UPDATE — 4/1/26, 12:47 p.m. ET: United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is assuring Americans that no military men or women will be punished for flying near Kid Rock’s home.
“Thank you @KidRock. @USArmy pilots suspension LIFTED,” Hegseth, 45, wrote in a statement via X on Tuesday, March 31. “No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots.”
Original story below:
The United States Army has launched an official investigation after military helicopters were seen near Kid Rock’s Tennessee home.
“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 spokesperson Maj. Montrell Russell said in a statement to Politico on Monday, March 30. “Army aviators must adhere to strict safety standards, professionalism and established flight regulations.”
Russell also confirmed the Army has begun an administrative review “to assess the mission and verify compliance with regulations and airspace requirements.” If any violations took place, the spokesperson said the Army will take “appropriate action.”
The news comes after Kid Rock, 55, posted a clip of what appeared to be military helicopters hovering above his Nashville residence.
Kid Rock’s Most Controversial Moments: Shooting Bud Light Cans, More
“This is a level of respect that s*** for brains Governor of California will never know,” the musician wrote via Instagram on Sunday, March 29. “God Bless America and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend her. 🇺🇸 🙏.”
A spokesperson for California Governor Gavin Newsom responded to Kid Rock’s comments in a brief statement to Politico, calling the stunt, “Waste, fraud, abuse!”
In a separate interview with WKRN, Kid Rock recalled the unexpected moment helicopters appeared outside his home.
“They circled back around and came out right over here, and I just gave them a salute, kind of a thank you, and man, it was a level of respect that I got that no award or record sales could do,” Kid Rock, a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump and his administration, told the local news outlet on Monday. “It was pretty cool they stopped right there. I wasn’t expecting any of that, but I thought it was really neat.”
The country singer, known for hit songs like “All Summer Long” and “Picture,” said he’s previously interacted with military pilots flying overhead.
“I was there last Thanksgiving with [Vice President] JD Vance, and I’ve talked to some of these pilots, and I told them, ‘You guys see me waving when you come by the house, you guys are always welcome to cruise by my house like any time,” he said.
After learning that appropriate action will be taken if any violations are found, Kid Rock expressed confidence that his relationship with Trump, 79, will help avoid any major drama.
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“I think they’re going to be alright — my buddy is the commander in chief,” he shared with WKRN.
Us Weekly has reached out to Kid Rock’s rep for additional comment.
Last month, Kid Rock headlined Turning Point USA’s so-called “alternative” Super Bowl Halftime show, titled, the All-American Halftime Show, and previously performed at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
