On Thursday, July 31, 2025, President Donald Trump took significant steps to reinstate the Presidential Fitness Test aimed at American children. This program, which had been a staple in public schools for several decades, assessed young people's health and athletic abilities through a range of exercises including 1-mile runs, sit-ups, and stretching exercises. The test was originally introduced in 1966 but had fallen out of favor and was phased out during the Obama administration.
During the signing of an executive order that reinstated the fitness test, Trump expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This is a wonderful tradition, and we’re bringing it back.” The executive order also revitalizes the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, which Trump has filled with both current and former athletes as well as figures from the sports industry. Among the notable attendees at the signing were pro golfer Bryson DeChambeau and controversial former New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor, a registered sex offender.
Trump, an avid golfer with a background in sports from his high school days, underscored the importance of physical activity. He mentioned that sports provide a mental escape, stating, “When you are really focused on sports, you’ve thought about nothing else. To an extent, this is one of the reasons I like golf.” His administration’s emphasis on athletics also coincides with the U.S. preparing to host major sporting events, including the 2025 Ryder Cup, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Summer Olympics. Earlier in July, Trump had signed another executive order aimed at clarifying the employment status of college athletes.
The reinstated council will not only focus on youth fitness but also address various issues relating to college athletics, including the transfer portal that facilitates athletes switching schools. The council, consisting of up to 30 members, is also set to create criteria for a Presidential Fitness Award, with the fitness test to be administered by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Historically, the Presidential Fitness Test required children to run, perform sit-ups, and either pull-ups or push-ups, along with a sit-and-reach test. The program was altered in 2012 to the Youth Fitness Program, which shifted its focus from competitive performance to the overall health of students. Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” initiative aimed at reducing childhood obesity through diet and exercise further contributed to this shift.
The Youth Fitness Test, as per the Health and Human Services Department's website from 2023, emphasizes minimizing comparisons among children and encouraging personal fitness goals for lifelong health. The recent announcement about the return of the fitness test elicited mixed reactions from health and exercise experts. Laura Richardson, a kinesiology professor at the University of Michigan, noted that while focusing on physical activity is beneficial, the test alone will not enhance the health of America's children. She emphasized the need for complementary educational programs that guide students on improving fitness rather than just receiving a score.
Notable attendees at the signing included Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, Swedish golfer Annika Sorenstam, and WWE executive Paul "Triple H" Levesque. Taylor, present at the event, has previously faced legal troubles related to sexual misconduct but expressed pride in being part of the initiative. However, the NFL distanced itself from Butker’s earlier controversial comments about women and gender ideologies.
The council also features several other prominent sports figures, such as golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, former NFL quarterback Tony Romo, and NHL star Wayne Gretzky, although they did not attend the signing ceremony.
Trump's efforts to reinstate the Presidential Fitness Test reflect a determined push to emphasize physical health among youth, although the effectiveness in promoting healthier lifestyles remains a topic of debate among experts.
