The Department of Defense Office of Inspector General should investigate DOD officials for using a military helicopter to fly over a local “No Kings” protest and near the home of musician and Trump ally Kid Rock for what appeared to be a staged political stunt, according to a CREW complaint. The DOD IG should investigate if the flyover violated any federal or DOD rules including ethics rules, how much taxpayer money was spent and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s decision to reverse Army personnel’s suspension.

Last weekend, online videos showed what appeared to be military helicopters flying over a protest and, later, hovering over the Nashville home of Kid Rock. Following a viral post by Kid Rock, an Army spokesperson told the media that the crews of the two helicopters were completing a training mission, but that it was not scheduled to include a stop above Kid Rock’s home.

Another Army spokesperson said that an administrative review was taking place and pending the results, the Army suspended the crews of both helicopters. Despite this assessment, Hegseth reversed the decision, ending both the investigation and the suspension, reposting on his social media account Kid Rock’s video of the flyover with the caption reading, “Thank you @KidRock. @USArmy pilots suspension LIFTED. No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots. 🇺🇸.” Hegseth’s choice to undermine the investigative process and potential discipline for apparently political reasons is especially dangerous as American military personnel are engaged in hostilities abroad.

Kid Rock has long enjoyed a personal relationship with Trump, and since voicing his support of Trump in 2016, has played at numerous events for Trump and his allies—including the 2024 Republican National Convention and his second presidential inauguration. Kid Rock’s social media post that Hegseth reposted included political rhetoric directed at the governor of California, a common target for Trump.

Especially given the ongoing war with Iran, the military should assure the American people that they are using taxpayer-funded resources responsibly and not for partisan or illegal purposes. Hegseth’s swift reversal of the decision to suspend the flight crew sends a dangerous message that military personnel can violate orders if it serves the interests of political leadership. The DOD IG must investigate any violations of DOD and executive branch ethical rules by the flight crews and their superiors involved in this incident or risk eroding the public’s trust in the military and the government more broadly.

Read the complaint here.

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