Trump Asks ‘What About Me?’ During Cabinet Fitness Talk

President Donald Trump interrupted Robert F. Kennedy Jr. while he was talking about how fit some of the members of cabinet were, before later joking about his own workout routine. The remark drew attention for its timing and light-hearted tone.

The upbeat exchange took place in the Oval Office when Trump signed a proclamation that restored the Presidential Fitness Test, while cabinet members, children and athletes stood by.

RFK Jr., who is facing heat for his vaccination decisions, was particularly excited about the performance test being reintroduced into schools and took the opportunity to make a speech. He praised members of the Trump administration for their physical fitness, and saying that they could complete demanding endurance challenges.

“We have a bunch of thoroughbreds on this cabinet,” he said, adding, “There's a lot of people who could probably do a 50 mile hike.”

As Kennedy listed names including the likes of "Pete and Scott and Sean Duffy and Linda and Tulsi and Doug Burgum," Trump interrupted.

“What about me? You didn't mention my name,” the president teased, while Kennedy paused for a second.

Kennedy was quick on the uptake, and speedily responded by including Trump in his remarks, saying, “This guy walks nine miles a day... on the golf course every weekend. He could do it.”

“When I'm not using the cart,” Trump added, as some people chuckled at the exchange.

Later in the event, Trump circled back to the topic of fitness while emphasizing how important physical activity was.

“It is indeed a beautiful day to celebrate America's athletic traditions and champions physical fitness, and all of those things that I work so hard at,” he said.

He then joked about his personal routine.

“On a personal basis, I work out so much, like, about one minute a day max, if I'm lucky,” Trump said. Again, his remark drew laughter in the room.

Trump reinstated the Presidential Fitness Test Award which was used in the past by schools to measure the physical performance of students as they did activities such as running, sit-ups, and pull-ups.

RFK Jr, in particular, was extremely happy about the move, and praised Trump. "And, I'm so grateful to President Trump for his leadership and his vision of reinstituting the physical fitness stuff and challenging Americans to be with each other in a friendly and congenial way," he said.

The Health Secretary then continued, "And to get it, help each other, get in shape so that we can prepare for a great future that this administration is going to provide for this country."

The original program was phased out during the Obama administration when they introduced a youth fitness initiative which didn't focus on performance. The system rather focused on health and participation than achieving benchmarks.

Trump has often mentioned his own health in the last few months, describing himself as physically and mentally fit. Even so, public discussion about his age and health continue.