Kid Rock Responds to Army Investigation Following Helicopter Flyby: “My Friend Is the Commander-in-Chief, They’ll Be Fine”
Kid Rock has downplayed concerns surrounding a recent Army investigation into flight crews who conducted an unauthorized flyby past his Nashville home.
In a recent interview with Nashville’s WKRN News, the singer initially brushed off the ongoing inquiry, suggesting the pilots involved have little to worry about. “I think they’re going to be all right,” Kid Rock stated when asked about the investigation, adding, “My buddy is the Commander-in-Chief.”
Since 2016, Kid Rock has been a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump and maintains a close association with him. Last year, he attended an event at the White House where Trump signed an executive order aimed at curbing ticket scalping in the live entertainment sector.
The investigation was triggered after Kid Rock shared a video on social media of himself saluting a helicopter hovering near his residence. This video gained traction, coinciding with a nationwide protest known as the third No Kings demonstration against the Trump administration, which saw one gathering taking place in downtown Nashville.
In a tweet, Kid Rock expressed his sentiments on the demonstrations, saying, “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.”
During the WKRN interview, Kid Rock referred to the flyby, categorizing it as a “great thing” amidst the protests. He noted the disrespect displayed by some demonstrators, asserting, “There were people flipping them off. I don’t care what your politics are… if you’re flipping our military off, you’re on the wrong side of things.”
While Kid Rock labeled the incident as “harmless” and “cool,” the U.S. Army expressed a different view. On Monday, the Army’s 101st Airborne Division confirmed it was reviewing the flyby, citing adherence to “strict safety standards, professionalism and established flight regulations” that must be followed by flight crews.
Despite Kid Rock’s opinions about the pilots’ future, the personnel involved have been temporarily relieved of their duties. Major Montrell Russell, an Army spokesperson, explained, “The personnel involved have been suspended from flight duties while the Army reviews the circumstances surrounding the mission, including compliance with relevant FAA regulations, aviation safety protocol, and approval requirements. The Army takes any allegations of unauthorized or unsafe flight operations very seriously and is committed to enforcing standards and holding personnel accountable.”
