Kid Rock happily posed for pictures (Image: @SecWar/X)
Kid Rock has faced significant backlash after taking a ride in a US Army Apache helicopter, with images from the outing now being made public.
The singer, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, was accompanied by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth as they met with pilots before taking separate helicopter flights on Monday afternoon, April 27. The duo departed from Fort Belvoir on the border of Washington D.C.
It remains uncertain whether the outing was privately funded, or if American taxpayers covered the expense. Hegseth acknowledged the helicopter flight on X as he posted photographs from the journey.
“Joined my friend @KidRock – and some of our great @USArmy Apache pilots – for a ride this morning. (More to come on that!),” the 45-year-old posted. “Kid Rock is a patriot and huge supporter of our troops. The War Department is wasting no time celebrating America’s 250th – home of the free because of the brave.”
In one photograph, Hegseth was pictured alongside 55-year-old Kid Rock as they gave a thumbs up while positioned next to three pilots. Another image captured Kid Rock on a platform as he addressed members of the US Army.
Kid Rock gave a talk (Image: @SecWar/X)
Kid Rock’s helicopter trip violates standard Army regulations as passengers on Army aircraft are limited to specific authorized categories, including official duty, emergencies, approved orientation flights, or public affairs per high-level approval.
Apache helicopters are also mandated to operate with a two-pilot crew, according to operator manuals. However, for Kid Rock and Hegseth, they each flew in separate helicopters, allegedly with only one pilot.
Critics were swift to condemn Hegseth for not disclosing who funded the flights. “Did Kid Rock pay or did we?” one individual asked while sharing a screenshot indicating the operating cost of a US Army AH-64 Apache helicopter is roughly $5,000 per flight hour.
The pictures were shared on X (Image: @SecWar/X)
Another person vented, “Making the military political and destroying public trust in one of our most treasured institutions will be your legacy. In addition to losing the war in Iran and making a fool of yourself at every press conference.”
“Wasting tax payer money while our troops overseas are getting rations for food,” a third critic blasted, while another suggested, “So misuse of government helicopters is okay for people who are friends with politicians In other countries they call that “corruption”.”
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell also commented on Hegseth and Kid Rock’s Apache helicopter flights. He stated they supported a “community relations event” for Freedom 250, a White House-led initiative coordinating events for America’s 250th anniversary celebration.
This isn’t Kid Rock’s first controversy involving a military helicopter. He triggered widespread backlash on March 28 after two military helicopters hovered near his Nashville mansion.
The musician shared footage of the flyby on social media, showing himself applauding the pilots and raising his fist. He wrote in the caption, “This is a level of respect that s–t for brains Governor of California will never know. God Bless America and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend her.”
Critics were quick to share their thoughts (Image: @SecWar/X)
The US Army launched an investigation into the flyby amid concerns that the flight path and altitude may have breached safety protocols.
Army spokesman Major Montrell Russell stated, “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.”
The helicopter crews involved were initially suspended following the incident but were promptly reinstated. Hegseth declared on social media, “No punishment. No Investigation. Carry on, patriots.”
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.the-express.com ’
