Hegseth Fired Top General Over Kid Rock Flyby Investigation

Before the Army’s top officer was abruptly fired earlier this year, he was advised by a fellow general (now in the running to replace him) to stop an investigation into an unauthorized helicopter flyby of musician and Trump supporter Kid Rock’s Tennessee home.

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. 🇺🇸 🙏 pic.twitter.com/iD5mmkaXv1

— KidRock (@KidRock) March 28, 2026

From the Washington Post:

Gen. Randy George, whom Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed as the Army chief of staff without explanation, felt it was important to follow typical protocol and determine whether any safety regulations had been violated during the March 28 flyby, these people said. Like some others, they spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the episode.

Gen. Chris LaNeve, the Army’s No. 2 officer, told George that Hegseth did not want the investigation to proceed, one person said. The two others said that George later confided in colleagues about the encounter with LaNeve and seemed troubled bit it. George told them that LaNeve suggested it would be best if the review was scuttled, those people said.

The revelation, which has not previously been reported, adds a new layer of understanding to Hegseth’s potential motivations for firing George on April 2. 

Sean Parnell, a spokesman for Hegseth, said that the new reporting about George’s departure amounted to a “regurgitating” of a “tired, old story simply to manufacture drama.”

Kid Rock posted video of the flyby when it occurred back in March.

Exclusive: Before the Army’s top officer was abruptly fired earlier this year, he was advised by a fellow general now vying to replace him to stop the military’s investigation into an unauthorized helicopter flyby of musician Kid Rock’s Tennessee estate. https://t.co/CU83M10ATk

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) August 26, 2026