Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has made a surprise announcement about the fate of the aircrew involved in a stunt at Kid Rock’s home.
The MAGA rocker, a close friend of President Donald Trump, posted videos on Saturday showing two AH-64 Apache helicopters performing maneuvers near his residence in the Nashville suburb of Whites Creek.
“This is a level of respect that s--t for brains Governor of California will never know,” Kid Rock wrote on X, referencing California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a vocal Trump foe.
Attached was a video of the 55-year-old saluting the helicopters. “God Bless America and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend her,” he added.
Military helicopters were also seen flying above the “No Kings” protests in downtown Nashville, which some attendees said felt like intimidation, according to the New York Times.
Officials said the aircraft were in the area for training and that their appearance above the protests was “entirely coincidental.” It is unclear why they were in the area or near the musician’s home.
In response, the Army opened an investigation into the incident, with Maj. Jonathon Bless, a public affairs officer for the Fort Campbell-headquartered 101st Airborne Division, telling NewsChannel5, “Fort Campbell leadership is aware of a video circulating on social media depicting AH-64 Apache helicopters operating in the vicinity of a private residence associated with Mr. Robert Ritchie (also known as ‘Kid Rock’).”
“The command has initiated an investigation to review the circumstances surrounding this activity,” he continued, adding that the 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell “maintain strict standards for aviation safety, professionalism, and adherence to established flight regulations.”
“We take all concerns regarding aircraft operations and their impact on the surrounding community seriously,” Bless said.
A military spokesperson told the Daily Beast on Monday that “appropriate action will be taken if any violations are found.”
Hegseth has torn up that formal process.
On Tuesday, NBC News reported that the crew of the two helicopters involved in the stunt had been suspended, citing an unnamed U.S. official as its source.
Hours later, the decision was overturned by a post from the defense secretary. “Thank you @KidRock,” Hegseth wrote on X on Tuesday in response to the post, revealing that the suspensions would be reversed. “@USArmy pilots suspension LIFTED. No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots.”
The Daily Beast has contacted the Pentagon for comment.
Kid Rock has become a close ally of the president, making a name for himself in MAGA circles after endorsing Trump’s executive order designed to help curb ticket scalping and performing at the disastrous Turning Point USA alternative Super Bowl halftime show in February.
Speaking to Fox News’ Laura Ingraham at the time, Kid Rock accidentally revealed that the performance was prerecorded.
“It was very difficult for the Turning Point production crew... I even told them when I saw the rough cut, ‘You guys gotta work on that sync, it’s off,’” he told Ingraham, seemingly admitting that a rough cut of what was allegedly a live performance somehow existed.
The performer lives in a 27,000-square-foot White House replica in Nashville that he has dubbed the “Southern White House.” Among other features, it reportedly boasts a golden urinal and matching shower.
