Kennedy and Hegseth lead Pentagon pullups and pushups challenge

In a Pentagon video that doubled as a public-health stunt and a show of fitness unity, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth launched what they called the Pete and Bobby Challenge: 50 pullups and 100 pushups, completed in a timeframe that supporters say reinforces a national push to be more physically prepared. The challenge, promoted on social media by the two cabinet members and framed as part of a broader Make America Healthy Again effort, drew participation from service members and drew attention for the casual attire of Kennedy and the competitive atmosphere surrounding the feat.

The pair posted footage of themselves and other participants attempting the routine inside the Pentagon, with Kennedy issuing the call to action by saying the exercise is “the beginning of our tour challenging Americans to get back in shape, eat better, but also, you need to get out and exercise.” While the challenge is advertised as requiring 50 pullups and 100 pushups within 10 minutes, the top target cited by organizers is five minutes. In the publicly shared clips, Hegseth completed the set in just over the five-minute mark, with Kennedy...