Defense, Health Secretaries Compete Pentagon Fitness Challenge

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. launched the "Pete and Bobby Challenge," a physical fitness competition at the Pentagon featuring 50 pull-ups and 100 push-ups with a target time under five minutes, as part of the Trump administration's "Make America Healthy Again" campaign. Both officials participated in the challenge before an audience of military personnel, with Hegseth completing the routine in about 5 minutes and 25 seconds, narrowly beating the 71-year-old Kennedy. The event highlights the administration's focus on improving physical fitness standards in the military and encouraging Americans, especially youth, to adopt healthier lifestyles by eating whole foods and exercising regularly. Kennedy emphasized the urgency of the diabetes crisis among American youth and the high percentage of young people unfit for military service. The challenge also serves to support President Trump's executive order reinstating the Presidential Fitness Test and enhancing national fitness initiatives for children. Both officials encouraged others, including fellow Cabinet members and public figures, to participate and promote fitness nationwide.