“He Calls It Art, I Call It an Insult.” – Kristi Noem’s FURIOUS Response to Zach Bryan’s Controversial Anti-ICE Song IGNITES a Political Firestorm That’s Shaking Country Music and Dividing Fans Across America

What started as a simple country ballad has turned into a full-blown cultural clash. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem slammed singer-songwriter Zach Bryan after his latest song appeared to criticize ICE raids, calling it “disrespectful” and “tone-deaf to the people who keep this country safe.” Within hours, Bryan fired back online, defending his right to speak his truth and accusing politicians of twisting art into politics. The feud has left Nashville buzzing, with fans torn between supporting Bryan’s bold storytelling and standing by Noem’s call for respect toward law enforcement.

Now the question looms: has Zach Bryan crossed a line—or is he challenging a system afraid of uncomfortable truth? The controversy is far from cooling down—read the full breakdown of Noem’s stunning remarks and Bryan’s sharp response before the next round of backlash hits.

Kristi Noem is now taking direct aim at Zach Bryan over his new song criticizing ICE raids … calling the track “disrespectful” to the United States.

The Homeland Security Secretary told conservative podcaster Benny Johnson she’s listened to the snippet of Bryan’s song — where he sings ICE has plans to “bust down your door” — saying … “I hope he understands how completely disrespectful that song is, not just to law enforcement but to this country.”

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She goes on to say … “To every single individual that has 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 makes it clear she’s never listened to Zach’s music — saying she’s glad she’s never given him “a single penny.”

She takes a swipe at him … saying she now plans to download songs from country stars Jason AldeanJohn RichJon Pardi and Kid Rock — because those guys “know what it means to stand up to freedom.

FIRING BACK

As we’ve reported … DHS hasn’t been pulling punches over Zach’s new tune — trolling him by using his hit “Revivial” in a recruitment video, and a spokesperson for the agency telling TMZ he should stick to “Pink Skies,” another one of his famous songs.

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Bryan is well aware of the backlash … taking to Instagram Tuesday night to clarify the song is about how much he loves the U.S.A. He tells fans, “When you hear the rest of the song, you will understand the full context that hits on both sides of the aisle.”

Zach adds … “Everyone using this now as a weapon is only proving how devastatingly divided we all are. We need to find our way back.”