April 01, 2026, 10:01 (UTC +3)
Hegseth lifts suspension hours after Army announcement
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reversed the Army’s decision within hours of the suspension being announced, declaring on X that the crews faced no further consequences.
“Thank you @KidRock. @USArmy pilots suspension LIFTED. No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots,” Hegseth wrote, reposting Kid Rock’s original video.
The reversal came shortly after President Donald Trump was asked about the incident by reporters at the White House.
Trump said he had not seen the video but added, “I’m sure they had a good time,” before acknowledging the flyby was likely unauthorized: “They probably shouldn’t have been doing it — you’re not supposed to be playing games.”
A viral video moment that looked straight out of a political ad for the administration of US President Donald Trump has landed the crew of two US Army AH-64 Apache helicopters in potential hot water.
The US Army has suspended the pilots and crew members involved in the March 29, 2026 flyby by two Apaches at Kid Rock’s home in Nashville as it investigates whether the mission broke flight rules or safety procedures.
Army spokesman Major Montrell Russell said the four crewmembers have been pulled from flight duties while the service reviews the circumstances surrounding the mission, including compliance with FAA regulations, aviation safety protocol and approval requirements. Each Apache carries a pilot and a copilot-gunner.
The incident drew attention after Kid Rock, one of Trump’s most visible celebrity allies, posted video on social media showing the two Army helicopters flying low and hovering next to his home, which he has dubbed the Southern White House, while he stood by his pool and saluted.
The aircraft were later identified as Apaches assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, about 60 miles north of Nashville.
The same helicopters were also seen over a “No Kings” protest in Nashville on Saturday, adding another layer of scrutiny to the flight. The Army has said the aircraft were on a training mission near Nashville and that the timing was coincidental.
The service first announced an administrative review on March 30, 2026. In a statement, the Army said its aviators must follow strict safety standards, professionalism and established flight regulations, and that appropriate action would follow if investigators find violations. Tuesday’s decision to suspend the crew marked an escalation from that initial review.
Asked about the incident by Nashville ABC affiliate WKRN, Kid Rock brushed off the controversy and said, “I think it will be alright. My buddy’s the Commander in Chief.” He also said he had previously met members of the unit and that military helicopters often pass over the area en route to flyovers at nearby Nissan Stadium.
