Kid Rock slammed after helicopter video ‘wasting thousands of dollars’

Kid Rock and helicopter

Kid Rock is facing backlash over accusations of “wasting thousands of dollars” after appearing to receive a private military flypast at his home. The 55-year-old musician, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, posted a video on Instagram and X on Saturday, March 28, showing him saluting a military helicopter hovering outside his Nashville residence – a property he has styled as a replica of the White House.

Kid Rock was pictured standing beside a replica Statue of Liberty near his pool as the aircraft passed overhead. “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,” Kid Rock captioned the post.

The rocker has been at odds with California Governor Gavin Newsom ever since the politician effectively “banned” him from the state. The video drew swift criticism from viewers, with many questioning the expenditure of public funds on flying a military helicopter past his mansion.

Kid Rock was branded a ‘tool bag’ for the post (Image: X/@KidRock)

“Who wasted thousands of dollars in fuel, maintenance and wages to go hover by his pool?” one person questioned.

Another user echoed the sentiment, asking “Why the f–k is there a helicopter outside your house like that? Isn’t that huge waste of money?” while a third fumed, “What a waste of fuel. You are a tool bag.”

A fourth critic posted, “We can’t afford gas and groceries and our tax dollars are being spent to make Kid Rocks loser a– happy.” A fifth piled on, slamming, “What a waste of taxpayer money. Shameful stuff, Kid Kicks Rocks.

Kid Rock has been at odds with Gavin Newsom after he ‘banned’ him from the state (Image: X/@KidRock)

“Will U.S. taxpayers be reimbursed for this indulgence? You should get your checkbook out and pay for this BS.” one X user questioned as another echoed, “Who authorized this.”

Military flyovers are largely financed through the U.S. Department of Defense via military training budgets, drawing from federal tax revenues and, to a lesser degree, international security assistance programs.

Further critics took issue with Kid Rock’s choice to salute the helicopter. “Yeah so, you’re not supposed to salute people in the military when you’ve never been in it yourself. It’s blatantly disrespectful,” one person pointed out.

Another user agreed, “Civilians aren’t supposed to salute..that’s only for military. A real patriot would know that..a drug head trailer park rock singer would not.”

A third detractor weighed in: “Saluting them? Like you served in our military and earned that honor,” adding, “I once paid for your…concerts, shirts, music, etc. Hell, I’ve even met your stoned a–! lol Your career didn’t have to tank this way.”

It’s worth noting that a military salute is traditionally rendered by soldiers to acknowledge and show respect to a superior-ranking officer, and may also be extended by Heads of State. While a civilian offering a salute may be interpreted as a well-meaning gesture of respect, military etiquette experts advise against it, as it is widely regarded as a breach of protocol.