- Country star Zach Bryan has released a teaser for a new song, “Bad News,” which appears to criticize U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- The clip went viral on social media, earning praise from critics of the Trump administration but also drawing sharp criticism from conservatives.
- Fellow country artist John Rich publicly condemned the song, suggesting Bryan was alienating his fanbase.
- The controversy arises despite Bryan, a Navy veteran, previously stating he is a libertarian who avoids mixing politics with his music.
Country Star Courts Controversy
Zach Bryan, the chart-topping singer-songwriter known for hits like “Something In The Orange,” has ignited a fierce debate after posting a one-minute teaser of his unreleased song, “Bad News.” The clip, which quickly amassed millions of views on TikTok, features lyrics that take a direct shot at Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“Bad News” Lyrics Raise Eyebrows
In the preview, Bryan sings about ICE agents who are “gonna come bust down your door,” leaving “kids are scared and all alone.” The U.S. Navy veteran continues by painting a bleak picture of the nation, referencing “the fading of the red, white and blue” as the titular “bad news.” The song’s seemingly liberal stance is a surprising turn for a mainstream country artist, a genre often associated with conservative values.
A Divided Reaction
The teaser has been widely praised by fans who support his apparent criticism of ICE’s tactics. However, it has also drawn significant backlash. John Rich of the duo Big and Rich was among the first to lash out, tweeting:
“Who’s ready for the Zach Bryan-Dixie Chicks tour? Prob a huge Bud Light sponsorship for this one.”
Rich’s comment references past boycotts and controversies faced by The Chicks (formerly Dixie Chicks) and Bud Light for their perceived liberal stances.
Despite the song’s charged content, Bryan has previously distanced himself from politics, even stating in a deleted post on X, “The more a person includes politics into their life anywhere besides a ballot the more I figure they don’t have anything more interesting to do or say.” A release date for the full version of “Bad News” has not yet been announced.
