The United States Army has suspended and then reinstated the flight crew of an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter following a controversial low-altitude flyby near the Nashville home of musician and vocal Trump supporter Kid Rock. The incident, captured on video by the musician himself, prompted an immediate administrative review and a swift political reversal from Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
An Army spokesperson confirmed on Monday that the weekend manoeuvre, described as part of a routine training mission, was under investigation. "Appropriate action will be taken if any violations are found," the spokesperson told Business Insider. By Tuesday, officials stated the involved crew members had been suspended pending the outcome of the probe.
Political Intervention Halts Probe
The suspension was short-lived. At 6:34 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on the social media platform X that he was overturning the Army's decision. "Thank you @KidRock. @USArmy pilots suspension LIFTED. No punishment. No investigation," Hegseth wrote. "Carry on, patriots."
A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment further beyond Hegseth's post, and an Army spokesperson did not respond to subsequent requests for comment. The reversal highlights the politically charged nature of the incident, given Kid Rock's—real name Robert James Ritchie—high-profile support for former President Donald Trump.
Incident Details and Military Context
The incident occurred on Saturday when Kid Rock posted a video to social media showing an Apache helicopter hovering near his property. In his caption, he levelled insults at the Governor of California. Army spokesperson Major Jonathon Bless told the Associated Press the helicopters were on a training mission at the time.
While there is no explicit law prohibiting military aircraft from flying near private residences, training missions in civilian airspace are governed by strict rules. The military's aviation regulations state that aircraft are to be used for "authorised purposes only." The AH-64 Apache is a primary attack helicopter for the US Army, equipped with Hellfire missiles, rockets, and a 30 mm chain gun, designed for anti-armour warfare.
Reactions and Official Statements
When questioned about the flyby during a press conference, former President Donald Trump suggested the crew "probably shouldn't have been doing it." He added, "You're not supposed to be playing games, right? But I'd take a look at it. They like Kid Rock. I like Kid Rock. Maybe they were trying to defend him, I don't know."
A representative for Kid Rock did not respond to requests for comment from Business Insider. The episode concludes with the crew members returning to duty without further disciplinary action, following the direct intervention of the US Defence Secretary.