Army Launches Investigation After Kid Rock Shared Video of Apache Helicopter Flying in Front of His Replica White House in Tennessee

by Charlie Lankston

skyline-of-jacksonville

Musician Kid Rock has sparked an official Army investigation after sharing video footage that appears to show an Apache helicopter flying low outside of his Tennessee home—seemingly hovering in the air while the rocker saluted and waved to the pilot.

In the first of two videos, which were posted to X on March 28, Kid Rock, 55, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, could be seen standing outside his Nashville-area abode as a helicopter hovers down low next to his infinity pool, mere feet from where the rocker stood.

Kid Rock salutes the helicopter and claps, before it flies off into the distance.

In the second video, posted minutes later, a helicopter is seen in the same position, with Kid Rock this time pumping his fist in the air and pointing at the Army aircraft as someone behind him films the entire scene. It's unclear whether the helicopter in the second clip is the same that featured in the first.

However, as the second clip comes to an end, another helicopter can be seen flying past the property at a greater height.

In his X post featuring the videos, Kid Rock, who is an outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump, took aim at California Gov. Gavin Newsom, writing: "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."

Kid Rock salutes Army helicopter flying low over his "Southern White House" in Tennessee
Musician Kid Rock has sparked an official Army investigation after sharing video footage that appears to show an Apache helicopter flying low outside of his Tennessee home. (X / Kid Rock)

A spokesperson for the 101st Airborne Division, which is based out of Fort Campbell, KY, later confirmed to NBC News that two AH-64 Apache helicopters were completing a training exercise in the Nashville area, while denying that the aircraft's presence in the area was in any way related to the "No Kings" protest that was being held in the city on the same day.

However, the spokesperson noted that the behavior of the aircraft seen in the video was being examined by senior officials, stating: "The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Fort Campbell maintain strict standards for aviation safety, professionalism, and adherence to established flight regulations.

"We take all concerns regarding aircraft operations and their impact on the surrounding community seriously."

Speaking to Politico, Major Montrell Russell, said in a statement that the Army has begun an administrative review to "assess the mission and verify compliance with regulations and airspace requirements," noting that "appropriate action" will be taken if any violations are found to have taken place.

"The Army is aware of a video circulating online that appears to show AH‑64 Apache helicopters operating in the vicinity of a private residence in the Nashville area," Russell stated. "Army aviators must adhere to strict safety standards, professionalism, and established flight regulations."

Kid Rock's Tennessee home, which he refers to as the "Southern White House" was built to mirror 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC, and took around two decades to complete.

Perched atop a hill in the Brick Church Bellshire suburb of Nashville, the property spans an impressive 27,000 square feet and is packed to the brim with unique amenities, including a golden urinal, which the rocker proudly showcased during a 2022 interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

There is also a church, a barber shop, and even a private gas station located on the property, which features two additional structures that flank the "Southern White House," according to images of the dwelling.

Kid Rock salutes Army helicopter flying low over his "Southern White House" in Tennessee
Kid Rock posted two videos of the helicopter, which appeared to be hovering low over his infinity pool, as the musician waved and saluted at the pilot. (X / Kid Rock)
Kid Rock salutes Army helicopter flying low over his "Southern White House" in Tennessee
A spokesperson for the 101st Airborne Division, which is based out of Fort Campbell in Kentucky, later confirmed to NBC News that two AH-64 Apache helicopters were completing a training exercise in the Nashville area. (X / Kid Rock)

The videos posted by Kid Rock show that he has also installed a miniature Statue of Liberty overlooking his pool, while a large sign reading "Southern White House" is hung inside the covered patio area, immediately outside the back entrance to the dwelling.

When Carlson toured the property in 2022, the dwelling was still undergoing construction, with Kid Rock noting to the Fox News host that he "wrote a check" for the land immediately after seeing it—revealing that the incredible views of Nashville were what really sold him on the parcel.

"I love architecture and interior design, and I've been dreaming this up for 20 years," the musician said at the time. "You've got to leave your mark somehow, right?"

After Carlson branded the unfinished property "insane," Kid Rock went on: "Yep, it's a 7-mile shot directly to downtown Nashville. When we walked up to get this property, we got our truck stuck, got ticks all over us and [my friend] said let's get out of here."

But after walking to the spot that is now occupied by his back patio, Kid Rock admitted there was no turning back.

"We get to here, and I'm like, 'Write them a check,'" he recalled.

After his property came together, Kid Rock began adding some additional design details—including an ornate antique bed that was sourced for him by fellow musician Zac Brown, whom he noted is a "fan of antiquing."

Brown also added another rather impressive flourish to the dwelling in the form of an enormous brass eagle that is now perched over the home's main entryway, although Kid Rock revealed that he had the accessory plated in 24-karat gold after it was gifted to him.

Kid Rock’s Mini White House Revealed After Star Spent 20 Years Building It—Complete With a Golden Urinal, Church and More
Kid Rock's Nashville-area home is a 27,000-square-foot replica of the White House, which he only recently completed. (Fox News)
Kid Rock’s Mini White House Revealed After Star Spent 20 Years Building It—Complete With a Golden Urinal, Church and More
The property boasts a number of unique amenities, including a gilded bathroom with a gold toilet and urinal. (Fox News)
Kid Rock’s Mini White House Revealed After Star Spent 20 Years Building It—Complete With a Golden Urinal, Church and More
Kid Rock has long been a supporter of President Donald Trump but is thought to have started work on his "Southern White House" long before the businessman was elected. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Records show that Kid Rock purchased a 68-acre plot of land on which his property was constructed for the bargain price of $136,000 in 2002—although it is now believed to be worth much more.

A few years before that interview took place, the musician began offloading multiple other properties in his portfolio, including a mansion in Detroit and a home in Malibu, revealing to Carlson in 2022 that he had been living in a double-wide trailer before moving into his "Southern White House."

But selling his former dwellings was not quite as enjoyable as building his dream dwelling in Tennessee—particularly when it came to his abode in Malibu, which took close to four years to find a buyer.

The multiplatinum-selling musician, who bought the 1.5-acre property on Point Dume in 2006 for $11.6 million, first listed the place for $13.45 million in September 2013, then dropped the price to $12 million in March 2016. 

He finally sold the dwelling for $9.5 million in June 2017.

As for his home in Detroit, the rocker purchased the property for an undisclosed sum in 2012, after it had been listed for just $465,000. Soon after, he carried out a slew of renovations on the property, including the addition of a boathouse, a heated two-car garage, and a state-of-the-art entertainment system.

He also transformed the basement into a sizable entertaining space, complete with a beer pong table and a poker table.

Kid Rock listed that home for $2.2 million in July 2019 and sold it for the discounted price of $2 million just one month later, according to records.

Keith Francis

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