Zach Bryan, a 29-year-old country singer-songwriter from Oklahoma and U.S. Navy veteran, has gained a massive following with introspective tracks like “Something in the Orange.”
On October 5, 2025, he shared a one-minute audio snippet of an unreleased song titled “Bad News” ( “The Fading of the Red White and Blue”) on Instagram, captioned “The fading of the red, white, and blue.” This teaser has sparked intense debate, particularly due to its criticism of ICE raids during the Trump administration.
Key Lyrics from the Teaser
The snippet addresses personal and societal decline, featuring jabs at law enforcement and ICE:
Didn’t wake up, dead or in jail
Some out of town boys been given a cell I’ve got some bad news, woke up missing you
My friends are all degenerates but they’re all I got
I heard the cops came, cocky motherf***ers ain’t they?
And ICE is gonna come bust down your door
Kids are all scared and all alone
The fading of the red, white, and blue
These lyrics come amid increased ICE activity in 2025, with the Trump administration intensifying deportations, including high-profile raids in cities like Chicago. Bryan frames these actions as part of a “fading American dream,” highlighting the fear and division they create.
Many conservatives feel betrayed by Bryan’s stance. John Rich tweeted about a potential tour, referencing past backlash against The Chicks. Some social media users labeled it a “career death sentence” and criticized Bryan’s credibility due to his past.
Who's ready for the Zach Bryan-Dixie Chicks tour? Prob a huge Bud Light sponsorship for this one.https://t.co/6XrEVTsRV0
— John Rich🇺🇸 (@johnrich) October 6, 2025
Bryan’s personal controversies, including a breakup and a previous arrest, have led some to question his stance, while supporters view it as growth from his past.
This marks Bryan’s first significant political statement, potentially alienating conservative fans but strengthening his appeal with younger audiences after his record-breaking concert at Michigan Stadium in September 2025. He is teasing a new album, With Heaven On Top, set for early 2026, which may continue exploring these themes. Will it result in a Dixie Chicks-style boycott or become a cult hit like Jason Isbell’s work?
