The Department of Homeland Security trolled country singer Zach Bryan by using his song ‘Revival’ in a social media recruitment video for ICE, shortly after Bryan shared a critical track about the agency. This incident underscores the growing entanglement of entertainment and politics in a deeply divided America.
On October 7, 2025, the DHS posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) featuring footage of ICE and Border Patrol agents engaging in arrests and confrontations with protesters. The clip was set to Bryan’s 2020 hit ‘Revival,’ with the caption ‘We’re Having An All Night Revival’—a direct nod to the song’s lyrics. This provocative move came less than 24 hours after Bryan had shared a snippet of his unreleased song ‘Bad News’ on Instagram, which included lines like ‘ICE is gonna come bust down your door’ and lamented ‘the fading of the red, white, and blue,’ sparking immediate controversy.
Bryan’s ‘Bad News’ quickly attracted attention from media outlets and political figures, with right-wing voices condemning the song and the White House issuing a statement asserting that most Americans support President Trump’s policies. The backlash placed the singer, a U.S. Navy veteran, at the center of a heated debate, leading him to address the situation on his Instagram Stories. He clarified that the song was written months earlier and intended to express his love for the country, not to align with any political extreme.
In his response, Bryan expressed dismay at how the narrative had been twisted, stating, ‘Left wing or right wing we’re all one bird and American,’ and emphasized that he is not on any ‘radical sides.’ He described feeling ’embarrassed’ and ‘scared’ by the divisiveness, noting that he has ‘been scrutinized by more people than I ever thought possible’ in recent months. Despite the criticism, he reaffirmed his patriotism, highlighting his pride in serving a country where free speech is protected.
The DHS escalated the conflict by using Bryan’s music without permission, a tactic that drew criticism for its trolling nature. Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs for DHS, commented to TMZ, suggesting Bryan should ‘stick to ‘Pink Skies,” a reference to his less political song about family values. This remark highlighted the agency’s strategy to counter criticism through public messaging, leveraging pop culture to make political points and engage in what many perceived as a deliberate provocation.
This incident is not isolated; DHS has faced similar objections in the past. Comedian Theo Von and the Pokémon Company previously called out the agency for using their content in promotional videos without authorization, leading to removals after public complaints. These cases reflect a broader pattern of government entities employing provocative tactics in recruitment and publicity, raising questions about ethics, copyright, and the appropriate use of cultural symbols in official communications.
The exchange between Bryan and DHS illustrates the deep political divisions in contemporary society, where artists are increasingly drawn into partisan conflicts. It sparks discussions about free speech, the role of government in engaging with public figures, and the potential consequences for public trust. Moving forward, this event may prompt agencies to reconsider their messaging strategies and could influence how artists navigate political expression in an increasingly polarized environment.