Overview
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted a video on X of Blackhawk helicopters flying over the Indy 500, using an American-flag emoji to promote the scene.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office replied on X, “Sir, we just want lower gas prices,” framing the post as tone-deaf to economic pain.
- The flyover was part of the Indiana Army National Guard’s 38th Combat Aviation Brigade ‘Pace Lap for America’ to honor the military and the nation’s 250th birthday, and it took place on Sunday.
- Gasoline prices have risen sharply since strikes tied to the Iran conflict disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with AAA reporting a roughly $4.50 national average and about $6.12 in California.
- Critics point to past low-altitude helicopter incidents and to planned 250th birthday events as evidence that military displays and White House celebrations risk poor optics, and oversight of such flights remains a live political issue.