Kid Rock, the pro-Trump rock star, has been treated to a personal flight in an AH-64 Apache helicopter alongside US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, just weeks after a similar incident sparked controversy. The pair flew from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, on Monday afternoon, each riding separate helicopters, according to Pentagon officials.
The flight comes after Hegseth personally intervened to lift the suspensions of Army helicopter pilots who had flown near Kid Rock's Nashville home in March as a tribute. The pilots were initially pulled from duty after the unauthorised flyover, but Hegseth announced on social media that the suspensions were lifted with no punishment or investigation.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the flight supported a 'community relations event' for Freedom 250, a White House-led initiative coordinating events for America's 250th anniversary. Kid Rock participated in troop visits and filmed videos for Memorial Day and the anniversary. However, it remains unclear who paid for the flight, with questions raised about whether taxpayer funds were used.
The AH-64 Apache is the US military's main attack helicopter, costing an estimated $7,000 per hour to operate. The flight lasted about 10 minutes, involving loops over the base. Kid Rock flew to Fort Belvoir in his private jet from Nashville and returned immediately after.
Democrats criticised the stunt, with California Governor Gavin Newsom questioning why taxpayers might be funding such flights. The controversy follows the March incident where Apache helicopters flew near Kid Rock's home and over a 'No Kings' protest, raising safety and authorisation concerns.
