Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. captured public attention this week after sharing a video on his X account depicting him bare-handedly removing two black North American racer snakes from the patio of Dr. Mehmet Oz's residence. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, quickly circulated across social media platforms, sparking a range of reactions.
"you are nuts." — Cheryl Hines, Actress and Wife of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The video shows Secretary Kennedy Jr. approaching the snakes, which he then cornered and seized by their tails. His wife, actress Cheryl Hines, was present during the encounter and voiced her apprehension throughout the process. "Honey, honey… why?" Hines can be heard calling out as Kennedy Jr. pursued the reptiles. After successfully grasping both snakes, Kennedy Jr. held them aloft for approximately 50 seconds, during which time the snakes repeatedly bit his hands. Despite the bites, Kennedy Jr. appeared unfazed, even flashing a grin at the camera and remarking, "Black snakes, they’re biting me." Hines's concern intensified, with her exclaiming, "you are nuts," and later pleading, "Bobby, please! Bobby, Bobby, please."
Secretary Kennedy Jr. posted the video with a caption that read, "Cheryl cheerleads the removal of a pair of Black Racers from Dr Oz's patio." This description presented the event as a routine chore, contrasting with his wife's visible distress.
The species involved, North American racer snakes, are confirmed by the Florida Museum of Natural History to be non-venomous and generally pose no significant danger to humans. However, the museum also notes that these snakes "readily bite to defend themselves" and that "virtually all bites occur when the snakes are intentionally molested." The video footage aligns with this description, showing the snakes reacting defensively to being handled.
For many following Secretary Kennedy Jr.'s public life, this incident is not an isolated event. He possesses a well-documented history of engaging with wildlife, often in unconventional ways. A prominent falconer, Kennedy Jr.'s past actions have frequently drawn headlines. In 2024, for instance, he admitted to depositing a dead bear carcass in Central Park, an act that garnered national media coverage. Another notable incident involved allegations that he removed the head from a dead beached whale, affixed it to the hood of his car, and drove it from the Massachusetts coastline to Mount Kisco, New York.
The role of the Secretary of Health and Human Services involves overseeing critical public health initiatives, managing federal health programs, and advising the President on health-related matters. The public actions of individuals in such high-profile governmental positions often face scrutiny, with observations ranging from their policy decisions to their personal conduct. Social media platforms have amplified this scrutiny, allowing for immediate dissemination of personal videos and statements that can quickly become subjects of widespread public discussion.
The video serves as another example of Secretary Kennedy Jr.'s distinctive approach to wildlife and public presentation, reinforcing his public persona as an individual unafraid of direct interaction with the natural world, even when it involves physical engagement with wild animals. The episode highlights the intersection of a public official's personal interests and the broader expectations associated with a cabinet-level position in the digital age.
