Hegseth lifts U.S. Army’s suspension of 2 military pilots after helicopters fly by Kid Rock’s house

The U.S. Army pilots who hovered two helicopters near Kid Rock’s Tennessee home during a training run while he clapped and saluted have had their suspension lifted, War Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tuesday.

“No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots,” Hegseth said Tuesday in a social media post.

Earlier, a U.S. Army spokesperson said the crews of the two AH-64 Apache helicopters were suspended from flying, pending an investigation into their actions. The suspension was a discretionary — but not unusual — step when an investigation is underway, Maj. Montrell Russell said.

“The Army has confirmed that on March 28, two Apache helicopters from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Campbell conducted a flight in the Nashville area that has attracted public and media attention,” according to a statement from the Army on Tuesday. The Army said it would review whether the flight complied with FAA regulations and aviation safety protocol.

Asked about Hegseth’s announcement, Deputy Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez said he had nothing to add to the secretary’s social media post.

An Army spokesperson didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Kid Rock, an outspoken supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump, posted to his social media accounts on Saturday, showing the two helicopters flying next to his house. The singer, standing in ​front of his swimming pool under a column that says, “The Southern White House,” can be seen ​saluting one of the helicopters.

Helicopters also seen near Nashville protest

Military helicopters were also seen on Saturday flying close to demonstrators in Nashville, who were taking ​part in “No Kings” protests decrying Trump’s aggressive deportation efforts, war in Iran ⁠and other policies.

“God ⁠Bless America and all ​those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend her,” Kid Rock commented above the ​video of the helicopters. Poolside, a giant replica of the Statue of Liberty is visible.

In his post, Kid Rock also took a swipe at Gavin Newsom, describing the California governor with an expletive.

Scenes from the weekend’s anti-Trump protests:

Kid Rock, in contrast to many musicians and entertainers, has been a staunch Trump supporter since the Republican’s 2016 presidential campaign. He has visited the White House on at least three occasions dating back to Trump’s first term in office, and performed at MAGA events and at events associated with the Republican conventions of 2016 and 2024.

Trump told reporters at the White House last year he knows the performer, born Robert James Ritchie, as simply “Bob.”

“He has been a good friend for a long time,” said Trump.

The U.S. military is supposed to be apolitical, loyal ‌to the U.S. Constitution and independent of any party or political movement. Hegseth has moved quickly to reshape the military, firing top generals and admirals as he seeks to implement Trump’s national ​security agenda and root out diversity initiatives he calls discriminatory.

Democratic lawmakers have warned the Trump administration ⁠is increasingly trying to use the military for political gain, and one non-profit group committed to the separation of church and state has sued over Hegseth-led prayer services held on government property.