VIDEO No punishment for pilots who flew helicopter gunships to singer Kid Rock's home: 'Carry on, patriots'
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said there would be no punishment for military pilots who flew two Apache attack helicopters near the home of singer Kid Rock over the weekend in an apparent show of support for the outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump.
Hegseth's announcement, made via a social media post, comes after Trump's comments downplayed the incident near the musician's home in Nashville, Tennessee.
“They probably shouldn't have done that. But they like Kid Rock. I like Kid Rock,” Trump said. “Maybe they were trying to protect him,” he added.
The crew involved in the incident had been suspended after appearing to deviate from their mission, a US official said on Tuesday.
The US military should be apolitical, loyal to the US Constitution and independent of any political party or movement.
Rock posted a video on X on Saturday, standing in front of his pool and saluting one of the helicopters.
This is a level of respect that shit for brains Governor of California will never know. God Bless America and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend her. 🇺🇸 🙏 pic.twitter.com/iD5mmkaXv1
— KidRock (@KidRock) March 28, 2026
Hegseth, who also has a home in Tennessee, praised Kid Rock and said the pilots will be fine.
“Thank you @KidRock. Suspension of @USArmy pilots has been LIFTED. No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots,” Hegseth wrote on X.
Military helicopters were also seen flying near demonstrators in Nashville taking part in organized protests against Trump's policies, part of the anti-Trump “No Kings” rallies that took place across the country.
“Army pilots must adhere to strict standards of safety, professionalism and established flight regulations. An administrative process is underway to evaluate the mission and verify compliance with regulations and airspace requirements,” US Army spokesman Maj. Montrell Russell said Monday.
“Appropriate action will be taken if any violations are found. Until the proceedings are complete, no further comment will be made,” Russell added.
