HHS Secretary’s Shirtless Workout Video with Kid Rock Raises Eyebrows
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shared a 90-second workout video featuring Kid Rock on Tuesday, drawing a mix of curiosity and skepticism.
The video, named “Secretary Kennedy and Kid Rock’s Rock Out Work Out,” showcases the 72-year-old Secretary and the 55-year-old musician engaging in various exercises like weightlifting, sit-ups in a sauna, pickleball, and enjoying whole milk in a pool. Kid Rock’s 1999 song “Bawitdaba” plays in the background, while Kennedy remains dressed in jeans throughout the activities.
Kennedy expressed on X, “I’ve teamed up with @KidRock to deliver two simple messages to the American people: GET ACTIVE + EAT REAL FOOD.” The Department of Health and Human Services shared the video with the caption “BawitMAHA.”
Social Media Reactions
Reactions ranged from disbelief to humor, with an X user commenting, “I Cannot Possibly Imagine Two Men I’d Like to Take Health Advice From Less,” which gained 9.9K likes. Others mocked, saying things like, “Kid Rock and RFK Jr. are teaming up for whatever this is,” receiving 35K views and over 450 comments.
Comments like “Has anyone seen the Secretary of HHS?… Oh sure, he’s in Kid Rock’s indoor pool chugging whole milk in his jeans” and “What the [bleep] did I just watch?” encapsulated the collective confusion about the video. User @FruitFlyNewz summed up the sentiment with a still of Kid Rock flipping off the camera, questioning the seriousness of the content.
Kid Rock’s Lifestyle History
The bizarre reactions might stem from Kid Rock’s own history with substance abuse. In past interviews, he openly discussed his struggles with alcohol and drugs, even noting incidents where he blacked out. He has been vocal about legalizing various substances and has had moments that went viral for their drunken antics.
Previous Interactions and Campaign Goals
Kennedy’s relationship with Kid Rock isn’t novel; earlier this month, Kennedy visited Kid Rock’s elaborate Nashville home during his “Take Back Your Health” tour, thanking the musician for sharing his “healthy habits,” despite the ironic contrast given Kid Rock’s lifestyle choices.
The Unlikely Advocates for Health
Kennedy has a pattern of collaborating with unconventional figures for his “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, having previously involved Mike Tyson in a promotional effort. This campaign seems to be a continuation of that trend, even as public health messages remain uncontroversial, the messengers themselves may evoke skepticism.
