Pentagon Press Secretary Invokes Billy Joel Song In Witty Comeback To A Fire Question

One hardly expects the press secretary for the US Department of Defense, also called the Pentagon, to display a sense of humour in what are usually the most serious media interactions. Though we now have proof that isn’t always the case. A video of Air Force Major General Pat Ryder, currently serving as the Pentagon Press Secretary, tackling a question about fire in the Army’s ammunition plant is going viral. The reason? He just made a reference to a Billy Joel song. The internet appreciated Ryder’s sense of humour and presence of mind.

During a press conference on April 16, 2024, a reporter asked Ryder, “Just two quick questions, has there been any change to the US Military’s footprint in Niger? And also, there was a fire at the Army’s ammunition plant in Scranton yesterday. At the risk of invoking Billy Joel, do we know who started the fire?” This question was asked by Jeff Schogol, a Pentagon reporter for Task & Purpose, a military-centric news portal for the veterans.

In response, Ryder said, “On Niger, Jeff, no change in the US Force posture at this time. On the fire, I’d have to refer you to the Army, because we didn’t start the fire.” The last phrase, “We didn’t start the fire” is also the title of Billy Joel’s 1989 hit song.

An Instagram account that shared this video wrote, “One of the greatest moments in Pentagon history occurred during today’s press conference.”

Commenting on it, an Instagram user wrote, “Before you get made a general, you should have to pass a test where you have to listen to a question like this and give an appropriately witty answer like this all while keeping a straight face.”

Another person observed, “That smirk at the corner of his mouth. It was very brief, but it was there!”

Someone wrote that the clip prompted them to listen to the song and remarked, “I am now going from IG to Spotify to listen to a Billy Joel song that I haven’t heard in years. But it’s already playing in my head.”

“I love it that he has a sense of humour and can be serious,” read a comment.

Poking fun at the reporter’s question, an Instagram user said, “‘At the risk of invoking Billy Joel’ like if he hears you refer to him, he’s gonna pop up, cackle maniacally, and play all 17 verses of “Piano Man” like some musically inclined Rumplestiltskin.”