An adage comes to mind as I write this commentary: When someone shows you who they are, believe them. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. showed West Virginians exactly who he is on Friday during a press conference when he publicly “fat-shamed” Governor Patrick Morrisey. And make no mistake—that is exactly what Kennedy did.
Almost immediately upon taking the stage, Kennedy recalled his first meeting with Morrisey in Palm Beach, Florida, during Trump transition meetings in late 2024.
“I said to Governor Morrisey the first time I saw him, ‘You look like you ate Governor Morrisey,’” Kennedy remarked, speaking at an event announcing the Governor’s intention to seek a federal waiver to modify SNAP benefits. Kennedy continued, “There was a lot of talk about him getting healthy, and I’m very happy he’s invited me to be his personal trainer. I am going to put him on a rigorous regimen—a carnivore diet. Raise your hand if you want Governor Morrisey to do a public weigh-in once a month.”
Kennedy then moved off the subject, saying, “You’re welcome, Denise,” addressing the First Lady.
Click here to view Kennedy’s remarks.
Statistics show many Americans struggle with obesity. A recent Pew Research study found that 42 percent of Americans are obese, with another 31 percent classified as overweight. While obesity is indeed a health concern, creating stigma around weight ignores critical underlying factors, including genetics and environmental influences, which are often beyond an individual’s control.
Moreover, research indicates that fat-shaming contributes significantly to self-blame and can discourage individuals from seeking necessary healthcare. A 2021 international survey revealed that more than half of respondents in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and the U.K. reported experiencing weight-related stigma from doctors, family, friends, or coworkers.
Kennedy, as Secretary of Health and Human Services, must hold himself to a higher standard. His comments on Friday were tone-deaf, insensitive, and cruel. As a senior administration official, his words carry significant power and meaning. By publicly shaming Morrisey, he also inadvertently shamed countless others struggling with weight management issues. Those in attendance who share such struggles likely felt embarrassed or uncomfortable. This behavior is both unnecessary and harmful. Kennedy owes Governor Morrisey—and anyone else he may have offended—a sincere public apology.
Governor Morrisey, to his credit, took the high road, humorously noting, “this may be more than I bargained for.” He then backed his words with action, taking to the trail for a walk that evening inviting others to join in. Morrisey does not owe Kennedy or anyone else a public weigh-in; his weight loss goals are personal and private matters.
I fully support the Governor’s health journey and wish him success. Despite any political or policy differences, every West Virginian deserves our encouragement. Let’s stay true to the best of West Virginia by building each other up. If Kennedy wishes to tear people down, perhaps he should remain in Washington.