'How do we get down?' RFK Jr., Dr. Oz climb boulder in video stunt
In the three-and-a-half-minute-long video posted Wednesday, Aug. 13, on Kennedy's official HHS X page, he and Oz are seen at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In a separate X post on Kennedy's personal page, the secretary wrote that he and Oz went hiking during a break between their speeches at the National Governors Conference, which took place July 25-26.
Kennedy speaks in the public service announcement video about how daily hiking has benefitted his life, improving his focus, clarity and creativity. He says that hiking also exposes him to "sunlight," which he calls "medicine" since it is a source of vitamin D.
"Fifteen minutes outside can change your day − and your life. It sharpens your mind, strengthens your body, and restores the connection so many of us have lost − to each other, to nature, and to ourselves," Kennedy wrote in the post. "Thanks @DrOzCMS for joining me on this hike."
Aa around the two-minute and 30-second mark in the video, Kennedy says, "We got to go, this mountain is not going to climb itself." As the video cuts to Kennedy, 71, climbing the mountain, he appears wobbly as he pulls himself up onto a boulder. Oz, 65, follows behind him and appears to need Kennedy's assistance to reach the boulder.
"So how do we get down?" Oz says in the video, before sliding back down with Kennedy.
Fifteen minutes outside can change your day — and your life.It sharpens your mind, strengthens your body, and restores the connection so many of us have lost — to each other, to nature, and to ourselves.Thanks @DrOzCMS for joining me on this hike. pic.twitter.com/7HBa0SQjsJ
The internet reacts
Some naturally poked fun at the video, calling it an "SNL skit" or mocking it as cringe. Others mocked Kennedy's jeans, which he'd also worn during a July hike in sweltering Arizona in an image shared publicly, much to the amusement of social media.
Supporters echoed Kennedy and Oz's message about getting outside and encouraged others to go on walks.
Since being appointed as HHS secretary by President Donald Trump, Kennedy has faced criticism over changes in COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for children and pregnant people, as well as his cuts to vaccine programs. He has been an advocate for natural medical and health methods, including improving food quality by eliminating certain dyes and additives.
Jonathan Limehouse covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at JLimehouse@gannett.com.
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