The songwriter behind the popular country song "Rich Men North of Richmond" has come forward to clarify that the song is not a conservative anthem, despite its use in the first Republican presidential primary debate. Oliver Anthony, the breakout country singer, stated in a YouTube video that the song was actually written about the GOP presidential hopefuls themselves. Anthony expressed his frustration with both conservative and liberal factions trying to align him with their own political beliefs. The song, which laments the struggles of working-class Americans, has been championed by Republicans as a critique of President Joe Biden's policies. However, Anthony emphasized that the song is not about Biden and is "a lot bigger" than any one individual. He expressed disappointment that his song has been "weaponized" and called for an end to the attempts to categorize him politically. Despite the controversy, "Rich Men North of Richmond" continues to top the charts and gain widespread popularity, signaling a growing interest in conservative-oriented entertainment.