Kristi Noem (Image by Alex Brandon-Pool

Zach Bryan shared a statement following US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s thoughts on his song, Bad News. As seen in a video posted by Benny Johnson on YouTube on October 8, Noem was asked about Bryan’s song, which the interviewer called “anti-ICE.” When asked how she would like to respond to it, Noem said:

“I heard that and listened to a little bit of it and extremely disappointed and disheartened and actually, 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 ever stood up and fought for our freedoms. He just compromised it all by putting out a product such as that.”

Speaking of Zach Bryan’s song, Kristi Noem added:

“That attacks individuals who are just trying to make our streets safe. So, Zach I didn’t listen to your music. I am happy about that today. That makes me very happy that I never once gave you a single penny to enrich your lifestyle.”

Kristi Noem said that she would rather listen to Jason Aldean, John Rich, Kid Rock, and others’ songs. She opined that these singers knew what it meant to stand up for freedom. Moreover, she mentioned that she was happy about not wasting money on Zach Bryan.

The interviewer said that when Bryan’s shows are guarded by law enforcement officials, writing against them in his song seemed disrespectful. Noem said that law enforcement never picks sides and always does their job, adding:

“They will even defend and protect people that don’t respect them or stand up for them. So, that’s who I will point to when I tell my grandkids to grow up like some.”

Zach Bryan said one would get the context of the song only when they hear the entire music

Following Kristi Noem’s comment on his song, Zach Bryan shared an Instagram story, clarifying the message his song intended to pass on. According to The New York Times, in the story, Bryan noted that he wrote that song earlier this year and posted only a part of it months ago, writing:

“This shows you how divisive a narrative can be when shoved down our throats through social media. This song is about how much I love this country and everyone in it more than anything.”

Zach Bryan continued:

“When you hear the rest of the song, you will understand the full context that hits on both sides of the aisle. Everyone using this now as a weapon is only proving how devastatingly divided we all are. We need to find our way back.”

According to NBC News, the Department of Homeland Security posted a video of the ICE doing their duties with Zach Bryan’s song as the background music. The song’s lyrics discussed police showing up and immigration officers breaking down doors. He also sang about people being angry, raising their middle fingers, and feeling sad that the pride in the country’s flag was fading.