Kid Rock 'wasting taxpayer money' as military helicopter visits his White House replica
Kid Rock has attracted a lot of criticism on social media after sharing a video of himself saluting a military helicopter seen hovering outside his Nashville home
Kid Rock has been accused of "wasting thousands of dollars" as he seemed to be treated to a private military flypast.
The 55-year-old, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, took to Instagram and X on Saturday, March 28, to share a video of him saluting a military helicopter as it hovered outside his home in Nashville, which he has decorated to look like a replica of the White House. Kid Rock was stood by a replica Statue of Liberty next to his pool as the helicopter flew by.
"This is a level of respect that s--t 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 captioned the post. The singer has been feuding with Gavin Newsom after the politician "banned" him from California.
Viewers weren't happy with Kid Rock's video as many questioned why money was being sent to fly a military helicopter near his mansion. "Who wasted thousands of dollars in fuel, maintenance and wages to go hover by his pool?" one person questioned.
Someone else echoed, "Why the f--k is there a helicopter outside your house like that? Isn’t that huge waste of money?" as another X user fumed, "What a waste of fuel. You are a tool bag."
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A fourth critic posted, "We can’t afford gas and groceries and our tax dollars are being spent to make Kid Rocks loser a-- happy." Someone else slammed, "What a waste of taxpayer money. Shameful stuff, Kid Kicks Rocks."
"Will U.S. taxpayers be reimbursed for this indulgence? You should get your checkbook out and pay for this BS." one X user questioned as another echoed, "Who authorized this."
Military flyovers are primarily funded by the U.S. Department of Defense through military training budgets. The funding is given from federal taxes and, to a smaller extent, international security assistance programs.
Other critics took offense at Kid Rock's decision to salute the helicopter. "Yeah so, you’re not supposed to salute people in the military when you’ve never been in it yourself. It’s blatantly disrespectful," one person pointed out.
Someone else agreed, "Civilians aren’t supposed to salute..that’s only for military. A real patriot would know that..a drug head trailer park rock singer would not."
"Saluting them? Like you served in our military and earned that honor," a third critic hit out. "I once paid for your…concerts, shirts, music, etc. Hell, I’ve even met your stoned a--! lol Your career didn’t have to tank this way."
Indeed, a military salute is given by soldiers to signal acknowledgment of the due respect to someone of a superior rank. Salutes can also be given by Heads of State.
While a salute from a civilian is considered to be a gesture of respect, it's not recommended as a way to honor a member of the military as it's seen as a break from etiquette.