The Pentagon selected musician Kid Rock to deliver a special Memorial Day message, a decision that drew criticism on social media. The pro-Trump artist, wearing sunglasses, a black hoodie, and a chain, recorded a brief tribute that was amplified by the Department of Defense's rapid response account.
Memorial Day Message and Criticism
In the video, Kid Rock said: "Hey everyone, this is Kid Rock. On this Memorial Day, we are remembering the sacrifice and service of so many who are not with us today. It's a special day. We're thinking of them. Once again, I wanted to say thank you." He concluded with a salute and the words: "God bless all of you for your sacrifice, for your service. Keep on Kid Rocking in the free world. God bless you all."
The choice sparked backlash on social media. One user commented: "Did the White House run out of actual veterans, or did they just think a monster truck rally vibe was the best way to honor the ultimate sacrifice?" Another said: "I don't want to hear from Kid Rock on Memorial Day." Others questioned his role, asking: "Is he on the White House payroll now?"
Hegseth's Support and Previous Incidents
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has called Kid Rock a "patriot" and previously took him for a ride in an AH-64 Apache helicopter. Hegseth shared photos on social media, writing: "Joined my friend Kid Rock — and some of our great U.S. Army Apache pilots — for a ride this morning."
This followed an incident in March where Army helicopters hovered near Kid Rock's Nashville mansion in a tribute. The pilots were briefly suspended, but Hegseth intervened to lift the suspensions. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated the flights supported a "community relations event" for the White House-led Freedom 250 initiative, coordinating events for America's 250th anniversary.
Kid Rock has been featured in other Trump administration social media posts, including a shirtless workout video with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. During a House Ways and Means Committee hearing, Rep. Linda Sanchez criticized Kennedy for spending taxpayer dollars on such stunts instead of pro-vaccine campaigns.
