Songwriter Jon Kahn has built a career spanning film, television, and collaborations with well-known artists, but some of his most visible work has centered on patriotic themes and American politics. After the success of his Trump-inspired anthem Fighter, Kahn is now turning his attention to a different milestone: America’s 250th birthday.
Kahn, whose previous work has included collaborations with members of Creed, Foo Fighters, and The Wallflowers, saw Fighter reach No. 1 on Billboard’s Digital Song Sales chart. The song was embraced by President Donald Trump, who shared it on social media and featured it throughout the closing months of his presidential campaign. It was played at campaign rallies across the country, including the event at Madison Square Garden and the Election Night headquarters celebration. Kahn also performed the song live during a campaign rally in Arizona.
With the nation’s semiquincentennial approaching, Kahn wanted to create something that focused less on politics and more on the people who have shaped the country over the past two and a half centuries. To bring that vision to life, he contacted longtime collaborator Michael Farren, an accomplished Nashville songwriter whose résumé includes Grammy nominations and two Dove Awards.
According to Kahn, the idea behind the project was to celebrate the generations of Americans who built the country and continue contributing to it today. Farren immediately signed on, sharing Kahn’s enthusiasm for creating a song that reflected the significance of the anniversary.
The result is The United Saints of America, a song the writers intended to carry more emotional weight than a typical patriotic anthem. Rather than simply referencing historical events or national symbols, they aimed to focus on the people whose work, sacrifice, and perseverance have defined the American experience across generations.
Farren described that perspective in an Instagram post, explaining that while the lyrics of America the Beautiful have always moved him, he believes the nation’s greatest strength extends beyond its landscapes.
“I think about the epic lines in America the Beautiful, and I get teary-eyed every single time,” Farren wrote. “But pressing in a little further, you realize that the beauty of our nation’s landscape pales in comparison to what truly makes it great…the people.”
Kahn echoed that sentiment while acknowledging the political divisions that often surround national celebrations.
“Even those people with whom we disagree,” Kahn said. “It saddens me to see people trying to undermine America 250. But it also makes me proud in a very interesting way because there is no other country that gives their citizens the rights we enjoy every day, and yet some take for granted.”
He added that he believes Americans will ultimately embrace the anniversary despite criticism from some quarters.
