Politics
Report links firing of former Army Chief of Staff to Kid Rock helicopter flyover probe
A newly reported exchange suggests Gen. Chris LaNeve pressured his predecessor to drop an investigation into an unauthorized flyover of the musician's estate.
The short version
- A newly revealed report alleges that acting Army Chief of Staff Gen. Chris LaNeve pressured his predecessor, Gen. Randy George, to halt an investigation into two Apache helicopters that flew low over musician Kid Rock's Tennessee estate in March.
- Days after refusing to drop the safety and airspace probe, Gen. George was fired without explanation by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who then appointed Gen. LaNeve to the acting role.
- The controversy surrounding the pressure campaign and subsequent firing is reportedly delaying and complicating Gen. LaNeve's permanent confirmation in the Senate.
Key facts
- In late March, two Army AH-64 Apache helicopters from Fort Campbell performed an unauthorized low-altitude maneuver near Kid Rock's estate in the Nashville area.[The Hollywood Reporter]
- The incident led to an Army review and the pilot's suspension, which was quickly reversed by order of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.[The Hollywood Reporter]
- Gen. Chris LaNeve reportedly told then-Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George that Hegseth wanted the internal probe shut down, but George insisted on following standard protocols to check for safety violations.[The Hollywood Reporter]
- Hegseth fired George without explanation in April and appointed LaNeve as the acting Chief of Staff.[The Hollywood Reporter]
- The Pentagon has defended the flight, claiming the pilots did not deviate from training, while Hegseth has dismissed critics of his actions as "out-of-touch insiders."[The Hollywood Reporter]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unconfirmed when or if the White House will formally submit LaNeve's nomination for permanent Chief of Staff to the Senate, where he faces opposition.[The Hollywood Reporter]
Sources
- Kid Rock Apache Helicopter Stunt May Have Cost a Four-Star General His JobThe Hollywood Reporter metered