The Defense Department Inspector General rebuffed CREW’s request for an investigation into the military helicopter flyover at Kid Rock’s house, as well as over a “No Kings” protest in Nashville, writing, “Secretary Hegseth indicated that he had decided not to pursue this matter. My office will not investigate the Secretary’s decision.” 

CREW President Donald K. Sherman released the following statement in response: 

“This response is antithetical to the role of an inspector general, and is something we’ve never seen before. Inspectors General need to be independent, not defer to the head of their agency. This incident raises serious questions about the potential misuse of military aircraft, abuse of taxpayer funds and public safety. Even President Trump said the crew should have been investigated and likely should not have been ‘playing games.’ If Secretary Hegseth gets to choose what gets investigated and what doesn’t, then independent oversight is functionally over at the Defense Department. This is an incredibly alarming response, especially when the nation is at war and Hegseth is still spending taxpayer money on joyrides.  The American people need real oversight and accountability of the Defense Department now more than ever.”

Read the IG’s letter here.