Newsmax Host Greg Kelly Condemns Pentagon’s Response to Flyover

Newsmax host Greg Kelly strongly criticized Pentagon officials following a flyover performed by Army pilots near the home of musician Kid Rock. Kelly’s rebuke came after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the lifting of suspensions for the pilots involved.

The Incident and Initial Investigation

The flyover prompted an administrative investigation under Army Regulation 15-6, according to an Army spokesperson who spoke with the Daily Beast on Tuesday. The personnel involved were initially suspended from flight duties while the Army reviewed the mission’s compliance with FAA regulations, aviation safety protocols, and approval requirements.

Hegseth Lifts Suspensions, Sparks Outrage

However, Hegseth later announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the suspensions had been lifted, praising the pilots. He wrote, “Thank you @KidRock…@USArmy pilots suspension LIFTED. No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots.”

Kelly’s Fiery Response

Kelly responded with a scathing post on X, questioning Hegseth’s leadership and calling for disciplinary action against the pilots. “So what if those ‘fly boys’ flew by Madonna’s house and Took a Bow?” Kelly wrote. “Or Robert De Niro. That would not be cool, right? But it’s just fine for Kid Rockhead? What an amateur move, posting it on Social Media.”

Demanding Accountability

Kelly, a former U.S. Marine Corps jump jet pilot with nine years of service, continued his criticism, stating, “He has No business Micro-Managing Army Units. They MUST Discipline Hot Dog Pilots performing Unauthorized Stunts. Because Next Time something could go Very Very Bad.”

Discussion on Newsmax

During Tuesday’s edition of his Newsmax program, Kelly described the flyover as “kind of cool” but acknowledged it was the type of incident that typically results in consequences. He emphasized the difficult decisions leaders sometimes face, even if unpopular.

The Role of Leadership

“Leadership, it can be lonely, and I don’t think a lot of people who are shooting their mouths off right now know enough about it,” Kelly said. The Pentagon declined to comment further on Kelly’s remarks, referring back to Hegseth’s initial announcement.

Kid Rock’s Reaction

Kid Rock, a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, expressed his appreciation for the gesture, calling it “a level of respect that I got that no award or record sales could ever do.” He described the flyover as “harmless” and “really cool,” dismissing critics as suffering from ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome.’ He also thanked service members, saying, “Thank you for your service, and keep on Kid Rockin’ in the free world.”