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Metal Hammer
Metal Hammer
Entertainment
Simon Young

"No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots.” United States Secretary of Defense told Army Chief of Staff to stand down over Kid Rock helicopter flyby investigation

Kid Rock at the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Technology, and Data Privacy hearing in January 2026.

On April 2, United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth asked General Randy George to stand down from his role as Army Chief of Staff, with no public explanation given for the decision.

It has now emerged that the Army's top-ranking general was reportedly forced into early retirement after Hegseth wanted George to shelve an investigation into a military helicopter flyby that took place on March 28 near Kid Rock's Nashville mansion, which the singer calls the Southern White House.

Two Apache helicopters from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Campbell flew past Rock's sprawling property. The musician posted a video of the flyby with the caption: "God Bless America and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend her."

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