Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. encountered renewed scrutiny on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, following his explanation for wearing jeans during workouts. His reasoning has been met with confusion, and his exercise attire choices have been labeled dangerous by some.
The 71-year-old Kennedy explained to Fox News host Jesse Watters that his choice of gym attire began as a matter of convenience. “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, and I found it was convenient, and now I’m used to it, so I just do it,” Kennedy stated on Tuesday.
His comments followed the release of a viral workout video featuring Kennedy and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth undertaking the “Pete and Bobby Challenge”—50 pull-ups and 100 push-ups in under 10 minutes. In the video, Hegseth wore standard gym apparel, while Kennedy was dressed in his signature jeans and t-shirt.
The exercise session took place at the Pentagon gym, with Navy and Marine personnel in attendance. Hegseth reported completing the challenge in around 5 minutes and 25 seconds, with Kennedy close behind.
Earlier that day, Fox News host Greg Gutfeld criticized Kennedy’s choice of clothing. “Somebody’s gotta raise this question. Why does RFK wear jeans when he exercises? This is not the first time; this is now the third or fourth time. It’s all the time. It’s like wearing a Speedo to church. This is not right,” Gutfeld commented.
Kennedy’s preference for jeans extends beyond gym workouts. Last month, he hiked Arizona’s Camelback Mountain in July heat while wearing jeans, drawing criticism from outdoor enthusiasts who deemed it risky.
Hiker Matt Larson, who encountered Kennedy on the trail that day, captured a selfie with him. Larson observed that the temperature was approximately 92 degrees Fahrenheit and found it very impressive that Kennedy completed the hike at his age.
However, outdoor experts criticized the decision. Adequate hot-weather hiking requires lightweight, breathable materials with sun protection. Heavy denim jeans retain heat and can result in hazardous overheating under extreme conditions.
USA Today tested Kennedy’s workout style with unsatisfactory outcomes. Deputy Wellness Editor David Oliver attempted running in jeans on a humid July morning in Washington, D.C., and immediately regretted it.
Oliver described that humidity seeped into his pores and sweat accumulated across his body, including his denim-covered legs.
He completed three miles but felt restricted and uncomfortable, with the jeans becoming heavier as they absorbed sweat. The USA Today staff concluded that they were glad to have tried Kennedy’s approach, but would not repeat it.
Fitness experts caution against exercising in thick, non-stretchy fabrics such as denim. Jeans can limit movement, cause discomfort, and potentially lead to injury. They trap heat and cause friction against the skin during physical activity, unlike moisture-wicking athletic fabrics designed for exercise.
Social media users remain divided on Kennedy’s explanation. Some found his scheduling rationale reasonable, while others questioned his choice to hike in jeans. Comments ranged from “practical habits often stick” to “jeans are not good hiking pants, either.”
The “Pete and Bobby Challenge” is part of Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, which was introduced under the Trump administration. Kennedy stated that President Trump inspired the fitness challenge to motivate Americans to exercise more and improve their diets.
The challenge has gained viral attention, with notable completion times reported.
Kennedy and Hegseth have invited other officials, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, to participate. The challenge aligns with President Trump’s executive order reviving the Presidential Fitness Test in schools.
Kennedy’s workout videos date back to his 2023 presidential campaign, when he shared clips of himself exercising in jeans while preparing for debates. His social media depicts him hiking, fishing, and swimming—all while wearing jeans.
Despite his explanation, Kennedy’s clothing choices continue to perplex fitness enthusiasts and health experts. As Health Secretary, his unconventional exercise habits are particularly notable, as he advocates for fitness while wearing attire that experts consider unsuitable for physical activity.
Kennedy has not responded to inquiries about whether he plans to change his workout attire in the future. His jeans-wearing exercise routine remains a topic of discussion as the Trump administration advances its health and fitness agenda.
