Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made waves last week at a public event in Martinsburg when he took a playful jab at West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s weight, offering to help him get in shape.
During a speech promoting his “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, Kennedy, the Health and Human Services secretary, joked about Morrisey’s size, telling the governor, “You look like you ate Gov. Morrisey.” The remark, made in front of a laughing crowd, caught even Morrisey off guard, who was sitting just a few feet away.
The event aimed to spotlight Kennedy’s efforts to improve the health of Americans by eliminating harmful additives and dyes from the nation’s food supply. His comments about Morrisey, however, overshadowed the policy discussion, with Kennedy continuing to joke about putting the governor on a strict diet, specifically a carnivore regimen.
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Kennedy also teased the governor about participating in monthly public weigh-ins, asking the crowd to show their support with a raise of hands. As the audience applauded, Kennedy turned to Morrisey’s wife, Denise, and quipped, “You’re welcome, Denise,” further emphasizing the lighthearted nature of his remarks.
Despite the light teasing, Morrisey took to social media after the event to address the comments. He posted on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging that while he’s struggled with his own health choices, he’s now committed to improving. He unveiled a new initiative encouraging West Virginians to walk at least one mile a day, vowing to shed some pounds in the process.
“I know walking every day won’t be easy for everyone, including myself, but it’s worth the effort,” Morrisey wrote, sharing a photo of a sunset taken on his walk. “In my life, I haven’t always made the best decisions regarding food and exercise, but I’m going to do my best now to improve.”
While some internet users criticized Kennedy for what they perceived as “fat-shaming,” the governor’s response indicated he was taking the comments in stride and was focused on making positive changes for himself and his state.