Natalie Maines is back in familiar territory: political controversy.
More than 20 years after the Dixie Chicks fallout that rocked country music, Maines is once again making headlines after posting a fiery message aimed at President Donald Trump on social media.
This time, she used just two brutally direct words that instantly grabbed attention.
On Monday (May 18), Maines shared a heated Instagram post accusing Trump of damaging democracy and criticizing the use of taxpayer money connected to January 6 defendants.
Read More: The Most Politically Outspoken Country Singers
“Our democracy is disappearing right before our eyes,” Maines wrote before later referring to Trump with a censored insult, calling him a “fugly s—,” while also referencing the Epstein files in a hashtag.
The post included a carousel featuring a close-up image of Trump followed by photos from the January 6 Capitol riot.
Maines also suggested Instagram had already removed a previous version of the post, writing, “We’ll see how long this one lasts.”
Shades of the Dixie Chicks Controversy
For longtime country fans, the moment immediately brought back memories of one of the most controversial periods in country music history.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
In 2003, Maines ignited massive backlash after criticizing President George W. Bush during a London concert shortly before the Iraq War.
The fallout was swift and intense. Country radio stations pulled the Dixie Chicks from playlists, fans publicly destroyed CDs and the group became one of the biggest political lightning rods in entertainment.
From Dixie Chicks to The Chicks
Despite the backlash, the group eventually rebuilt its audience and remained outspoken politically over the years.
In 2020, the band officially changed its name from the Dixie Chicks to The Chicks.
And if Maines’ latest post proves anything, it’s that she still has no problem stepping directly into politically charged conversations.
8 Canceled Country Celebrities + What They Did To Earn It
There are certain things you never say and certainly things you never do in country music. Honestly, most of what got these eight celebrities canceled in country would get you scrubbed in other forms of entertainment as well, but not all of them (see No. 4 and No. 7).
This list is here to report history, not to offer an opinion on if justice was served. Five of the eight stars bounced back, and one even worked his way into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Time heals most wounds, it seems.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes
