Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem has strongly criticized country music star Zach Bryan following the release of a preview from his upcoming song “Bad News.”
The clip, which Bryan shared on Instagram, contained lyrics referencing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the American flag; lyrics Noem described as “completely disrespectful.”
Noem made her remarks during an appearance on The Benny Johnson Show, where she addressed the controversy surrounding Bryan’s new music.
“I hope he understands how completely disrespectful that song is, not just to law enforcement but to this country,” Noem said.
The controversy began after Bryan posted a short snippet of the unreleased song online.
The preview included lyrics that appeared to criticize police and federal immigration enforcement operations.
Among the lines that drew attention were, “My friends are all degenerates, but they’re all I got, the generational story of dropping the plot.”
“I heard the cops came, Cocky motherf*ckers, ain’t they?”
Another verse made direct mention of ICE, saying, “And ICE is gonna come bust down your door, try to build a house no one builds no more, but I got a telephone, Kids are all scared and all alone.”
Bryan also included a reference to the American flag and broader cultural change, singing, “The bar stopped bumping, the rock stopped rolling, the middle finger’s rising, and it won’t stop showing. Got some bad news, the fading of the red, white, and blue.”
Noem responded to the lyrics with sharp criticism, saying she was “extremely disappointed and disheartened” by what she perceived as disrespect toward those who serve in law enforcement and the military.
“To every single individual that has ever stood up and fought for our freedoms, he just compromised it all by putting out a product such as that, that attacks individuals who are just trying to make our streets safe,” Noem said.
She continued, stating that she had never listened to Bryan’s music and now felt validated in that decision.
“So, Zach, I didn’t listen to your music. I’m happy about that today. Today that makes me very happy, that I never once gave you a single penny to enrich your lifestyle if you truly believe what that song stands for,” Noem added.
WATCH:
Bryan, who is known for his chart-topping hits and patriotic themes in previous songs, faced immediate backlash from conservative fans following the post.
Many criticized the artist for allegedly disrespecting law enforcement officers and the values symbolized by the American flag.
In response to the wave of criticism, Bryan took to social media to explain the meaning behind “Bad News.”
He said the public reaction to the snippet demonstrated how divisive narratives can quickly spread online.
“I wrote this song months ago. I posted this song three months ago as a snippet. This shows you how divisive a narrative can be when shoved down our throats through social media,” Bryan wrote.
He went on to explain that the song’s full version, once released, will provide additional context and address perspectives “from both sides of the aisle.”
“I served this country, I love this country, and the song itself is about all of us coming out of this divided space,” Bryan said.
“I wasn’t speaking as a politician or some greater-than-thou a–hole, just a 29-year-old man who is just as confused as everyone else.”
Bryan, who previously served in the U.S. Navy, has built a fanbase across political lines through his raw songwriting and emotional storytelling.
