Conservatives are lining up behind country music star Jason Aldean amid the backlash against his latest hit song Try That In A Small Town. Critics are calling Aldean’s song “racist” and “pro-lynching.”
Aldean called the comments “meritless” and “dangerous” in a Twitter post:
In the past 24 hours I have been accused of releasing a pro-lynching song (a song that has been out since May) and was subject to the comparison that I (direct quote) was not too pleased with the nationwide BLM protests. These references are not only meritless, but dangerous. There is not a single lyric in the song that references race or points to it- and there isn’t a single video clip that isn’t real news footage -and while I can try and respect others to have their own interpretation of a song with music- this one goes too far.
As so many pointed out, I was present at Route 91-where so many lost their lives- and our community recently suffered another heartbreaking tragedy. NO ONE, including me, wants to continue to see senseless headlines or families ripped apart.
Try That In A Small Town, for me, refers to the feeling of a community that I had growing up, where we took care of our neighbors, regardless of differences of background or belief. Because they were our neighbors, and that was above any differences. My political views have never been something I’ve hidden from, and I know that a lot of us in this Country don’t agree on how we get back to a sense of normalcy where we go at least a day without a headline that keeps us up at night. But the desire for it to- that’s what this song is about.
In the past 24 hours I have been accused of releasing a pro-lynching song (a song that has been out since May) and was subject to the comparison that I (direct quote) was not too pleased with the nationwide BLM protests. These references are not only meritless, but dangerous.…
— Jason Aldean (@Jason_Aldean) July 18, 2023
GOP leaders backed Aldean in social media posts.
“When the media attacks you, you’re doing something right,” the Florida governor wrote on Twitter. “@Jason_Aldean has nothing to apologize for,” Florida Governor and 2024 GOP presidential candidate Ron DeSantis tweeted.
When the media attacks you, you’re doing something right. @Jason_Aldean has nothing to apologize for. https://t.co/oEhCFS4CGM
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) July 19, 2023
Former President and 2024 GOP frontrunner Donald Trump shared his support for Aldean on TRUTH.
“Jason Aldean is a fantastic guy who just came out with a great new song. Support Jason all the way. MAGA!!!”
— Jason Miller (@JasonMillerinDC) July 20, 2023