'I wasn’t speaking as a politician': Zach Bryan clarifies meaning of ‘Bad News’ ICE song

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Zach Bryan has finally spoken out about the controversy surrounding his new song ‘Bad News’, after a viral snippet sparked outrage online.

Critics accused the country singer of targeting ICE raids in the track, prompting intense backlash across social media.

Over the weekend, Bryan shared the preview on Instagram. While some praised the raw lyrics, others called for a career shift and criticized him for getting political. Now, Bryan is setting the record straight, clarifying what the song really means and emphasizing that he wasn’t speaking as a politician.  

Zach Bryan breaks silence on 'Bad News' ICE controversy

On Tuesday, October 7, Zach Bryan took to Instagram Stories to clarify the true meaning behind his song ‘Bad News’, which sparked backlash after some claimed it was a direct critique of ICE raids. But according to the country star, that’s not what the song is about.

Starting his post with a blunt message, “pls f*****g read this,” Bryan explained that the song had been in the works for a while. “I wrote this song months ago. I posted this song three months ago as a snippet,” he said.

He went on to address how the meaning of the lyrics had been misinterpreted: “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.”

Bryan urged fans to wait for the full release before making assumptions: “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."   

Zach Bryan says, 'I'm just as confused as everyone else'

The country singer continued to address the controversy surrounding his song 'Bad News' in his Instagram Stories, offering a personal and emotional response. Emphasizing his patriotism, Bryan wrote, “I served this country, I love this country and the song itself is about all of us coming out of this divided space."

He made it clear that his intentions weren’t political: “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."

Clearly unsettled by the backlash, Bryan admitted, “To see how much s*** it stirred up makes me not only embarrassed but kind of scared. Left wing or right wing we’re all one bird and American. To be clear I’m on neither of these radical sides."

He also addressed fans on both sides of the political divide, saying, “To all those disappointed in me on either side of whatever you believe in just know I’m trying my best too and we all say things that are misconstrued sometimes. Everyone have a great day and I love each and every one of ya!!!"  

Zach Bryan speaks out on mental strain following ‘Bad News’ backlash

In a follow-up post on his Instagram Story, Zach Bryan offered a raw glimpse into how the past few months have affected him personally. Beginning the slide with the bold words “To Add,” the singer spoke candidly about the emotional toll of being in the spotlight.

“The last few months of my life I’ve been scrutinized by more people than I ever thought possible,” he wrote. “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. Been falling off a cliff while trying to grow wings at the same time.”

Despite the pressure and backlash, Bryan ended his message with a proud nod to his military service and the value of free expression: “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. Been falling off a cliff while trying to grow wings at the same time.”

Signing off with the phrase, “Godspeed, ol sons — I’m out!” 

Zach Bryan's 'Bad News' ICE song controversy explained

Zach Bryan stirred controversy with a recent Instagram post previewing his unreleased song ‘Bad News’. The raw voice-note snippet, layered with his signature rootsy guitar and drum sounds, features provocative lyrics: “I heard the cops came/Cocky m***********s, ain’t they?”

He continues, “And ICE is gonna come bust down your door/Try to build a house no one builds no more/But I got a telephone/Kids are all scared and all alone.”

In the caption, Bryan echoed the song’s somber tone, simply writing: “The fading of the red, white and blue.” 

The clip quickly went viral, drawing backlash from critics who accused him of taking aim at American values and immigration policies, particularly under the Trump-era administration. Many interpreted the lyrics as a direct criticism of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Given Bryan's known liberal stance and past tensions with law enforcement, the song's message became a lightning rod online. In response, the Department of Homeland Security clapped back on October 7, releasing a video that appeared to troll Bryan. Set to his hit song ‘Revival’, the video shows ICE agents raiding communities, detaining individuals, and escorting them into vans and detention centers — all while Bryan’s music plays in the background.