Politics

RFK Jr Dr Oz Boulder Climb – “How Do We Get Down?” Stunt

The RFK Jr Dr Oz boulder climb became a trending topic after a video emerged showing U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz attempting a lighthearted outdoor stunt at Colorado Springs’ Garden of the Gods. As part of Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) campaign, the pair climbed a large rock, ending with Dr. Oz asking, “How do we get down?” The clip has sparked laughter, criticism, and plenty of online debate.

The Boulder Climb Video

The video begins with RFK Jr and Dr. Oz walking through the scenic Garden of the Gods park, discussing the benefits of outdoor activity and sunlight. Kennedy talks about nature as a source of joy and inspiration, while Oz claims that walking just 15 minutes a day could save the country billions in health costs.

Midway through the clip, Kennedy turns to Oz and says, “This mountain is not going to climb itself.” They approach a boulder, and with visible effort, Kennedy helps pull Oz to the top. Once there, Oz looks down at the ground and delivers the now-viral line: “So how do we get down?” The moment ends with the two awkwardly sliding back down the rock.

The MAHA Campaign and Its Timing

This stunt is part of Kennedy’s Make America Healthy Again campaign, which promotes physical activity, fresh air, and natural sunlight as essential for better health. On paper, the message is straightforward—exercise and outdoor time can improve well-being and reduce healthcare costs.

However, the timing of the video’s release has drawn criticism. It came just days after a deadly shooting at the CDC’s Atlanta headquarters, where a police officer lost their life. Critics questioned Kennedy’s decision to post a lighthearted video instead of addressing the tragedy directly. This followed other controversial choices during his tenure, such as canceling $500 million in mRNA vaccine research funding, which public health experts warned could harm future preparedness.

The optics were also reminiscent of earlier moments in his career. During a measles outbreak in West Texas, Kennedy was spotted hiking in California instead of addressing the crisis. That, too, raised questions about priorities.

Public Reaction: Mixed and Loud

Public opinion on the RFK Jr Dr Oz boulder climb video has been sharply divided. Some viewers found the clip humorous and harmless, praising the promotion of outdoor activity. Others saw it as staged and awkward, more like a campaign ad than a genuine health message.

Many online commenters focused on the way the stunt was carried out. Climbing in jeans and casual shoes, using no climbing equipment, and doing so in a popular park with specific scrambling rules all fueled skepticism. Some found the exchange between the two men—particularly Oz’s question about getting down—cringe-worthy. Memes and short edits of the moment have spread quickly across social media.

There was also criticism from those who feel Kennedy’s broader policies undercut the health-first message of the stunt. His history of questioning vaccine safety and cutting research funding has made some people skeptical of any public health guidance he offers, even when it comes to exercise and outdoor activity.

Garden of the Gods and Park Rules

Garden of the Gods is a public park known for its stunning red rock formations. The park allows climbing only under certain conditions—technical climbing requires permits and proper equipment, and “rock scrambling” above ten feet is prohibited for safety reasons. The rock the pair climbed appears close to that limit, leading to speculation about whether they followed park rules.

While no official statement has been made by the park regarding the video, the choice of location added another talking point to the controversy. For some viewers, it looked like an inspiring natural setting; for others, it raised concerns about promoting unsafe behavior.

The Health Message vs. The Optics

There’s no denying the core message—get outside, walk, and enjoy nature—is backed by science. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of heart disease, boost mental health, and even lower national healthcare spending over time. Sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, which supports bone health and immune function.

The problem lies in the delivery. A staged boulder climb, released in the middle of a health crisis, risks making the message feel inauthentic. Instead of focusing attention on the benefits of exercise, the video has shifted the conversation to political optics, public relations missteps, and awkward sound bites.

Why It Went Viral

Several factors combined to make the RFK Jr Dr Oz boulder climb video go viral:

The unexpected pairing of a sitting Health Secretary and a celebrity doctor.
The casual, almost amateur style of the climb.
The humorous and relatable moment of not knowing how to get down.
The timing, which added controversy and political angles.
The easy meme potential for social media.

Virality, however, does not always equal positive publicity. While the clip may have reached millions of viewers, the nature of the discussion around it has been more mocking than inspiring.

Final Thoughts

The RFK Jr Dr Oz boulder climb video is an unusual blend of public health messaging and political theater. While its goal of encouraging people to spend more time outdoors is commendable, the execution left room for doubt about authenticity and priorities. Supporters may see it as a refreshing and relatable outreach effort. Critics see it as a distraction from more urgent health matters.

Regardless of where one stands, the stunt has succeeded in getting people talking—about fitness, about political messaging, and about how leaders choose to present themselves to the public. Whether it will inspire more Americans to go for a walk or simply serve as another viral moment in the political news cycle remains to be seen.

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