Newsom lambasts Hegseth for sharing video of Army Blackhawk helicopters flying with Indy 500 [View all]

Source: The Independent

Monday 25 May 2026 22:56 EDT


California Governor Gavin Newsom has lambasted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for sharing a video of Army Blackhawk helicopters flying above race cars at the Indy 500.

The helicopter flyover, conducted by Indiana Army National Guard members in the 38th Combat Aviation Brigade Sunday, was part of the “Pace Lap for America,” honoring the U.S. military and the nation’s 250th birthday.

But Newsom, known for trolling the Trump administration, team didn’t seem impressed, given the economic worries plaguing Americans. After Hegseth shared a video of the flyover on X, along with an American flag emoji, Newsom’s press office replied, “Sir, we just want lower gas prices.”

Gas prices have more than doubled since the start of the Iran war nearly three months ago. The national average for a gallon of gas is roughly $4.50, and in California, gas costs about $6.12 per gallon, according to the auto club AAA.

Read more: https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/newsom-hegseth-indy-500-blackhawk-helicopter-b2983336.html

Link to tweet