DeSantis and Trump defend Jason Aldean after song derides crime, riots, anti-police sentiment

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump took to country singer Jason Aldean’s defense amid backlash over the star’s latest song “Try That In A Small Town” received backlash over its lyrics and music video scenes.

The song’s first few lines of lyrics read, “Sucker punch somebody on a sidewalk / Carjack an old lady at a red light / Pull a gun on the owner of a liquor store / Ya think it’s cool, well, act a fool if ya like / Cuss out a cop, spit in his face / Stomp on the flag and light it up / Yeah, ya think you’re tough / Well, try that in a small town / See how far ya make it down the road.”

USA TODAY claimed that “many perceived [Aldean’s song and music video] as being in favor of gun violence and lynching.”

Aldean soon posted a Twitter post clarifying and responding to notion’s that the song has anything to do with race and racial politics.

“These references [criticisms] are not only meritless, but dangerous,” he said. “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.”

“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,” Aldean continued. “Because they were our neighbors, and that was above any differences.”

DeSantis responded directly to Aldean’s Twitter post, saying, “When the media attacks you, you’re doing something right.”

“@Jason_Aldean has nothing to apologize for,” the governor said.

Trump posted his praise of Aldean on Truth Social, where he called the country star a “fantastic guy who just came out with a great new song.”

“Support Jason all the way. MAGA!!!”