Why experts caution against the Hegseth-Kennedy fitness challenge

September 5, 2025

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health secretary, challenged Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary, to a fitness test: 50 pull-ups and 100 push-ups in under 10 minutes. The “Pete and Bobby Challenge” circulated widely in videos posted to social media by both men.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in a blue T-shirt, and Pete Hegseth, in a black T-shirt, pose next to each other in a gym.

Department of Health and Human Services

But fitness experts caution against it. →

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