Los Angeles, Calif. — Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is sparking buzz on social media after releasing a workout video featuring musician Kid Rock. The video, shared on Tuesday, features a lighthearted message encouraging Americans to “GET ACTIVE + EAT REAL FOOD.”
In the 90-second clip, Kennedy, 72, and Kid Rock, known for hits like “All Summer Long,” appear shirtless to promote physical fitness. The video opens with the duo flexing their muscles, followed by snippets of them enjoying various activities, from eating to relaxing in a car and holding a U.S. flag, before diving into their workout regimen at a gym.
As part of their routine, they venture into a sauna featuring stationary bikes and engage in push-ups, with Kid Rock humorously flashing a middle finger at the camera during the exercise. Kennedy is also seen immersing himself in a tub while clad in jeans, defying traditional gym attire norms. Their workout transitions to a scene of the pair unwinding in a pool, where they sip glasses of milk, underscoring a health-focused lifestyle.
The public’s response to the video has been mixed, with many viewers sharing their opinions online. California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office chimed in, poking fun at Kennedy’s past comment about using cocaine on toilet seats, referencing it directly in a screenshot from the video.
Television personality Alyssa Farah Griffin expressed her confusion on social media, asking, “What did I just watch?” Others joined the conversation, particularly critiquing Kennedy’s choice of wearing jeans throughout the video. Kennedy, who has previously explained his preference for jeans at the gym as a matter of convenience, defended his choice, stating he has grown accustomed to it.
The Department of Health and Human Services took part in the social media discussion by reposting the video with a playful nod to Kid Rock’s popular 1999 song, “Bawitdaba,” which serves as the video’s soundtrack.
As the video continues to circulate and generate conversation, it raises questions about the effectiveness of unconventional marketing methods in promoting health messages. The Independent has reached out to Kennedy’s office for additional comments regarding the online reactions.