Reviving the Presidential Fitness Test: Trump introduces physical fitness assessment for U.S. school students.
The Presidential Fitness Test, a program initially created in 1966 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, has made a comeback under President Donald Trump. The test, which assesses the physical fitness of American schoolchildren, was revived as part of an executive order signed by Trump in 2025 [1][2][3].
Originally, the test was administered under the auspices of the President’s Council on Youth Fitness, established by President Eisenhower. During John F. Kennedy’s presidency, the importance of youth health was further emphasized [3]. Over the years, it became a common school-based evaluation involving running, sit-ups, push-ups or pull-ups, and sit-and-reach tests.
In 2012, the Obama administration replaced this test with the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, shifting focus away from athletic performance towards individual health markers and wellness [1]. However, the revived Presidential Fitness Test aims to address contemporary health challenges such as obesity and inactivity among American youth [3].
The test will be administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services with support from the Secretary of Education and will include criteria for a Presidential Fitness Award [2]. The reinstatement of this traditional fitness measure is intended to foster a culture of strength, excellence, healthy active lifestyles, good nutrition, American sports traditions, and military readiness [1][2][3].
Several prominent athletes, including Bryson DeChambeau, Harrison Butker, Annika Sorenstam, Paul "Triple H" Levesque, and Lawrence Taylor, joined Trump at the event to mark the return of the Presidential Fitness Test. Notably, Lawrence Taylor, a registered sex offender, was among the participants [1].
The revival of the Presidential Fitness Test has brought mixed reactions from experts. Laura Richardson, a kinesiology professor, stated that the exam is only a starting point and should be paired with lessons to help all students improve [1].
Meanwhile, Trump's focus on athletics is evident as he plays golf almost every weekend and much of his domestic travel is related to attending sporting events. The President is also readying the United States to host the 2025 Ryder Cup, 2026 FIFA World Cup games, and the 2028 Summer Olympics [1].
Controversies surrounding some of the participants have emerged. Harrison Butker, a participant in the event, made controversial comments last year about women, Catholic leaders, Pride Month, and Democratic President Biden's stance on abortion [1]. Annika Sorenstam faced backlash for accepting the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump in 2021, the day after the Capitol riots [1].
[1] Associated Press. (2025). Trump reinstates Presidential Fitness Test for American schoolchildren. [online] Available at: https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-physical-fitness-schools-education-160f0a3c08028d6e6e93935a7c8d167f [2] Martin, J., Binkley, C., & Wawrow, J. (2025). Trump signs order to reestablish President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. [online] Available at: https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-sports-fitness-nutrition-council-182d197380d845430c8022884d6e832b [3] Associated Press. (2025). Trump's reinstated Presidential Fitness Test aims to address obesity, inactivity among youth. [online] Available at: https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-physical-fitness-youth-health-obesity-1a266e35e846300e17404528945f1115
- The revived Presidential Fitness Test, initially established under President Eisenhower, is being administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services with support from the Secretary of Education.
- The test aims to foster a culture of strength, excellence, healthy active lifestyles, good nutrition, American sports traditions, and military readiness.
- President Donald Trump, who has shown a focus on sports, plays golf frequently and attends numerous sporting events, is readying the United States to host significant sporting events like the 2025 Ryder Cup, 2026 FIFA World Cup games, and the 2028 Summer Olympics.
- Notably, respected athletes such as Bryson DeChambeau, Harrison Butker, Annika Sorenstam, Paul "Triple H" Levesque, and Lawrence Taylor participated in the event to mark the return of the Presidential Fitness Test.
- However, controversies have arisen regarding some participants; for instance, Harrison Butker made controversial comments last year about certain topics, and Annika Sorenstam faced backlash for accepting the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump.
- Experts like Laura Richardson believe that the exam should be paired with educational lessons to help all students improve and not just serve as a starting point.
