‘No punishment’ for US army pilots in Kid Rock flyby
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced there will be “no punishment” for US Army pilots who flew attack helicopters near the home of singer Kid Rock in an apparent show of support for the vocal supporter of President Donald Trump.
Hegseth’s announcement in a social media post followed Trump’s comments downplaying the incident near the musician’s home in Nashville, Tennessee.
“They probably shouldn’t have done this. But they love Kid Rock. I love Kid Rock,” Trump said Tuesday.
“Maybe they were trying to protect him.”
Reuters reported early Tuesday, citing a U.S. official, that the aircrew involved in the incident were suspended from duty after appearing to stray from their duties.
The U.S. military is supposed to be apolitical, loyal to the U.S. Constitution, and independent of any party or political movement.
On Saturday, Rock posted a video on channel X in which he stood in front of a swimming pool and saluted one of the helicopters.
Hegseth, who has a home in Tennessee, praised Kid Rock as he exonerated the crew.
“Thank you @KidRock. Suspension for @USArmy pilots has been REMOVED. No punishment. No investigation. Keep it up, patriots,” Hegseth wrote to X.
Military helicopters were also seen flying near demonstrators in Nashville participating in organized protests against Trump’s policies, which are part of anti-Trump “No Kings” rallies held across the country.
Reuters reported on Monday that the military was investigating the incident, and an Army spokesman contacted by Reuters on Tuesday declined to comment further.
“Army aviators must adhere to strict safety standards, professionalism and established flight regulations. An administrative review is ongoing to evaluate the mission and verify compliance with regulations and airspace requirements,” U.S. Army spokesman Maj. Montrell Russell said in a statement Monday. he said.
“If any violations are detected, appropriate action will be taken. No further comment will be made until the review is completed,” Russell added.
Since being sworn in last year, Hegseth has moved swiftly to reshape the military, firing top generals and admirals as he seeks to implement Trump’s national security agenda and dismantle diversity initiatives he calls discriminatory.
Democratic lawmakers have warned that the Trump administration is increasingly trying to use the military for political gain.
In his post about the helicopters, Rock took a swipe at Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom, adding: “God bless America and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend it.”
