Staind singer Aaron Lewis said in a podcast interview that he believes American society is being weakened by declining shared values, reduced religious influence and the erosion of merit-based principles. His comments matter because they form part of his public political and cultural critique, released alongside promotion for his latest solo country album.

Lewis argued that the United States was founded on Biblical morals and said restoring those standards would strengthen the country. He also criticised smartphones and social media, describing them as drivers of instant gratification, addiction, poor mental health and misleading online identities; his sixth solo album, *Give My Country Back*, was released on 17 July through Big Machine Label Group.