AMERICANS have been left wondering why Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. hits the gym in jeans.
The question came from Fox News’ Jesse Watters during an interview Tuesday, who said it was “the question that everybody is wondering about.”
Kennedy, known for his denim workout attire, explained the reasoning behind his unusual choice.
“I began doing that a long time ago because I’d hike in the mornings and then head straight to the gym. It was convenient, and now it’s just become a habit,” he explained.
Watters appeared satisfied, responding, “There were a lot of theories, but that makes perfect sense.”
The unusual workout gear drew attention during Kennedy’s fitness challenge with Fox News personality-turned-Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Participants were tasked with completing 50 pull-ups and 100 push-ups in under five minutes.
While Hegseth and other challengers wore standard shorts, Kennedy stuck to his signature jeans.
The health secretary has been sporting denim at the gym for years.
In June 2023, while still running for president, Kennedy posted a clip of himself in jeans completing push-ups.
“Getting in shape for my debates with President Biden!” he wrote at the time.
He repeated the denim routine in December 2024 ahead of his confirmation hearings for the HHS secretary role.
In that clip, Kennedy said he was “practicing moves for my confirmation hearing” while wearing jeans and no shirt.
Despite concerns from cousin Caroline Kennedy that he was unfit, he was narrowly confirmed by the Senate on February 13.
The viral gym moment comes amid a controversial start for Kennedy in office.
His early months have drawn criticism for COVID-19 vaccine restrictions and comments about autism.
Presidential Fitness Explained
What is it?
A physical fitness exam for schoolchildren that tests endurance, strength, and flexibility.
What’s included?
•1-mile run
•Sit-ups
•Pull-ups or push-ups
•Sit-and-reach flexibility test
When did it start?
Launched in 1966 under President Lyndon B. Johnson to gauge youth fitness levels.
Why was it scrapped?
Replaced in 2012 by the Youth Fitness Program, which emphasized personal health over performance.
What’s new under Trump?
The original test is back – plus a new Presidential Fitness Award and oversight by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Who’s on board?
A 30-member national council featuring athletes like Bryson DeChambeau, Triple H, and Annika Sorenstam.
What critics say:
Experts warn the test alone won’t boost kids’ health without supportive programs and long-term planning.
Hegseth, the ex-Fox host, has faced criticism for his appointment, which includes historical sexual assault accusations and his stance against transgender military members.
Kennedy encouraged Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to take on the challenge next.
Hegseth called out other officials, including Chair of the Joint Chiefs Dan Caine and former colleague Will Cain.
“We encourage Americans to accept this challenge and share it, so we can be fit and maintain a healthy fighting force,” Hegseth stated.
The push-up and pull-up challenge is part of Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, echoing President Donald Trump’s MAGA slogan.
The initiative focuses on public health issues, including reducing artificial additives in foods and reassessing vaccination policies for children.
Recently, comedian John Oliver discussed the campaign on HBO’s Last Week Tonight, highlighting its popularity among parents who are keen on healthier food choices.
Experts say American children are 15-20% more likely to have chronic health conditions in 2023 than in 2011.
However, many argue that Kennedy’s solutions range from superficial to potentially dangerous, The Independent reported.
Under his direction, HHS has begun cutting funds for mRNA vaccine research, which one expert described as “the most dangerous public health decision ever made by a government entity.”
Kennedy’s jeans may have seemed odd, but he insists it’s just a convenient habit, and now Americans finally know why.
