Musician Kid Rock responded to criticism of his recent flights with the U.S. military, saying his commitment to the U.S. Armed Forces is about boosting morale, not personal perks.

Rock, whose full name is Robert Ritchie, joined the “Will Cain Country” podcast to discuss the “noise” regarding his recent flights with the U.S. military and share the origin of his decades-long journey to support service members.

“It really started with the bombing of the USS Cole,” Rock said. “They were playing my music when that ship got towed out of the harbor and 17 sailors lost their lives. So, we ended up playing a show in Virginia and giving all that money to those families.”

The USS Cole was attacked by al Qaeda suicide bombers in 2000. Rock said his patriotism took a new form after meeting those sailors.

KID ROCK, HEGSETH DIVIDE FANS AFTER CRITICS QUESTION PATRIOTIC HELICOPTER RIDE

War Secretary Pete Hegseth and musician Kid Rock pose for photo with troops in front of a helicopter. (@SecWar on X)

“That really started just a whole ‘nother level of not just patriotism, but really doing my part to try and help out and go wherever the military called,” he said.

Rock described his work supporting troops as some of the “toughest work” he’s ever done, but also the “most rewarding.”

Last month, the artist faced criticism after he joined Secretary of War Pete Hegseth for a helicopter flight in Washington, D.C. The flight came after the U.S. Army investigated an unplanned flyover at Rock’s Nashville home in March.

KID ROCK, HEGSETH TAKE APACHE HELICOPTER RIDE NEAR WASHINGTON

Musician Kid Rock performs on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wis., on July 18, 2024. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

While some media outlets and social media users questioned whether taxpayer dollars were being used for celebrity flights, Rock dismissed the criticism as “just noise,” noting he has visited bases and flown in military aircraft for over 20 years.

“You do stuff for the military, and they want to showcase to you what they do. So, whether they’re showing you their technology or letting you shoot a gun or participate in something, you know, that’s kind of what you do,” he said.

“I don’t need to sit here and prove what I’ve done.”

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Rock said the purpose of his recent trip with Hegseth was to film content for Memorial Day and the America 250 celebration. He also used the opportunity to announce that his “Freedom 250” tour will give away 250 free tickets per show to veterans and their families.

In a post on X, Secretary Hegseth defended the partnership, calling Rock a “patriot” and a “huge supporter of our troops.”

In view of the global crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a concrete appeal to different states and countrymen, saying that everything from fuel to gold Silver Limit jewelry purchases to Rs. Different pictures are also emerging related to the initiatives taken by the country’s politicians and departmental officials. Now in this matter, three important initiatives have been taken by the Varanasi District Administration at the departmental level, which have already been started.

According to the information received by ABP Live from Varanasi District Administration, now the departmental level meetings in the district will be 100% online, the meeting will not be held directly with the presence of officials. Apart from this, a decision has also been taken to use maximum solar energy and it is being started from department to office.

Why has the departments not been divided yet after the expansion of the UP Cabinet? This is the reason!

Officers will reach office through car pooling

In this matter, Varanasi District Administration has taken another decision and started it when any officer from his residence will reach office through car pooling. This means that the convoy of officers will now be limited, more than one officer will sit in one vehicle. At the departmental level, more important decisions can be taken in the coming time regarding fuel supply.

CM Yogi made a big appeal to the people of the state

On the other hand, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while appealing to the people of the state, has said that it is the responsibility of every citizen to strengthen the self-reliance campaign by adopting options like public transport, car pooling and renewable energy. Yogi Adityanath has also said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi Conclusions should be drawn only after reading, understanding and thinking about the appeal seriously.

Amount sent to the accounts of sugarcane farmers in UP, payment of more than Rs 3.21 lakh crore made

Prime Minister Narendra Modi On the call of the government, governments have started implementing initiatives to save fuel, reduce convoys etc. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Chief Minister, Ministers, senior officials in Uttar Pradesh have decided to reduce the fleet by 50 percent. Now in this sequence, Legislative Council Chairman Kunwar Manvendra Singh has postponed all the pre-scheduled tour programs of the parliamentary committees of the council till further orders.

This information was given by Dr. Rajesh Singh, Principal Secretary of the Legislative Council. He said that district level officers will participate in the meetings of parliamentary committees through video conferencing till further orders.

Why has the departments not been divided yet after the expansion of the UP Cabinet? This is the reason!

Gorakhpur News: The groom arrived to fulfill the demand of the bride admitted in ICU, the hospital became a wedding pavilion, took seven rounds

Lucknow During the funeral rites of former Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav’s younger son Prateek Yadav at Bhainsakund Ghat, a family was seen going through its greatest sorrow. This scene was so touching that everyone present there became emotional from within. On Thursday, such a picture of relationships, sensitivities and family pain emerged at Bhainsakund Ghat, which left every viewer silent for a few moments.

The fire of the pyre was gradually calming down, but the pain that appeared in the two innocent eyes was recorded forever in the minds of everyone present there.

The fire of the pyre was slowly rising amidst the chanting of mantras at the cremation ground. There was silence all around, but amidst that silence, two innocent eyes were speaking the most. Pratik Yadav Both the daughters were silently watching their father leaving for the last time. The elder daughter was trying to control herself, while the younger girl was looking towards her loved ones again and again, as if she was still hoping that her father would get up and take her in his lap. Perhaps at that moment the silence of truth was heavier than any words.

Akhilesh Yadav sitting near the girls

Uneasiness, fear and the pain of separation were clearly visible in the eyes of the little girl. The people present at the ghat were unable to control themselves after seeing that innocent face. In this emotional atmosphere, Samajwadi Party National President Akhilesh Yadav was seen sitting near the girls.

Akhilesh, who always appeared restrained on political platforms, looked like an elder member of the family at that moment. He tried to control the little girl by giving her chocolates and kept her sitting with him lovingly. Also asked him something. The girl started looking at him for a few moments, but the emptiness of losing her father was clearly visible in her eyes.

The eyes of the people present on the ghat were fixed on the same scene. No one saw politics there, no one saw power… In front of everyone’s eyes were only two daughters, who were probably experiencing the biggest separation of their life for the first time. Tears were flowing spontaneously from the eyes of many people.

A politician present at the ghat said that politics has its place, but having a big heart is not everyone’s cup of tea. This quality came from late Mulayam to his elder son Akhilesh Yadav. This is the reason why he was forgetting everything and was just handling the family like a head in such a tragic moment.

Hockey, much like football, is a game of inches.

And no one knows that better than Colorado Avalanche superstar (and amateur scuba enthusiast) Nathan MacKinnon.

Less than three months ago, MacKinnon had a golden opportunity (literally) presented to him in Canada’s gold-medal game against the United States against the United States.

Sitting just to the left of the net with American goaltender Connor Hellebuyck still hugging the opposite post, MacKinnon sailed a wrist shot just wide of the pipes.

TEAM USA MEN’S HOCKEY WINS GOLD MEDAL IN OVERTIME AGAINST CANADA AT WINTER OLYMPICS

Nathan MacKinnon and Connor Hellebuyck compete during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics figure ice hockey final match between Canada and the United States at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan on Feb. 22, 2026. (Foto Olimpik/NurPhoto)

The Americans would rally in overtime, with defenseman Jack Hughes slotting home the golden goal and sending MacKinnon and the Canadians home with a consolation prize of silver and a stuffed animal for their troubles.

Fast forward to Wednesday night, with time winding down in the Avalanche’s Game 5 tilt with the Minnesota Wild, and Colorado needing a goal to tie it. MacKinnon was presented with the exact same opportunity from a similar spot on the ice.

And you had better believe he didn’t miss twice.

For context, look at how identical both scoring opportunities look. You could even make the argument this one was more difficult given Minnesota netminder Jesper Wallstedt’s perfect positioning.

The goal from MacKinnon would send the game to overtime, where the Avs would wear down the depleted Wild roster en route to a win and a gentlemen’s sweep.

It’s on to the Western Conference Finals for the Avalanche, where they will await the winners of the Anaheim Ducks-Vegas Golden Knights series.

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Colorado’s Joshn Manson battles Minnesota’s Yakov Trenin in Game 4 of the two teams’ series in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. (Matt Krohn-Imagn Images)

Colorado should absolutely be seen as the favorites to not only come out of the West, but to win the whole thing, given their mix of Cup experience and firepower.

When you couple that with the fact that MacKinnon looks like he’s on a warpath to win another Stanley Cup and atone for his miss in the Olympics, the Avs feel like a team of destiny.

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Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog scores a goal against the Anaheim Ducks in the second period of an NHL game in Denver on Nov. 11, 2025. (David Zalubowski/AP)

If it’s the Golden Knights who end up prevailing and facing Colorado in the Conference Finals, that might be the series of the entire playoffs, given Vegas has its own share of superstar talent and Stanley Cup history.

Either way, good luck to any team that has the unenviable task of slowing down Nathan “Nate Dogg” MacKinnon.

A murder took place during a blackout mock drill in the capital Patna on Thursday (May 14, 2026) evening. Taking advantage of the darkness, the criminals shot dead the spice trader. The incident took place in Musallahpur Haat of Sultanganj police station area. The deceased has been identified as Pintu Kumar.

Lights were cut at 7 o’clock during mock drill

Regarding the incident, information has come to light that this incident was carried out at the same time when the line was cut at seven in the evening for blackout mock drill. The criminals were sitting in ambush. As soon as it became dark, shots were fired. The criminals fled after committing the incident.

Also read- Bihar by-election 2026: RJD’s first reaction after the results, ‘The victory has proved that…’

shot in the head at close range

It is said that Pintu Kumar was shot in the head from very close range. After the incident, local people quickly gathered. After this Pintu was taken to the hospital where the doctors declared him dead. After the incident, the police has started investigating the matter. The body has been sent for post-mortem.

Fear of murder in old dispute

In this matter, SP Parichay Kumar said that prima facie it is also coming to light that the deceased Pintu had a fight with someone some time back. Investigation is being done on many points including old disputes and mutual enmity. However, who carried out the incident? What is the reason is not clear yet.

Let us tell you that a mock drill was organized in six districts of Bihar including Patna to make people aware to avoid air strikes. Apart from Patna, mock drills were held in Katihar, Purnia, Kishanganj, Begusarai and Araria. Meanwhile, this murder in Patna has shocked everyone. It remains to be seen what comes to light after the investigation.

Also read- As soon as 7 o’clock the sound of sirens echoed, blackout for 15 minutes in 6 districts of Bihar including Patna.

Trade has emerged as a central focus of President Donald Trump’s high-stakes meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, following a Supreme Court setback over Trump’s tariff agenda earlier this year. 

“President Trump had a good meeting with President Xi of China,” a White House official told pool reporters early Thursday morning. “The two sides discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation between our two countries, including expanding market access for American businesses into China and increasing Chinese investment into our industries.”

The talks come as Trump’s tariff agenda faced a setback after a Supreme Court ruling limited his use of emergency powers to impose duties, which cut directly into one of his preferred tools for pressuring Beijing. The ruling came against the backdrop of a yearslong tariff standoff between the U.S. and China, with Trump arguing aggressive duties are needed to force fairer trade terms while Beijing has repeatedly pushed back.

TRUMP’S TARIFF POWER GRAB BARRELS TOWARD SUPREME COURT

President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping greet other officials at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on May 14, 2026. (Kenny Holston-Pool/Getty Images)

“I will be asking President Xi, a Leader of extraordinary distinction, to ‘open up’ China so that these brilliant people can work their magic, and help bring the People’s Republic to an even higher level!” Trump posted to Truth Social on May 12, previewing he would press Xi on American trade. “In fact, I promise, that when we are together, which will be in a matter of hours, I will make that my very first request. I have never seen or heard of any idea that would be more beneficial to our incredible Countries!”

After Trump touched down in China on Wednesday, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning wrote on X Thursday, that “President Xi stressed to President Trump that facts have shown time and again that trade wars have no winner.”

“China-U.S. economic and trade ties are mutually beneficial and win-win in nature. Where disagreements and frictions exist, equal-footed consultation is the only right choice,” she added.

TRUMP GETS RED-CARPET WELCOME IN CHINA, BUT PAST BEIJING TRIP SHOWS PAGEANTRY ONLY GOES SO FAR

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People on May 14, 2026 in Beijing, China. President Trump is meeting with President Xi Jinping in Beijing to address the Iran conflict, trade imbalances, and the Taiwan situation while establishing new bilateral boards for economic and AI oversight. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Tariffs have been at the center of Trump’s China strategy since his first term, when he imposed duties on Chinese imports and Beijing retaliated with tariffs of its own. The fight has remained one of the defining pressure points in the relationship between the world’s two largest economies. 

A major piece of Trump’s “America First” agenda has focused on leveling the global trade playing field by holding other countries accountable for trade deficits. One of his first moves after returning to office was rolling out the “Liberation Day” tariffs in April 2025, which were designed to serve as leverage in trade negotiations while also generating new revenue.

The Supreme Court, in a 6-3 ruling, invalidated Trump’s use of an emergency law to impose tariffs in February, ruling that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not authorize the president, even after declaring a national emergency, to impose tariffs. 

Trump had championed ahead of SCOTUS’ decision that the court should rule in his favor as part of his larger effort to boost the economy, jobs and bring down costs for Americans. 

KAVANAUGH RIPS SUPREME COURT MAJORITY’S ‘ILLOGICAL’ LINE ON TARIFFS

US President Donald Trump (R) shakes hands with China’s President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 14, 2026. (Kenny HOLSTON / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)

Justice Brett Kavanaugh dissented, joined by Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. Trump took issue with Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett — both of whom he nominated in his first term — for joining the majority, including just this month when he said the ruling has cost the U.S. $159 billion. 

“I don’t want loyalty, but I do want and expect it for our Country,” Trump posted to Truth Social on Sunday. “Yes, I have another way of doing Tariffs, but it is far slower, and more laborious than what was just determined, in a close decision, to be ‘illegal’ or ‘unconstitutional,’ with three powerful, and highly accurate, dissents! Well, maybe Neil, and Amy, just had a really bad day, but our Country can only handle so many decisions of that magnitude before it breaks down, and cracks!!!”

TRUMP’S SIGNATURE TARIFFS HANG ON KEY QUESTION ABOUT CONGRESS’ POWER BEFORE SUPREME COURT

Trump moved to preserve his tariff pressure campaign through other trade authorities, including Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, though that route is temporary and has already drawn its own legal challenge. 

A White House spokesperson told Fox News Digital on Thursday that the administration is also looking to Section 301, which allows the U.S. to investigate and respond to unfair foreign trade practices.

“This tariff tool has already held up from prior legal challenges,” said the spokesperson. 

China’s President Xi Jinping (R) and US President Donald Trump visit the Temple of Heaven on May 14, 2026 in Beijing, China. (Brendan Smialowski – Pool/Getty Images)

Trump visited China in 2017 in meetings that produced more than $250 billion in announced commercial deals and cooperation pledges at the time, but it did not prevent trade relations from deteriorating in 2018. 

This week’s talks come amid a renewed tariff standoff that reignited after Trump returned to office in 2025. The pressure began with new fentanyl-related tariffs on Chinese goods in February, before widening into a broader reciprocal tariff push that triggered retaliation from Beijing, and has since shifted toward negotiations over temporary off-ramps.

U.S. Trade representative Jamieson Greer previewed goals for Trump’s state visit last month on Fox News’ “My View with Lara Trump,” sharing that a top priority is stability between the two countries.

“We want to make sure we continue to have a flow of the rare earth we need for our manufacturing we wanna make sure that the Chinese continued to buy a lot of American agriculture and airplanes and other kinds of things that Americans are good at making, and we want to set the table to continue to have stability over the next six months to a year and so these are the kind of things that we’re looking for as outcomes from the trip,” Greer said.

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Fox News Digital’s Emma Colton contributed to this report.