John Rich Turns TVA Battle into Protest Song as Trump Steps In

Country music star John Rich has taken his personal fight against the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and transformed it into a protest anthem, drawing national attention and support from former President Donald Trump.

The 51-year-old singer revealed to Fox News Digital that his struggle with the TVA inspired his new single, “The Devil & the TVA.” Rich explained that the TVA, created in the 1930s under Franklin D. Roosevelt, reports only to the president, leaving Congress, governors, and even local communities powerless.

According to Rich, the TVA has a history of moving into communities, seizing land under eminent domain, and erecting massive infrastructure projects regardless of local objections. Recently, this conflict reached Rich’s own Cheatham County, Tennessee.

Rich alleged that TVA representatives informed homeowners they would enter private property whether owners consented or not — a move he believes violates constitutional rights. His decision to get involved came after he saw footage of an 88-year-old woman in his county being confronted in such a manner.

TVA’s Defense

The TVA, a federally owned utility responsible for energy, flood control, and economic development, defended its actions. In a statement last fall, TVA explained it had filed condemnation proceedings to access properties for potential transmission line surveys. Federal judges, TVA said, had granted “Orders of Possession,” authorizing entry regardless of local objections.

However, in July the utility announced Cheatham County was no longer its preferred site for a proposed natural gas power plant, marking a major shift in its plans.

Trump Administration’s Role

Rich credits the Trump administration for intervening at a critical moment. He recalled speaking with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who was alarmed when she learned TVA planned to consume 6,000 acres of farmland for the project. Rollins quickly pushed back, helping to halt the plan.

“That move saved nearly 500 homes, five school districts, and even the main water source for two towns,” Rich said. He likened the original project — which included a methane gas plant and massive lithium battery storage — to dropping a “bomb” on his county.

Rollins became aware of the issue after Rich posted resident interviews on his YouTube channel, which gained traction and eventually drew the attention of Trump himself.

Celebrations and Renewed Hope

For local residents, the reversal felt like an impossible victory. Rich said many families had lost hope after years of TVA lawsuits, with more than 100 households facing legal battles. In Cheatham County, a largely low-income community, many could not afford attorneys.

“They were convinced no one could ever beat the TVA,” Rich said. “Now they’re planning a parade to celebrate.”

The singer emphasized that his new single is about “people power,” underscoring the ability of ordinary citizens to stand against large institutions. “Low- and middle-income people should know you can fight a multibillion-dollar entity and win,” he added.

Praise for Trump’s Engagement

Rich was outspoken in his praise for Trump’s leadership style, noting the administration’s willingness to listen to grassroots concerns. He described direct conversations with Trump about the TVA battle, including text exchanges where the former president asked for updates.

Trump responded by removing TVA board members and promising broader reforms to ensure the agency respects property rights.

Rich highlighted Trump’s approach of holding open Cabinet meetings and demanding accountability from his officials. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” Rich said. “They know they have a short window to make change, and they act like patriots.”

Looking Ahead

For Rich, the fight is about more than one county in Tennessee — it’s about the balance of power between citizens and federal institutions. While he acknowledges the importance of building energy infrastructure, he insists it must be done without trampling the rights of ordinary Americans.

As his protest song gains momentum, Rich hopes the story of Cheatham County will serve as proof that persistence, public attention, and political engagement can still turn the tide against entrenched power.