**Zach Bryan Addresses Controversy Over New Song "Bad News"** Country music artist Zach Bryan has responded to backlash regarding his upcoming song "Bad News," which features lyrics critical of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The song has drawn attention for its commentary on immigration policies and the current political climate. In a post on Instagram, Bryan expressed his disappointment over the polarized reactions to the song, which has not yet been fully released. He stated, "I served this country, I love this country 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------, just a 29-year-old man who is just as confused as everyone else." The controversy began after Bryan shared a snippet of the song online, which includes the lines, "ICE is gonna come bust down your door / Try and build a house no one builds no more / But I got a telephone / Kids are all scared and all alone." These lyrics have sparked a range of reactions, particularly amid ongoing discussions about ICE's role in immigration enforcement. Federal officials have also weighed in on the song. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin suggested Bryan should "stick to 'Pink Skies,' dude," referring to one of his previous hits. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem criticized the song, stating, "I hope Zach Bryan 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." Bryan defended his work, stating that he wrote "Bad News" months ago and that it reflects his love for the country. He emphasized the need for context, saying, "When you hear the rest of the song, you will understand the full context that hits on both sides of the aisle." He added, "Everyone using this now as a weapon is only proving how devastatingly divided we all are. We need to find our way back." The song's lyrics have resonated with some listeners while drawing criticism from others who feel it promotes violence. One commenter on social media expressed disappointment, stating, "I’m disappointed in him to hear that he’s promoting a song that will amplify the violence in this country." Bryan, who served in the U.S. Navy, acknowledged the scrutiny he has faced in recent months. He stated, "The last few months of my life I’ve been scrutinized by more people than I ever thought possible. I feel like I’ve tried my hardest in so many ways and it’s so hard to see where my bearings even are anymore." As the debate continues, Bryan remains committed to his message. He concluded his statement by saying, "Left wing or right wing we’re all one bird and American. To be clear I’m on neither of these radical sides. To all those disappointed in me on either side of whatever you believe just know I’m trying my best too and we all say things that are misconstrued sometimes." Bryan's song "Bad News" is set to be released soon, and he hopes listeners will understand his intentions once they hear the complete track.
Zach Bryan Responds to Backlash Over "Bad News" Lyrics

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