Bench Presses, Pull Ups … Kid Rock? The White House Had a Very Manly Week.

NYT Homepage

by Katie Rogers

February 21, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The White House has seen a week filled with unusual and attention-grabbing activities as top cabinet officials engaged in public fitness routines. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., among others, shared videos of themselves performing bench presses and other exercises, often with humorous or intense commentary. These actions occurred amidst serious developments, including the possibility of a military conflict with Iran. The posts have sparked mixed reactions online, with some praising their physical achievements while questioning whether they should focus more on their official duties. The videos, which were posted on government social media accounts, show officials like Kennedy and musician Kid Rock engaging in activities such as riding exercise bikes in saunas, drinking milk, and exercising shirtless. These actions have drawn both admiration for their physical fitness and criticism for appearing unprofessional or out of touch with pressing global issues. For instance, Hegseth’s video of him bench pressing over 300 pounds while his son spotted him led to comments like “Bro, go do your job,” highlighting public skepticism about the relevance of such displays. The men in these videos, including Kennedy and Hegseth, hold positions that significantly impact public health and national security. Their choices, both on and off the bench, have the potential to influence policies and global events. The juxtaposition of their physical activities with serious governmental decisions raises questions about priorities and whether such displays divert attention from critical issues. This unusual week at the White House highlights a broader trend of government officials using social media to showcase personal interests and hobbies. While some see it as a way to connect with the public, others argue that it distracts from their official responsibilities. The reactions to these

Verticals

newsgeneral

Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/21/2026