Following the US Army’s decision to suspend the Apache helicopter crew involved in the flyover at Kid Rock’s Tennessee residence, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reversed the punishment.
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Over the weekend, Kid Rock took to social media with a video of him standing next to a miniature Statue of Liberty as the helicopters flew by his home, which he has dubbed the “Southern White House.”
“This is a level of respect that s— for brains Governor of California will never know,” the rocker wrote in the post. “God Bless America and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend her.”
Shortly after the post went viral, Maj, Jonathon Bless, 101st Airborne Division Public Affairs Officer, confirmed that the US Army was investigating the incident.
“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’),” Bless stated. “The command has initiated an investigation to review the circumstances surrounding this activity.”
Army spokesman Maj. Montrell Russell also stated, “This incident is now under an Army Regulation 15-6 administrative investigation. The personnel involved have been suspended from flight duties while the Army reviews the circumstances surrounding the mission, including compliance with relevant FAA regulations, aviation safety protocol, and approval requirements.”
“The Army takes any allegations of unauthorized or unsafe flight operations very seriously,” Russell pointed out. “And is committed to enforcing standards and holding personnel accountable.”
Defense Secretary Dismisses the Army Investigation
In a post on X, Hegseth announced the reversal of the punishment by resharing Kid Rock’s video.
“Thank you [Kid Rock],” Hegseth wrote. “[The US Army] pilots suspension LIFTED. No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots.”
Along with Hegseth, President Trump also spoke about the incident.
“Well, they probably shouldn’t have been doing it,” he said while speaking to reporters. “Yes, you’re not supposed to be playing games, right?”
The world leader then noted, “But I take a look at it. They like Kid Rock. I like Kid Rock. Maybe they were trying to defend him. I don’t know.”
Kid Rock mentioned his close friendship with Trump while discussing the flyover.
“I think they’re going to be alright,” he said about the helicopter crew. “My buddy is the commander-in-chief.”