Two US Army pilots have been reinstated after a controversial flyby near musician Kid Rock’s home, with the Defence Secretary praising the “patriots”.
WASHINGTON: US Army helicopter pilots who flew near the Tennessee home of musician Kid Rock have had their suspension lifted.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the decision on Tuesday, stating there would be no punishment or investigation.
“Thank you Kid Rock. US Army pilots suspension LIFTED. No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots,” Hegseth wrote on social media platform X.
The pilots were suspended earlier on Tuesday after Kid Rock, an ardent supporter of President Donald Trump, posted a video over the weekend.
The clip showed an Apache attack helicopter hovering near his mountaintop home’s swimming pool as he clapped and saluted.
“God Bless America and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend her,” he wrote in text accompanying the video.
A second clip confirmed there were two of the aircraft in the area.
On Tuesday afternoon, Trump said he had not seen the video but was “sure they had a good time”.
He added that the pilots “probably shouldn’t have been doing it,” but “they like Kid Rock, I like Kid Rock. Maybe they were trying to defend him.”
Army spokesman Major Montrell Russell had earlier confirmed the flight attracted public and media attention.
“The personnel involved have been suspended from flight duties while the Army reviews the circumstances surrounding the mission,” Russell said in a statement.
The review was to include compliance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations and aviation safety protocols.
Kid Rock performed at the 2024 Republican National Convention and an alternative Super Bowl halftime show.