Testosterone has become a prominent topic within certain political and cultural spheres in the United States, with figures in the Trump administration publicly emphasizing its significance as a marker of male vitality and national strength. What was once primarily internet slang—used often within male-focused online communities to deride perceived weakness—has now entered mainstream political discourse.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the 72-year-old health secretary under Donald Trump’s administration, has been a leading voice in elevating testosterone as a matter of national concern. Citing what he describes as a decline in testosterone levels among American teenagers, Kennedy has suggested that young people today possess “50 percent of the testosterone of a 65-year-old man,” although independent verification of this claim is lacking. Kennedy himself reportedly uses testosterone as part of an “anti-aging” regimen and has praised Trump’s comparatively high testosterone levels for his age.
The shift in focus has extended to the Department of Defense. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth recently announced plans for the Pentagon to implement annual “testosterone deficiency screenings” for military personnel aged 30 and above. The initiative aims to ensure that service members maintain hormone levels conducive to peak physical and mental performance. Hegseth has also publicly advocated for a “warrior ethos” in the military and opposed women serving in combat roles, reinforcing an ultra-masculine tone within the administration.
This embrace of testosterone-related rhetoric aligns with other public displays of masculinity by government officials, such as a pull-up contest between Kennedy and Transport Secretary Sean Duffy at a press briefing, and a White House celebration featuring an Ultimate Fighting Championship event to mark former President Trump’s birthday and the country’s 250th anniversary.
Experts and medical professionals offer mixed assessments of the emphasis placed on testosterone. Clinical testosterone deficiency is a recognized condition associated with symptoms like muscle loss, fatigue, and increased risk of certain diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular issues. Some specialists, including urologists and Harvard health fellows, have expressed approval of screening initiatives, particularly for military personnel facing physical stressors such as rigorous training and sleep deprivation. They argue that identifying low testosterone earlier could facilitate treatment and improve health outcomes.
However, concerns have been raised about the growing popularization of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), which has expanded well beyond those with diagnosed deficiencies. The number of testosterone prescriptions in the U.S. has surged sharply, reaching nearly 12 million by 2025, compared to under one million in 2000. Critics warn that many men receiving TRT do not meet clinical criteria, suggesting off-label use sometimes bordering on performance enhancement or steroid use. This trend is fueled by online communities promoting hyper-masculinity and the association of testosterone with strength, confidence, and status.
These groups often frame support for women’s rights as indicative of “low T,” linking political and social conservatism with notions of traditional masculinity. High-profile personalities like podcaster Joe Rogan have openly endorsed hormone therapy, and new platforms such as the Enhanced Games allow athletes to compete with otherwise banned substances, including testosterone. Donald Trump Jr. is among the investors supporting these initiatives.
The availability of telehealth services further facilitates access to testosterone testing and prescriptions, with at-home kits and direct delivery becoming common. As this culture grows, it intersects with political identity and social debates about gender roles, health, and masculinity, reflecting broader anxieties about male identity in contemporary society.