Trump brings back the Presidential Fitness Test for American school children

UPDATED: Aug 1, 2025 03:32 IST

US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday (local time) via signing an executive order to reinstate the Presidential Fitness Test for American school children, a program originally launched in 1966 to promote active lifestyles amongst the youth. The initiative, which was reshaped in 2012 under the Obama administration to focus more on individual health metrics, will now return to its roots with an emphasis on physical performance. Trump signed the executive order to reinstate the Presidential Fitness Test in the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington.

ALL ABOUT THE PRESIDENTIAL FITNESS TEST

The fitness test will include classic components such as running, a one-mile run, sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups and sit-and-reach and flexibility assessments. Trump will also reinstate the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, led by US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which will develop criteria for a new Presidential Fitness Award.

TRUMP'S SPORTING AGENDA

The move to revive the Presidential Fitness test aligns with Trump’s long-standing interest in athletics, reflected in his frequent attendance at major sporting events and personal weekend golf routines. The announcement comes as the US prepares to host several global competitions, including the 2025 Ryder Cup, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Summer Olympics.

“This is an important step in our mission to make America healthy again,” Trump said from the Roosevelt Room of the White House. From the late 1950s until 2013, graduate scholars all across our country competed against each other in the Presidential Fitness Test, and it was a big deal. Furthermore, he said, "This was a wonderful tradition, and we’re bringing it back.” According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the president aims to foster “a culture of strength and excellence” amongst future generations. The ceremony at the White House featured several athletes, including Bryson DeChambeau, Harrison Butker, Annika Sorenstam, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, and Lawrence Taylor.

MIXED REACTIONS ON TEST'S REVIVAL

While the revival of the Presidential Fitness test has sparked enthusiasm amongst some advocates of physical education, experts caution that standardised testing alone may not yield lasting health benefits. Laura Richardson, a kinesiology professor at the University of Michigan, emphasised the importance of pairing assessments with educational programs tailored to individual student needs. “It’s not just, you get a score and you’re doomed,” Richardson said. “But you get a score, and we can figure out a program that really helps the improvement.” The Health and Human Services (HHS) Department continues to promote a model that supports personal fitness goals over competitive benchmarks, underscoring the need for a balanced approach to youth wellness.

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With inputs from AP