Grammy-Winning Veteran Addresses Criticism From DHS Over Song That Slams ICE

Grammy-winner singer Zach Bryan addressed criticism from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) head over his latest song, "Bad News," which slams Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Bryan, who is also a veteran who served in the U.S. Navy, lamented the criticism, saying he "served the country" and loves the U.S., and the "song itself is about all of us coming out of this divided space."

"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," he added. "To see how much s--t it stirred up makes me not only embarrassed but kind of scared."

The statement took place after DHS Secretary Kristi Noem condemned the country singer for the song, which includes lyrics that say ""The middle fingers rising and it won't stop showing / I got some bad news / The fading of the red, white, and blue."

Speaking on conservative podcaster Benny Johnson's show, Noem addressed the track, calling it "completely disrespectful." She also accused Bryan of attacking law enforcement officers "who are just trying to make our streets safe."

"I hope he understands how completely disrespectful that song is, not just to law enforcement but to this country, to every single individual that has stood up and fought for our freedoms," Noem said. "He just compromised it all by putting out a product such as that."

She added that she has "never given [Bryan] a single penny" and now plans to support artists such as Jason Aldean, John Rich, Kid Rock, and Jon Pardi, "who know what it means to stand up for freedom."

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also posted a video on Wednesday featuring Bryan's 2020 hit "Revival" over footage of ICE and Border Patrol agents confronting protesters. The clip, captioned "We're Having an All Night Revival," appeared shortly after Bryan shared a snippet of "Bad News," where he sings, "And ICE is gonna come bust down your door / Try to build a house no one builds no more."