Washington, D.C. — A new workout video featuring Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the rock musician Kid Rock has sparked widespread debate online, with many questioning the choice of the singer as a fitness partner. The 90-second clip, released on Tuesday, showcases the two engaging in a variety of activities, from lifting weights and playing pickleball to drinking whole milk in a swimming pool.
In the video, titled “Secretary Kennedy and Kid Rock’s Rock Out Work Out,” Kennedy, 72, is seen exercising while wearing jeans throughout the montage, including during a cold plunge. Kid Rock’s 1999 anthem “Bawitdaba” plays in the background, setting an upbeat tone for the unconventional collaboration. Kennedy took to X, formerly Twitter, to express the purpose of the video: promoting a campaign for physical activity and healthy eating. The Department of Health and Human Services also shared the clip, humorously captioning it “BawitMAHA.”
However, the video generated a wave of skepticism and critique across social media, with many users questioning the pairing of the two. Comments poured in, with one user expressing uncertainty on how to take health advice from either figure. Critics pointed out Kid Rock’s history of substance use, suggesting that his lifestyle might undermine the message about healthy living. A notable backlash emerged from users who found it difficult to reconcile Kennedy’s campaign with Kid Rock’s well-documented indulgences.
Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, has a history that complicates his role in such a health-oriented campaign. Past interviews reveal struggles with substance use, including alcohol and drugs, which he has openly discussed over the years. This background raises eyebrows, especially considering that Kennedy’s campaign aims to counter public health challenges across the nation.
This isn’t the first collaboration between Kennedy and Kid Rock. Earlier this month, Kennedy visited the musician’s Nashville residence—reportedly a replica of the White House—and praised him for sharing his “healthy habits.” Social media users quickly pointed out the irony, referencing Kid Rock’s notorious parties and once being arrested for a drunken altercation at an Atlanta Waffle House.
Kennedy has a history of engaging unconventional figures in his campaign to “Make America Healthy Again.” He previously collaborated with personalities like Mike Tyson in promoting health and nutrition, leveraging their fame to disseminate his message. In January, Kennedy went viral for a video that depicted him dancing with whole milk, a recurring theme in his recent collaborations, including the latest with Kid Rock.
While the underlying messages of exercise and healthy eating resonate with many, the effectiveness of these messages can be called into question when delivered by individuals whose lifestyles might suggest otherwise. Some observers pointed to Kennedy’s choice of messenger—an artist often associated with a partying lifestyle—as a contradiction that could hinder public receptivity to the campaign’s goals.
Ultimately, the discussion surrounding Kennedy and Kid Rock’s video reflects broader concerns about how health messaging is conveyed and the credibility of its advocates. While calls for action to “get active” and “eat real food” may be simple and well-intentioned, the integration of such figures may complicate public perceptions, leaving many to wonder if the message can truly be taken seriously.