Helicopter Pilot Over Kid Rock’s Mansion Will Not Face Punishment

(UPI) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Tuesday that the helicopter pilot who recently flew over Kid Rock’s Nashville home won’t be facing any penalties. This decision marks a sudden reversal of the U.S. military’s earlier choice to suspend the Apache helicopter crew while reviewing their actions.

Hegseth also extended his gratitude to Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, and who has been an outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump.

Former Illinois Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger, who has a background in the Air Force and Air National Guard, reacted to Hegseth’s statement with strong criticism. He called the defense secretary an “unqualified clown” and said, “You are a disgrace.”

Kid Rock shared two videos on social media that captured him cheering as Apache helicopters flew near his so-called “White House of the South” in Nashville. In one video’s caption, he expressed, “This is a level of respect. [expletive] The Governor of California has a brain you’ll never know. God bless America and all those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect it.”

After these videos gained widespread attention, the military announced on Monday that it would be investigating the situation administratively.

Maj. Montrell Russell, an Army spokesman, confirmed on Tuesday that the two Apache helicopters, part of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, had conducted flights in Nashville that captured media and national focus. “The individuals involved have been suspended from flight operations while the Army reviews the circumstances surrounding the mission, including compliance with relevant laws and regulations,” Russell stated.

Hegseth did not clarify why the decision was reversed, which occurred just after Trump remarked to reporters that he hadn’t watched the video. When asked about the crew’s suspension, Trump responded, “Well, they probably shouldn’t have done that.” He added, “Well, we shouldn’t be playing games, right? I’ll take a look.” Trump noted his fondness for Kid Rock, saying, “They like Kid Rock. I like Kid Rock. Maybe they were trying to defend him. I don’t know.”

Kid Rock has been a longtime supporter of Trump, appearing in promotional videos and was recently seen training with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy. He has also criticized Trump’s opponents, particularly California Governor Gavin Newsom.