No, Zac Brown, Your UFC Anthem Wasn’t ‘Patriotic’
Rolling Stone • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Zac Brown performed the national anthem and emphasized patriotism over politics at a UFC event held on the White House South Lawn during Donald Trump's birthday celebration.
- Brown defended his participation amid criticism, stating his love for the country and rejection of division, despite the event featuring controversial and unpatriotic remarks from a fighter.
- The article highlights a recurring pattern among country artists using "patriotism" to mask politically divisive actions or messages, citing examples like Jason Aldean and Toby Keith.
- Veteran Michael Trotter Jr. condemned the event's use of patriotism to justify disrespectful comments, urging artists to genuinely understand and support veterans beyond symbolic gestures.
- Trotter advocates for country musicians to engage more meaningfully with veterans' needs, including political advocacy, rather than merely donating money or making performative statements.
