President Donald Trump has revived the Presidential Fitness Test, reinstating a decades-old tradition that once had generations of American schoolchildren performing sit-ups, push-ups, and mile runs.
According to AP News, Trump signed an executive order on Thursday that reestablishes the fitness test that was phased out during the Obama administration after being a fixture in public schools since 1966. The order also revitalizes a national sports council filled with notable athletes and sports figures, including pro golfer Bryson DeChambeau and former NFL linebacker Lawrence Taylor.
"This is a wonderful tradition, and we're bringing it back," Trump said during the signing ceremony at the White House. The fitness test traditionally measured children's athletic abilities through activities like one-mile runs, sit-ups, push-ups, and flexibility exercises.
The newly reinvigorated President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition will include up to 30 members from the sports world and oversee the implementation of the fitness program. Several high-profile athletes joined Trump for the announcement, though some have sparked controversy in the past.
Lawrence Taylor, who has appeared with Trump at campaign rallies, is a registered sex offender who pleaded guilty to misdemeanor criminal charges of sexual misconduct in 2011. He was later arrested in 2021 for failing to report a change of residence as required of sex offenders, eventually pleading no contest to an amended charge.
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, another council member, faced criticism from the NFL after making controversial statements about women and gender during a college commencement address. Swedish golfer Annika Sorenstam, also appointed to the council, received backlash for accepting a Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump the day after the Capitol riot.
The fitness test revival aligns with Trump's well-documented enthusiasm for athletics and sports culture. As an avid golfer who plays nearly every weekend, the president has maintained close ties with the sports world throughout his political career.
Trump has attended numerous sporting events this year, including the Super Bowl, Daytona 500, and UFC matches. The timing of this announcement coincides with preparations for the United States to host several major international sporting events, including the 2025 Ryder Cup, 2026 FIFA World Cup games, and the 2028 Summer Olympics.
The president also signed a separate executive order earlier this month directing federal authorities to clarify whether college athletes can be considered employees of their schools. This demonstrates his administration's broader interest in sports policy issues at various levels.
The original Presidential Fitness Test evaluated children through a series of physical challenges that measured strength, endurance, and flexibility. However, the program underwent significant changes in 2012 during the Obama administration.
The test evolved into the Youth Fitness Program, which shifted focus from athletic performance to overall health assessment. According to the Health and Human Services Department, this updated approach "minimized comparisons between children" and instead supported "students as they pursue personal fitness goals for lifelong health."
First Lady Michelle Obama also championed the "Let's Move" initiative during this period, which focused on reducing childhood obesity through diet and exercise rather than competitive physical testing. The Trump administration's revival represents a return to the more traditional testing format.
Health and fitness professionals have expressed varied opinions about the return of the Presidential Fitness Test. While many welcome the renewed focus on physical activity for children, some experts caution that testing alone won't solve health challenges.
Laura Richardson, a kinesiology professor at the University of Michigan who specializes in obesity, noted that the test should be viewed as a starting point rather than an end goal. She emphasized that fitness assessments should be paired with supportive programs that help all students improve.
"It's not just, you get a score and you're doomed," Richardson explained, suggesting that test results should inform personalized improvement plans. The effectiveness of the revived program may ultimately depend on how schools implement it and what resources they receive.
