Kid Rock takes a ‘joy ride’ on Apache helicopters with Pete Hegseth

Journalist Ryan Grim claimed that country star Kid Rock and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth took two Apache helicopters from Fort Belvoir for their outing.

Kid Rock reportedly took a “joy ride” on two Apache helicopters with Pete Hegseth.

On Monday, April 27, reporter Ryan Grim took to X to write that 55-year-old country star and the 45-year-old Secretary of War took two Apache helicopters from Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County, Virginia. Kid Rock had reportedly flown to the military base this morning on his private jet, according to Grim’s Army sources and flight data.

Grim explained that Apaches typically have two pilots, but the singer and Hegseth each took their separate helicopters so they could each ride shotgun. This comes after U.S. Army officials launched an investigation into Kid Rock’s recent military flyby.

In his message on X, Grim wrote, “Scoop: Kid Rock flew to Fort Belvoir this morning on his private jet and took a little joy ride on 2 Apache helicopters with War Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to multiple Army sources, and backed up by flight data.

“Apaches typically have 2 pilots, but they went up with one so the boys could each ride shotgun, I’m told. Apache helicopters are not stationed at Ft. Belvoir so unclear where they came from. A spokesperson at the base referred questions to the secretary’s office.”

Kid Rock and Pete Hegseth took the two Apache helicopters from Fort Belvoir (Image: Getty)

The Express US reached out to Kid Rock for comment. The apparent move from the Secretary of War comes just two days after a man opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday.

Several of Grim’s X followers weighed in on the development, with one person writing, “Lmao, is Kid Rock really integral to the White House’s culture war? Is he even popular?”

Another pointed out, “All this tells me is that there’s more to Kid Rock than meets the eye. Ditto for Nicki Minaj. Deep Swamp culture warriors. Entertainment wing of the military industrial complex.”

A third said, “What is the obsession with kid rock of all people? Why didn’t hulk hogan get this treatment?”

A fourth chimed in, “They view the military as one big trillion dollar toy. This is humiliating for all soldiers and Americans.”

However, Grim had several people defend Kid Rock, with one person writing, “OMG, this is huge breaking news. Worthy of alllll of our attention………. said no one ever. Who the hell cares??!!

“If this happened under Biden I also would not have cared, to be clear. Side note, there is no better place for family brunch than Fort Belvoir. My family used to go every the week before Christmas every year.”

Another asked the reporter, “You sound like you think this is a bad thing,” as a third defended, “You’re just jealous.”

Pete Hegseth was recently in attendance at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner (Image: Getty)

On March 28, Kid Rock posted a video on Instagram showing military helicopters flying very low over his Nashville residence, dubbed the “Southern White House.”

Standing next to a mini Statue of Liberty, the MAGA star — whose real name is Robert James Ritchie — saluted and waved as the pair of helicopters hovered over his gleaming pool.

Rock captioned the post, “This is a level of respect that shit-for-brains Governor of California will never know. God Bless America and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend her.”

The two AH-64 Apache attack helicopters also flew over Saturday’s No Kings protest in downtown Nashville.

On March 30, Reuters’ National Security Correspondent Idrees Ali took to X and claimed that the U.S. Army said, “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.”

According to News Channel 5 Nashville, the initial investigation appeared to focus on the maneuvers at Rock’s “Southern White House.”

Maj. Jonathon Bless, public affairs officer for the 101st Airborne Division, said in a statement, “Fort Campbell leadership is aware of a video circulating on social media depicting AH-64 Apache helicopters operating in the vicinity of a private residence associated with Mr. Robert Ritchie (also known as Kid Rock).

“The command has initiated an investigation to review the circumstances surrounding this activity. The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Fort Campbell maintain strict standards for aviation safety, professionalism, and adherence to established flight regulations. We take all concerns regarding aircraft operations and their impact on the surrounding community seriously.”

Bless also told NewsChannel 5 Investigates that 101st Airborne leaders still don’t know the reason for the overflight at the No Kings protest.

“Our pilots do regularly fly routes outside the Fort Campbell area,” the spokesperson said. “We just don’t know if it was incidental or if it was deliberate.”

Rock’s video drew heavy criticism from the public, with many questioning the expenditure of public funds on flying a military helicopter over his mansion.

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

Another user echoed, 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.”