Randy George was fired after being warned to drop Kid Rock helicopter probe: report
Trump blamed Hegseth for Randy George's removal during a conversation with Republican Senator Joni Ernst
Former US Army chief of staff Gen. Randy George was reportedly warned to abandon an investigation into a military helicopter fly-by at Kid Rock's home shortly before he was removed from his post.
George sought an investigation into whether safety protocols were violated when an AH-64 Apache flew past the musician's Nashville home on March 28, The Washington Post reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
Video showed Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert Ritchie, saluting the helicopter. George was removed as Army chief days later, on April 2.
Gen. Chris LaNeve reportedly warned George against pursuing the investigation as sources told the Post that George was “troubled by the encounter with LaNeve, who suggested it would be best if the review was scuttled.”
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly halted the investigation shortly after the fly-by.
“Thank you [Kid Rock]. [U.S. Army] pilots suspension lifted. No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots,” Hegseth wrote.
The New York Times previously reported that President Donald Trump blamed Hegseth for George's removal during a conversation with Republican Senator Joni Ernst.
“Tell the general I'm sorry,” Trump reportedly said.
-
Trump escalates Canada trade war, says it is ‘time to teach’ Ottawa a lesson
-
Trump dismisses speculation over CIA chief Ratcliffe’s secretive Russia trip
-
Secret Service launches internal investigation into three officials over security concerns
-
Ukraine awards Elon Musk high state honour
-
Deadly Nepal-Tibet border flash flood: 291 foreign tourists among 384 missing
-
Archie, Lilibet finally arriving in Britain with Meghan Markle, Harry today: 'Excited'
-
Japan faces test as ICC urges pushback against US campaign
-
UK defies VAT cut relief: Energy price cap set at £1,723 after 4% October rise