A peculiar gathering of political appointees and a controversial media figure produced an unusual photo opportunity involving exotic wildlife.
According to the New York Post, newly appointed Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. posted an image of himself holding a Northern Curly Tailed Lizard while standing between actor Russell Brand and a shirtless Dr. Mehmet Oz.
The image, shared on Kennedy's social media account, showcases the 71-year-old cabinet member's continuing fascination with wildlife, which has been well-documented throughout his career.
The Northern Curly Tailed Lizard, native to Caribbean islands, including Cuba and the Bahamas, has established a presence in Palm Beach, Florida, since the 1940s.
The photo emerged just days after Kennedy's confirmation as HHS Secretary, a process that faced significant opposition due to his controversial stance on vaccines. Despite concerns from both sides of the political aisle, Kennedy secured the position with only one Republican, Senator Mitch McConnell, voting against his confirmation.
Dr. Oz's presence in the photo carries additional significance as he has been selected by President Trump to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The former television personality previously received Trump's endorsement during his unsuccessful 2022 Senate campaign in Pennsylvania.
Russell Brand's appearance in the image adds another layer of controversy, given recent serious allegations against him. The 49-year-old comedian, who has denied all accusations, previously supported Kennedy's 2024 independent presidential campaign before shifting his support to Trump.
Kennedy's interaction with wildlife has generated numerous memorable incidents throughout his life. His daughter Kathleen shared a particularly striking story about her father's unusual decision to transport a decapitated whale head on their family minivan.
According to a previous interview with Town and Country magazine, Kathleen Kennedy recalled:
Every time we accelerated on the highway, whale juice would pour into the windows of the car, and it was the rankest thing on the planet.
The HHS Secretary also recently admitted to an elaborate prank involving the placement of a dead bear cub in New York's Central Park. Additional controversies have surrounded Kennedy's interactions with animal carcasses, including disputed claims about the species of an animal he was photographed eating at a barbecue.
The convergence of these three public figures reflects the unique composition of the current administration's healthcare leadership. Each brings their own set of controversies and public scrutiny to their respective roles, with Kennedy's appointment representing a significant shift in public health policy direction.
Latest developments in US healthcare leadership show RFK Jr assuming control as Health and Human Services Secretary with Dr. Oz positioned to oversee Medicare and Medicaid services.
The unusual photo featuring both appointees alongside Russell Brand highlights the unconventional nature of recent political appointments while maintaining Kennedy's reputation for wildlife-related incidents.
