US Politics
‘Carry on, patriots’: Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth reverses Army suspension for helicopter crew that flew by Kid Rock’s home
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
Read more
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday lifted the suspensions of a group of helicopter pilots who were pulled from duty after flying near MAGA musician Kid Rock’s Nashville-area home over the weekend.
“Thank you Kid Rock,” Hegseth wrote on X. “[U.S. Army] pilots suspension LIFTED. No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots.”
Earlier in the day, the Army announced the helicopter pilots who flew near the singer’s home had been suspended.
“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,” Army Spokesman Maj. Montrell Russell said in a statement to The Independent. “Since the investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to discuss specific findings at this time.”
The flight involved two Apache helicopters from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade stationed at Fort Campbell, the official said.
“The Army takes any allegations of unauthorized or unsafe flight operations very seriously and is committed to enforcing standards and holding personnel accountable,” he added.
The military previously said it was reviewing the flyby, which Kid Rock revealed in a Saturday video on X showing two helicopters operating near his mansion as he saluted and cheered. In the video, one of the choppers appears to point its cockpit directly in the musician’s direction as it hovers level with his swimming pool. The scene drew outrage from some online who questioned the use of military resources.
A 101st Airborne Division spokesman added in a previous statement that the helicopters were not tied to a Saturday “No Kings” protest in Nashville, Tennessee, which drew thousands of participants. Two military helicopters were filmed flying near the demonstration.
“These helicopters were flying a route in the Nashville vicinity for training purposes,” a division spokesperson told WSMV. “Any association with the No Kings Rally also happening in Nashville that day is entirely coincidental.”
The musician told the Associated Press he has spoken with local military pilots, who he says are aware of the location of his home.
“I think they know this is a pretty friendly spot,” he said.
“I’ve talked to some of these pilots,” he added. “I’ve told them, ‘You guys see me waving when you come by the house?’ I’m like, ‘You guys are always welcome to cruise by my house, any time.’”
President Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday that he hadn’t seen the video.
“I’m sure they had a good time,” Trump said.
“Well, they probably shouldn’t have been doing it,” he continued. “You’re not supposed to be playing games, right? But I’d take a look at it. They like Kid Rock? I like Kid Rock. Maybe they were trying to defend him.”
In his post on X, Kid Rock praised the military pilots and took aim at California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a regular foil of the musician’s ally President Donald Trump.
“This is a level of respect that s*** for brains Governor of California will never know,” Kid Rock wrote. “God Bless America and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend her.”
The Michigan-born musician has been closely tied to administration efforts, appearing in a recent promotional video about healthy exercise habits with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and visiting the Oval Office last year for the signing of an executive order regulating live music ticketing practices.
The Trump administration has been accused of using military aircraft for personal purposes in the past.
Last May, the president used Marine One to fly to a Washington-area black-tie gala for top buyers of his cryptocurrency. At the event, President Trump spoke at a lectern with the presidential seal then gave attendees a private tour of the White House.
