Nothing to be afraid of.
That’s been the message from John Rich the past couple of days after it was announced that Carrie Underwood would be performing at incoming President Donald Trump’s inauguration next Monday.
Carrie received plenty of criticism from the left after it was revealed that she would be singing “America the Beautiful” during the swearing-in of the 47th President of the United States. She’s always stayed out of politics for the most part (and has never even publicly announced who she supported or voted for in the 2024 election), although there have been signs in the past that she leans right.
So of course some people weren’t happy that Carrie was choosing to perform at the inauguration, even vowing to boycott American Idol and demanding the show remove her as a judge.
But John Rich wants to see more artists follow in her footsteps.
One half of Big & Rich, it’s not really any secret which way John leans politically. Along with Hank Williams Jr., Jason Aldean, Travis Tritt, Kid Rock, Brian Kelley (formerly of Florida Georgia Line) and Lee Greenwood, he’s one of the few outspoken conservatives in country music, and one of the few who hasn’t been afraid to publicly support President Donald Trump.
Compare that to the list of country artists who publicly support Democrats, artists like Willie Nelson, Tim McGraw, Garth Brooks, Jason Isbell, Tyler Childers, Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, Brothers Osborne, Brad Paisley, Tyler Hubbard (the other half of Florida Georgia Line), The Chicks, Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland…it’s pretty clear the stereotype of country music being full of chest-thumping Trump supporters doesn’t really hold up, at least not publicly.
And John Rich is ready for Trump supporters to start speaking up like the Democrats in country music do.
In a post on Twitter earlier this week, Rich called out “top tier country artists” who support Trump behind the scenes but are afraid to speak out publicly:
“There are several top tier country artists who support Trump, and I wish they’d finally have the balls to come forward and be counted. Ain’t nothing outlaw about keeping your mouth shut to appease the record label. Carrie Underwood is making you look like a bunch of sissy boys.”
There are several top tier country artists who support Trump, and I wish they’d finally have the balls to come forward and be counted. Ain’t nothing outlaw about keeping your mouth shut to appease the record label. Carrie Underwood is making you look like a bunch of sissy boys🤣
— John Rich🇺🇸 (@johnrich) January 13, 2025
And yesterday, he posted a video doubling down, praising artists like Garth Brooks, who performed at President Joe Biden’s inauguration, and Brad Paisley, who appeared with First Lady Jill Biden in Nashville for an event pushing the COVID vaccine, for at least standing by their convictions, even if Rich doesn’t agree with them:
Hey, big time Conservative country artists…it’s time to grow a pair. Volume UP👇 @BradPaisley @garthbrooks pic.twitter.com/UMizZwSM9v
— John Rich🇺🇸 (@johnrich) January 15, 2025
Preach it.
Well Rich has found support from one of his fellow country artists, with Travis Tritt joining his call to other artists to speak out and publicly support Trump:
“I’m so glad to hear someone finally talk about this! If you are a Trump supporter in our industry, you have nothing to fear but fear itself. Don’t be afraid to speak up for what you believe in.”
I’m so glad to hear someone finally talk about this! If you are a Trump supporter in our industry, you have nothing to fear but fear itself. Don’t be afraid to speak up for what you believe in. 🇺🇸 https://t.co/xKiAUocCQy
— Travis Tritt (@TravisTritt) January 16, 2025
Yesterday, it was announced that Parker McCollum would be performing at Trump’s inaugural ball, along with Rascal Flatts, so it seems like there are a few artists who aren’t afraid to stand by their political beliefs.
As for the others, what are they worried about? Their label dropping them? If they’re making money for their label, pretty sure nobody is going to care. It’s all about the dollar anyway.
Their fans leaving? As Rich pointed out, I’m pretty sure Aldean didn’t lose any fans when he started speaking out – and in fact, he probably gained quite a few.
Now that some newer artists like Parker, as well as established stars like Carrie Underwood, aren’t afraid to publicly support Trump, maybe some more will finally come forward.
Seems like John Rich and Travis Tritt would welcome them with open arms.