The US Army has launched an investigation into why two AH-64 Apache attack helicopters flew by Kid Rock’s home in Nashville.
Last Saturday (March 28), the same day as the No Kings Protest against the Trump Administration, two AH-64 Apache attack helicopters conducted low altitude manoeuvres by the rock/rap star’s home.
The singer, who is a vocal supporter of Trump, shared footage online of the moment. It showed him, standing next to a smaller replica of the Statue of Liberty, waving to and saluting those flying the helicopters as they hovered very close to his Nashville home, the “Southern White House”.
At the time isn’t clear why the helicopters from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Campbell made a stop near the singer’s home, although Kid Rock clearly welcomed the move – sharing the footage on X/Twitter.
“This is a level of respect that shit for brains Governor of California [Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom] will never know,” he wrote. “God Bless America and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend her.”
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
Later on, the 101st Airborne Division confirmed that they were reviewing the incident. Maj. Jonathon Bless, a public affairs officer, shared a statement that “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,” he added.
The Army added that it was “entirely coincidental” that the incident happened on the same day as the No Kings Rally, and Maj. Jonathon Bless went on to tell NewsChannel5 Investigates (via Billboard) that while the pilots “do regularly fly routes outside the Fort Campbell area”, they were unsure if the stop at Kid Rock’s house was “incidental or if it was deliberate”.
Yesterday (Tuesday March 31), BBC News reported that the crews operating the helicopters were briefly suspended that day, before Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stepped in and told them that they could go back to work. “No punishment. No Investigation. Carry on, patriots,” he wrote on social media.
Trump also responded to questions about the incident in the Oval Office, quipping that “Maybe they were trying to defend him [Kid Rock],” before adding: “[They] probably shouldn’t have been doing it. You’re not supposed to be playing games… They like Kid Rock. I like Kid Rock.”
Thank you @KidRock.@USArmy pilots suspension LIFTED.
No punishment. No investigation.
Carry on, patriots. https://t.co/Zqhv1Zx1iG
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) March 31, 2026
LMAO! President Trump’s response to the Kid Rock Army helicopter incident was PERFECT
“I didn’t see it, but I’m sure they had a good time!
They probably shouldn’t have been doing it, but they like Kid Rock. I like Kid Rock!
Maybe they were trying to defend him!” pic.twitter.com/xdXwhLdkCw
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) March 31, 2026
Kid Rock also spoke to local news outlet WKRN-TV about the incident, and said that it was not uncommon for helicopters from the Fort Campbell Army base to fly near his home – adding that he was not too worried about the pilots facing severe consequences.
“I think they know this is a pretty friendly spot,” he said, recalling that he has performed for troops at Fort Campbell and overseas (via BBC News). “I’ve talked to some of these pilots. I’ve told them, ‘You guys see me waving when you come by the house?… You guys are always welcome to cruise by my house, any time.’”
“I think they’re going to be alright – my buddy is the Commander-in-Chief,” he added (via Rolling Stone)
Speaking to the BBC, spokesman Maj Montrell Russell addressed the controversy around the incident, and said: “The Army takes any allegations of unauthorised or unsafe flight operations very seriously and is committed to enforcing standards and holding personnel accountable.”
Kid Rock has been a vocal supporter of the Trump administration for years now, and also performed at the ‘All-American Halftime Show’ hosted by Turning Point USA – the non-profit founded by the late Charlie Kirk. The event was staged in protest of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show, which was watched by over 120million viewers.
Tom Morello, Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves were just some of the musicians to hit out at him for playing the concert, and the musician also faced accusations of lip syncing, to which he responded he was simply “out of sync”.
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