Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has reversed the suspension of a US Army helicopter crew that was grounded after flying near the Nashville-area home of musician Kid Rock. In a post on X, Hegseth wrote: “Thank you Kid Rock. [U.S. Army] pilots suspension LIFTED. No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots.”
Earlier on Tuesday, the Army had announced the suspension of the pilots involved in the incident, which occurred over the weekend. Army Spokesman Maj. Montrell Russell said in a statement: “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 flight involved two Apache helicopters from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade stationed at Fort Campbell.
The flyby was revealed in a video posted by Kid Rock on Saturday, showing two helicopters near his mansion as he saluted and cheered. One of the choppers appeared to point its cockpit towards the musician while hovering level with his swimming pool. The video drew criticism online, with some questioning the use of military resources.
A 101st Airborne Division spokesperson previously stated that the helicopters were not linked to a Saturday “No Kings” protest in Nashville, describing the flight as a training route. Kid Rock told the Associated Press he has spoken with local military pilots who are aware of his home’s location, saying: “You guys are always welcome to cruise by my house, any time.”
President Trump commented on the incident at the White House on Tuesday, saying: “Well, they probably shouldn’t have been doing it. 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.”
