Stephen Colbert Sizes Up R.F.K. Jr.’s Workout With Kid Rock

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by Trish Bendix

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Stephen Colbert recently highlighted a peculiar collaboration between Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Kid Rock in a workout video titled “Make America Healthy.” The Late Show host humorously referred to the 90-second clip as “pure cinema,” describing it as an unexpected mix of fitness and entertainment. The video features both men wearing jeans and sweating together in a sauna, which Colbert quipped looked less like a workout session and more like R.F.K. Jr. preparing Kid Rock for something mischievous. Colbert’s jokes touched on the absurdity of the situation, including his humorous take on R.F.K. Jr.’s preference for keeping his pants on during workouts. The video itself appears to blend elements of humor and parody, with the two men engaging in what seems like a lighthearted yet bizarre fitness routine. The clip has sparked curiosity among viewers, as it combines political figures with entertainment personalities in an unconventional way. While R.F.K. Jr. is known for his activism, including health-related initiatives, this collaboration with Kid Rock raises questions about the purpose and tone of such a project. Colbert’s commentary adds another layer to the discussion, using humor to highlight the unusual dynamic between the two men. His jokes about “senior soft-core” and the imagery of R.F.K. Jr. possibly recruiting or training someone in an unconventional manner have generated laughs and intrigue among audiences. The video’s tone, which leans more toward parody than serious fitness promotion, has also been noted for its comedic undertones. This unusual pairing of a political figure and a musician/entertainer has caught the attention of media outlets and readers interested in both politics and entertainment. While it remains unclear whether this collaboration will have any lasting impact on health initiatives or public perception, it certainly adds a unique twist to the ongoing dialogue about public figures engaging with popular culture.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/19/2026