Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is defending his unusual gym attire.
The controversial Health and Human Services secretary, 71, went viral for wearing jeans to the gym after teaming up with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, 45, for what they dubbed the “Pete and Bobby Challenge” — 100 push-ups and 50 pull-ups in 10 minutes.
After generating online buzz, Kennedy spoke about his unconventional choice of workout clothes in an interview with Fox News.
“Well, I just started doing that a long time ago because I would go hiking in the morning and then I’d go straight to the gym,” he explained. “And I found it was convenient, and now I’m used to it, so I just do it.”
The challenge, seemingly part of the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, saw Kennedy wearing his signature jeans, while Hegseth and other participants opted for standard workout shorts.
Kennedy’s social media history shows that his gym jeans are not a new trend. In June 2023 — while still running for president as a Democrat — he shared a video of himself wearing jeans and no shirt while completing push-ups.
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“Getting in shape for my debates with President Biden!” he captioned the clip, adding, “And yes, I can do more than 10 push-ups. That was my last set.”
Kennedy also appeared in similar attire while preparing for his confirmation hearings to become HHS secretary. On Dec. 1, 2024, he posted another gym video in jeans and no shirt, joking that he was “practicing moves for my confirmation hearing.”
Despite objections from his cousin Caroline Kennedy, who questioned his suitability for Trump’s Cabinet, RFK Jr. was narrowly confirmed by the Senate on Feb. 13.
His viral workout with Hegseth comes amid a contentious start to his tenure, fueled in part by COVID-19 vaccine restrictions and controversial remarks on autism.
Hegseth, a former Fox News host, has also faced scrutiny since joining Trump’s administration, including overcoming a se**ual assault allegation during his confirmation hearings and using his position to remove transgender individuals from the military.
