A recent collaboration between Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and musician Kid Rock has ignited widespread debate and fascination across social media. The duo released a workout video promoting health, fitness, and specific dietary choices, quickly achieving viral status. Dubbed a “health promotional video” by Kennedy, the clip aimed to deliver two straightforward messages to the American public: “GET ACTIVE + EAT REAL FOOD” under his signature “Make America Healthy Again” campaign. However, its unconventional nature and the public personas involved have sparked intense scrutiny, leading to a polarized reception from both viewers and media commentators.
Unpacking the Viral “Rock Out Workout” Video
Released on February 17, 2026, and shared across Kennedy’s social media platforms, including his official government X page (identified as the Health and Human Services Secretary in the accompanying reports), the 90-second video quickly garnered attention. Set to Kid Rock’s 1998 hit “Bawitdaba,” the clip features a shirtless Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (aged 72) and Kid Rock (aged 55) engaging in a series of physical activities within what appears to be a rustic, wood-paneled lodge or home gym.
The visual landscape of the video is as unique as its participants. Viewers witness the pair performing sit-ups and using exercise equipment, initially clothed, before transitioning to shirtless segments. The backdrop is notably eclectic, adorned with taxidermy animals like a bear in a bedazzled fedora, American flags, a soaring eagle, and a lunging shark, adding to its peculiar aesthetic.
The Peculiarities of the Cold Plunge and Whole Milk
One of the most talked-about sequences involves a sauna session, where Kennedy, remarkably, cycles on a stationary bike while still wearing blue jeans, as Kid Rock performs push-ups. Following this, Kennedy takes a cold-plunge bath, bizarrely, still clad in his jeans. This sartorial choice during an aquatic activity drew significant bewilderment from critics. Later, the duo are seen playing pickleball, a popular paddle sport, before relaxing in a hot tub. The video culminates with both Kennedy and Kid Rock holding large glasses of whole milk, which they drink in the hot tub, a scene satirically described as either a health PSA or an “extremely niche fetish video” by one columnist.
The video also integrates other American-themed visuals, such as an imitation Statue of Liberty, military planes, and scenes of the duo preparing food in a kitchen or cruising in a convertible. This blend of fitness, patriotism, and quirky imagery was designed to underscore Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, advocating for physical activity, a high-protein diet, and the consumption of whole milk. Kennedy himself revealed to Fox News that he adheres to a “carnivore diet” consisting primarily of “meat and ferments,” further aligning with his promoted dietary philosophies.
A Storm of Reactions: Praise, Confusion, and Outrage
Upon its release, the “Secretary Kennedy and Kid Rock’s Rock Out Workout” video instantly went viral, prompting a distinct dichotomy of public and media reactions. On one side, supporters praised Kennedy’s apparent vitality and commitment to health, with comments like “RFK is 72 and rocking” and “WE ACTIVE!! MAHA” highlighting admiration for his energy and the initiative’s underlying message.
However, a significant majority of responses leaned towards strong criticism, bewilderment, and even outright derision. Many viewers found the video deeply odd, with online comments ranging from “This is a fever dream” to “This is the weirdest sh I’ve ever seen,” reflecting a widespread perception of its surreal and unconventional nature.
“Morning Joe” Hosts Express Utter Dismay
The video drew particularly scathing commentary from the hosts of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” During their broadcast on February 18, 2026, Mika Brzezinski, Joe Scarborough, and Willie Geist expressed profound shock and disbelief. Brzezinski exclaimed, “Um… I can’t unsee this,” questioning Kennedy’s “desperate need to display himself” and “the need to take off the shirt constantly.” She even jokingly suggested the video should be “against the law,” referencing Kid Rock’s past lyrics.
Joe Scarborough added a satirical jab, stating, “Vladimir Putin has met his match,” implying a bizarre display of masculinity. He vividly recalled Kennedy’s past controversial actions, linking the cold plunge in jeans to an incident in May 2025 where Kennedy swam in Washington, D.C.’s notoriously polluted Rock Creek. Scarborough decried the content, stating, “There are no words to express just the lunkheads in this administration. It’s just unbelievable.” Willie Geist also fixated on Kennedy’s attire, asking, “What is it with RFK Jr. wearing jeans in water?” and drawing parallels to the Rock Creek incident.
Broader Context: RFK Jr.’s Public Health Stances and Controversies
The polarized reception to the workout video is not an isolated incident but rather fits into a broader pattern of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s controversial public health career and campaign strategies. As an individual identified as the Health and Human Services Secretary, his public actions and statements carry significant weight and often attract scrutiny.
Kennedy has faced considerable criticism for his long-standing promotion of anti-vaccine rhetoric, which many public health experts view as undermining established medical science. This stance has consistently put him at odds with mainstream health organizations and professionals.
Questionable PR and Dietary Philosophies
The workout video itself is seen by some as another instance of questionable public relations choices by Kennedy’s campaign. It closely followed his “Make America Healthy Again” Super Bowl commercial, which controversially featured “convicted rapist Mike Tyson” advising viewers against processed foods. Critics argue that such choices, including the Kid Rock video, indicate a disconnect between effective public health messaging and celebrity endorsement strategies.
Furthermore, Kennedy recently debuted a new food pyramid that significantly departs from traditional dietary guidelines. This pyramid controversially prioritizes meat and dairy products over fruits and whole grains, an initiative that has garnered additional scrutiny from nutritionists and health advocates. His personal endorsement of a “carnivore diet” reinforces this unconventional dietary philosophy, further complicating his role as a public health figure.
Kid Rock’s involvement also added another layer of political context. As a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, Kid Rock had recently headlined a conservative alternative to the Super Bowl halftime show, an event that garnered significantly fewer viewers than the official Super Bowl performance. This collaboration highlights the intersection of celebrity, politics, and health messaging in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.
The Intersection of Celebrity, Politics, and Health Messaging
The RFK Jr. and Kid Rock workout video serves as a compelling case study in modern public relations and political communication. While intended to promote health and an active lifestyle, its execution has arguably overshadowed its message, instead generating controversy and bewilderment. The stark contrast between the video’s stated intent and its bizarre presentation raises important questions about the effectiveness of such celebrity-driven campaigns in conveying serious public health messages.
For public figures, especially those in governmental roles, every public appearance is scrutinized. The decision to produce and disseminate such a video, particularly from an individual identified as the Secretary of Health and Human Services, reflects a calculated risk – one that appears to have yielded mixed results, emphasizing entertainment and shock value over clear, credible health guidance. Ultimately, the video’s virality speaks more to its capacity for generating discussion, both positive and negative, than to its success as an unambiguous health promotion tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly was shown in the RFK Jr. and Kid Rock workout video?
The “Rock Out Workout” video, released February 17, 2026, featured Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (aged 72) and musician Kid Rock (aged 55) engaging in various physical activities. This included shirtless workouts, a sauna session where Kennedy rode a stationary bike in jeans, a cold plunge taken by Kennedy also in jeans, and a game of pickleball. The video concluded with both men drinking large glasses of whole milk while sitting in a hot tub. The backdrop included eclectic items like taxidermy animals and American flags.
How did the public and media react to this particular health campaign?
The video achieved viral status and elicited a polarized response. While some viewers praised RFK Jr.’s vitality for his age and supported the “GET ACTIVE + EAT REAL FOOD” message, a significant portion of comments expressed bewilderment and criticism, describing it as “a fever dream” or “the weirdest sh I’ve ever seen.” Media outlets, particularly “Morning Joe” hosts, reacted with strong derision, highlighting the video’s oddities and linking them to RFK Jr.’s past controversies.
What broader context surrounds RFK Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiatives?
The “Make America Healthy Again” campaign is RFK Jr.’s initiative, promoting physical activity and specific dietary choices, including whole milk and a high-protein diet. RFK Jr. himself follows a “carnivore diet.” This campaign, along with the Kid Rock video, is viewed within the context of RFK Jr.’s past controversies, such as his anti-vaccine rhetoric, a previously criticized swim in polluted Rock Creek, and a new food pyramid that prioritizes meat and dairy over traditional guidelines for fruits and grains.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Kid Rock on their “Rock Out Workout” video proved to be a masterclass in generating buzz, albeit a controversial one. While intended to promote a message of active living and healthy eating under the “Make America Healthy Again” banner, the video’s peculiar imagery, unconventional choices, and the highly visible personas involved ultimately fueled a firestorm of discussion. It underscored the challenges of public health messaging in the age of viral content, demonstrating how spectacle can often overshadow substance. This event will likely be remembered not just for its health advocacy, but for its unique blend of celebrity, politics, and public relations eccentricity.
