodel of its interiors. The company claimed on Wednesday that the new logo “is now rooted even more closely to the iconic barrel shape”—despite removing the man and barrel that have defined the brand since the 1970s entirely, leaving only a background shaped vaguely like a barrel with a simplified text logo embossed on it. The chain has not had a text-only logo for 48 years.

Social media users quickly reacted to the changes. Trump advisor Alex Bruesewitz criticized the CEO, former Taco Bell executive Julie Felss Masino, on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “The CEO of Cracker Barrel is as woke as they come. She is destroying a once great American brand.” Notably, the chain has celebrated Pride Month and promoted a ‘Cracker Barrel LGBT+ Alliance’ on its website since she was installed in late 2023.

Responding to the backlash against the previous remodeling of Cracker Barrel’s interiors—once homey and old-fashioned, now filled with the same plain, contemporary furniture as many other chains—Masino insisted she was keeping the Cracker Barrel brand relevant and that “People like what we’re doing,” adding: “Cracker Barrel needs to feel like the Cracker Barrel for today and for tomorrow.”

Similar modernist rebrands have been met with disdain in recent years. Most recently, once-iconic car company Jaguar embarked on a woke image change that was so poorly received that its sales crashed, and the ad agency responsible was cut loose.

Image by Leo Reynolds.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more