Country Music Star Zach Bryan Turns Political With Anti-ICE Ballad

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Zach Bryan has quickly become a major country music star. He’s gained a huge following by combining Americana sounds with honest, personal songwriting – often focusing on love and life – and deliberately avoiding political topics.

Things might be shifting, as the 29-year-old has recently spoken out about current events, expressing concern over the decline of the American dream and criticizing ICE raids across the country. These raids are part of President Trump’s efforts to increase deportations.

In his song “Bad News,” released on Instagram on October 3rd, the artist sings about the fear of ICE raids – imagining them as someone ‘bust[ing] down your door.’ He describes a sense of isolation, singing, ‘Kids are all scared and all alone.’ The lyrics also touch on the idea of creating something lasting in a difficult environment – ‘Try to build a house no one builds no more.’

Bryan has generally avoided getting involved in politics and has dismissed the idea that his music carries a political message. However, many fans believe he holds conservative views, likely because mainstream country music is often associated with right-leaning politics, though artists like Maren Morris, Tim McGraw, and Kacey Musgraves are exceptions. Bryan publicly expressed support for Trump after the attack on his life last year and has been photographed with him.

A post shared by Zach Bryan (@zachlanebryan)

Okay, let me tell you about this artist, Bryan. He’s a Navy vet, born overseas on a base in Japan, and a huge fan of Bruce Springsteen – seriously, he calls Springsteen one of the greatest people ever. And the admiration goes both ways! Last year, Springsteen unexpectedly showed up at a few of Bryan’s concerts, which was amazing for the audience. He even contributed to Bryan’s newest album, *The Great American Bar Scene*, released this year. It’s a really interesting pairing, and speaks volumes about both artists.

Bryan’s latest song seems influenced by Bruce Springsteen, the famous singer known for powerful songs like “Born in the U.S.A.” and “My Hometown,” and feels like a tribute to him.

Bryan sings about a halt to conflict and unrest – ‘The Boss stopped bumping, the rock stopped rolling.’ He also describes persistent defiance – ‘middle fingers rising and it won’t stop showing’ – and acknowledges receiving difficult news, coupled with a sense of decline symbolized by ‘the fading of the Red, White and Blue.’

Springsteen has made headlines more recently for his public criticism of President Trump.

In a recent interview with TIME, Springsteen said many people were deceived by his falsehoods. He added that this person only cares about himself and the very wealthy individuals who supported him when he took office.

Bryan’s new song is already causing a stir among his fans. The short preview quickly became popular on X, with many people sharing their thoughts and reactions.

Country singer John Rich, who has 1.4 million followers on X (formerly Twitter), joked about a potential tour featuring Zach Bryan and the Chicks. He speculated it would likely be sponsored by Bud Light, referencing both the Chicks’ history of speaking out on controversial issues – including a name change to distance themselves from Confederate imagery and criticism of former President George W. Bush – and the recent boycott of Bud Light after a partnership with a transgender influencer.

“This is how you loose [sic] the majority of your fan base,” said another woman. 

Someone else commented that he seems to have forgotten the fans who support and enjoy his music, and now he’s just a fading star.

Bryan might have gained some new supporters. Michelle Kinney, who leads the liberal political group The Seneca Project, complimented the song and encouraged other artists to demonstrate similar “moral and artistic courage.”

“MORE OF THIS!!!” Kinney said on X.

During his second term, President Trump has significantly increased immigration enforcement raids nationwide, with the goal of deporting more people than any previous administration. Recent reports describe a particularly intense raid in South Shore, Chicago, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents entered an apartment building like a military operation. Witnesses say children were taken from their homes in the middle of the night, restrained with zip ties, and transported away in vans.

Just days after playing a record-breaking concert with over 112,000 fans at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Bryan shared a preview of his new song.

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2025-10-06 22:06