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Helicopter crews briefly suspended then cleared
The pilots of two US Army Apache helicopters that flew over musician Kid Rock's Tennessee residence on Saturday were temporarily removed from duty on Tuesday, only to be reinstated hours later by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Hegseth announced the reversal on social media, writing, "No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots."
Incident draws scrutiny over flight rules
Kid Rock, a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, shared a video of himself saluting the AH-64 Apaches as they hovered above his pool. The footage sparked questions about whether the flight violated military regulations.
The Army initially stated the crews would be taken off duty while officials reviewed compliance with federal flying rules. Hegseth intervened shortly afterward, halting the inquiry.
Kid Rock defends helicopter flyovers
In an interview with Nashville's WKRN-TV on Monday, the musician-whose real name is Robert Ritchie-said helicopters from nearby Fort Campbell frequently fly near his property.
"I think they know this is a pretty friendly spot. I've talked to some of these pilots. I've told them, 'You guys are always welcome to cruise by my house, any time.'"
Kid Rock
Kid Rock has performed for troops at Fort Campbell and overseas, reinforcing his ties to the military.
Trump comments on the controversy
When asked about the incident, Trump joked, "Maybe they were trying to defend him." Later, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, he added, "They probably shouldn't have been doing it. You're not supposed to be playing games."
The former president acknowledged his fondness for Kid Rock, saying, "They like Kid Rock. I like Kid Rock."
Army confirms flight details
The Army verified that two Apaches from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Campbell conducted a flight near Nashville on 28 March, where Kid Rock resides and owns two restaurants.
Maj. Montrell Russell, an Army spokesman, stated earlier, "The Army takes any allegations of unauthorized or unsafe flight operations very seriously and is committed to enforcing standards and holding personnel accountable."
Political jabs in video caption
In the caption of his social media post, Kid Rock-who performed at the 2024 Republican National Convention-mocked California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat with whom he and Trump have clashed.
The video shows Kid Rock standing poolside next to a miniature Statue of Liberty replica, clapping and saluting as the helicopters depart. His caption read, "God Bless America and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend her."
A second clip features the singer pumping his fist as another Apache flies past his estate, which he has nicknamed the "Southern White House."
