Defense Department Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. Army pilots who conducted a flyby at Kid Rock’s Nashville-area home are no longer suspended, and no military investigation will occur. The move has sparked questions, praise and backlash.
Hegseth’s comment comes days after a video showed what appeared to be AH‑64 Apache helicopters hovering near the musician’s home, which triggered an Army review and reported suspension of the aircrew.
When reached by Newsweek via email on Tuesday night, the Pentagon said it had nothing further to add outside of Hegseth’s remarks.
Why It Matters
The episode raised questions about the use of military aircraft in proximity to a private residence, the standards governing training routes and whether any policies or airspace rules were violated, issues the Army said it was reviewing.
What To Know
In a post to X on Tuesday, Hegseth said, “Thank you @KidRock. @USArmy pilots suspension LIFTED. No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots.” The post included an emoji of an American flag.
Hegseth’s remarks elicited mixed reaction online.
Former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger replied to Hegseth, saying, “You’re a disgrace. Eat a sack of a** you unqualified clown”
Norman Ornstein, political scientist, said on X Tuesday, “Lawless, disgraceful embarrassment to public decency, much less public service”
Travis Akers, a retired U.S. Navy officer, in post on X said, “Pete Hegseth is a disgrace.”
Major Jonathon Bless, public affairs officer for the 101st Airborne Division, previously wrote in a statement to Newsweek: “The Army is aware of a video circulating online that appears to show AH‑64 Apache helicopters operating in the vicinity of a private residence in the Nashville area.
“Army aviators must adhere to strict safety standards, professionalism, and established flight regulations. An administrative review is underway to assess the mission and verify compliance with regulations and airspace requirements. Appropriate action will be taken if any violations are found.”
What People Are Saying
CNN anchor Jake Tapper, questioning Hegseth: “secretary @PeteHegseth – would you make the same decision had these pilots done the same thing to celebrate @springsteen? Or is this contingent upon folks sharing your political views?”
Buzz Patterson, former military aide who carried the nuclear codes during the Clinton administration, on X: “Fantastic @secwar! The Army helo guys are free.”
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, on X: “Over and over the message this administration sends to federal employees is “Break the law, and so long as you’re doing it to support our political causes, we’ll let it slide.” It is a recipe for corruption and impunity. Discipline has to mean something.”
Juanita Broaddrick, who accused former President Bill Clinton of rape, responding to Hegseth on X Tuesday: “Hell Yeah !!!” The post included three American flags.
Broaddrick accused the former president of raping her in a hotel room in 1978. Clinton denied the allegations after they became public in 1999.
What Happens Next
It is immediately unclear if the pilots will return to the skies right away or if the Army will comment on Hegseth’s remarks.
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