President Donald Trump has created an unusually tight grip on his closest advisers.
Trump, 80, seems to demand undying loyalty from members of the administration. At times, that allegiance can lead to some awkward public moments.
That often-disturbing dynamic was on full display in the White House this week, where two of his most devoted allies went head to head.
Trump was joined in the Oval Office by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Director Dr. Mehmet Oz and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
As commander in chief sat slumped over in his chair behind the Resolute Desk.
RFK Jr., 72, spoke to reporters in the room before the photo op.
“I want to thank the CEOs here today for their vision, for their commitment to something other than short-term profits, but a long-term commitment to our country, to patriotic values, and to human health,” Kennedy said.
As soon as he was done speaking, RFK Jr. started to move toward the direction where Trump was seated a few feet away. But Oz, 66, was in his way.
Oz began his remarks but also had to constrain Kennedy at the same time. The former daytime talk show host physically prevented his colleague from standing behind the president.
The HHS Secretary eventually gave up the attempt to inch closer to his boss. Cameras then caught Kennedy cutting his eyes at OZ. Meanwhile, Trump appeared uninterested in the whole interplay.
Oz went to acknowledge RFK Jr.’s involvement in the administration’s cooperation with the pharma companies. But the cringeworthy exchange between the two men overshadowed the attempt at camaraderie.
People on X had various reactions to Dr. Oz and RFK Jr.’s livestreamed tussle. Many wondered, “Ummm… what is happening?” while noticing who was more in fight mode.
“Look how pissed RFK Jr. is that Oz won’t let him stand behind daddy,” a poster tweeted.
Another said, “The body language here is breathtaking. Just a moment. A mere second. And yet you can *feel* the implosion of the regime. The chaos. The rage.”
Threads commenters also voiced their thoughts on Dr. Oz and RFK Jr.’s tense interaction. In particular, viewers zeroed in on Kennedy’s facial expressions.
“Wow. Look at RFK’s face at the end. He is PISSED!!! Oh, to be a fly on the wall after this. I’m sure words were exchanged,” one person expressed.
A Trump critic predicted the eventual demise of the president’s team by writing, “No, but look at these two idiots, U.S. health gurus, bickering to snag pole position right behind the Don. Straight out of a scene from ‘The Godfather.’”
Trump did crack a joke about RFK Jr. possibly losing his job at the Department of Health and Human Services earlier in Monday’s livestream.
“I didn’t want to fire a Kennedy. I couldn’t. The thought of firing this guy, I wasn’t going to do that. Go ahead, Bob,” Trump quipped after RFK Jr. discussed being under pressure to complete the president’s directives.
Trump’s wisecrack drew chuckles from the other VIP attendees. RFK Jr. also got in his own light jab at the president with a retort that was not as amusing to those in attendance.
“They were very, very emotional conversations. Let me put it that way,” Kennedy said before quickly offering Trump praise, which earned an approving head nod from OZ.
While Trump Has claimed he has no interest in dumping RFK Jr., the ex-star of “The Apprentice” reality show built a reputation as a no-nonsense employer who loved using the catchphrase “You’re fired!”
There was an extremely high turnover rate in Trump’s first term. So far, Trump 2.0 has seen MAGA sycophants like former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and former Attorney General Pam Bondi lose their jobs.
RFK Jr.’s position in the administration might be secure at this time. However, his scramble with Dr. Oz for positioning near Trump could be a sign that the crowded competition for the president’s approval is fueling behind-the-scenes drama.
