Former President Donald Trump threw his support behind country star Jason Aldean after he received backlash for his recent music video, according to The Hill. The music video was filmed in front of the Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee. It was a hallmark of the tragic lynching of an 18-year-old black teenager in 1927 and also the Columbia race riot in 1946.
But Aldean made it clear that the song, “Try That in a Small Town,” does not mention or reference race one time. He called the attacks meritless and dangerous, suggesting that it only furthers division. He tweeted that the song instead talks about being part of a community and helping one another despite any differences in background or belief that they may have. But he notes that he has never shied away from his political views.
Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social to defend Aldean, calling the star a “fantastic guy.” He encouraged his supporters to also back Aldean.
Although Aldean clarified what the song was about, Country Music Television pulled the music video from its network. A spokesperson confirmed that to The Hill but did not offer a reason as to why.
Aldean, who has over 3 million followers on Twitter, was also defended by Republican politicians. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said that the country star has nothing to apologize. He said that when the media attacks you, you are doing something right. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem expressed her shock that people are making the effort to cancel a song.
Noem thanked him for “writing a song that America can get behind” and went on to say that Aldean and his wife are outspoken about their beliefs and support law and order. She then invited Aldean to play in South Dakota on the governor’s front lawn.
