Gavin Newsom just called out Kid Rock for what might be the most expensive joyride in military history. On April 27, the California governor’s press office took to X to question why taxpayers are footing the bill for the musician’s alleged $100 million helicopter adventure with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. It’s a fair question, especially when the ride involved not one but two Apache helicopters.
According to Ryan Grim, co-founder of Drop Site News, Kid Rock flew to Fort Belvoir on his private jet earlier that morning before hopping into the Apaches with Hegseth, per Reality Tea. Grim’s report, which cites multiple Army sources and flight data, claims the two decided to skip the standard two-man crew requirement, opting instead for a single pilot so they could each ride shotgun. That’s not a flex, it’s a potential safety violation.
And if that wasn’t enough, Grim also pointed out that Fort Belvoir doesn’t even typically house Apache helicopters. This has left many to wonder how they ended up there in the first place.
This isn’t the first time Kid Rock and military hardware have made headlines together
Weeks ago, two AH-64 Apache helicopters buzzed over the musician’s Nashville home, a moment he captioned, “This is a level of respect that s— for brains Governor of California will never know. God Bless America and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend her.”
The Army confirmed the flyby, noting that the helicopters were from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Campbell. They also launched an investigation into whether the mission complied with FAA regulations, aviation safety protocols, and approval requirements. At the time, an Army spokesman said they were reviewing “the circumstances surrounding the mission,” promising appropriate action if any violations were found.
The flyby itself was a spectacle. Kid Rock posted videos online showing the helicopters hovering near his property, complete with a miniature Statue of Liberty, a pool, and a sign above his head that read “Southern White House.” He pumped his fist, saluted, and made it clear he saw the flyby as a show of respect.
The timing was notable, too. The posts went up on the same day as the “No Kings” demonstrations, a series of anti-Trump protests held across the country. For Kid Rock, a vocal supporter of the president, the helicopters were more than just a thrill ride; they were a statement.
Newsom has been quick to clap back at Kid Rock in the past
According to CNBC, in February, the governor mocked a video of the musician working out shirtless with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. on X. The post was a clear dig at Kid Rock’s libertarian persona, which often clashes with Newsom’s progressive policies. This latest exchange over the Apache helicopters is just another chapter in their ongoing feud, one that’s playing out in real time on social media.
The Army’s response to these incidents has been cautious but firm. After the Nashville flyby, Army Spokesman Maj. Montrell Russell emphasized that aviators must adhere to “strict safety standards, professionalism, and established flight regulations.”
He confirmed that an administrative review was underway to assess the mission and verify compliance with airspace requirements. Until that review is complete, the Army has remained tight-lipped, but the implication is clear: if rules were broken, there will be consequences. That’s a big “if,” though, especially when you consider the high-profile nature of the passengers involved.
What’s particularly striking about this latest incident is the sheer cost of the joyride
A $100 million helicopter trip isn’t just extravagant; it’s the kind of expense that could fund entire programs or initiatives. For context, that’s more than some small countries spend on their entire defense budgets.
It’s hard not to see this as a misuse of resources, especially when the military is often stretched thin and taxpayers are left wondering where their money is going. Newsom’s question isn’t just rhetorical; it’s a valid concern about accountability and transparency in how public funds are used.
Kid Rock seems to relish the attention. His social media behavior is unapologetic, blending patriotism with a healthy dose of provocation. Whether it’s saluting Apache helicopters or working out with cabinet members, he’s made it clear he’s not afraid to blur the lines between celebrity and politics.
But when those lines involve taxpayer dollars and military assets, the stakes get a lot higher. The Army’s investigations into these incidents will determine whether this was all just harmless fun or something more serious. Newsom’s criticism might feel like political posturing, but it’s also a reminder that taxpayer money isn’t an unlimited resource.
(Featured image: Office of the Governor of California)
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