WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has announced the return of the Presidential Fitness Test, a program designed to evaluate the health and athletic abilities of American schoolchildren. This initiative, which includes activities like the 1-mile run, sit-ups, and flexibility exercises, had been a staple in public schools since its inception in 1966, but was discontinued during President Obama’s administration.
“This is a great tradition, and we’re bringing it back,” Trump stated during a signing event for an executive order that also reenthuses a national sports council. This council includes both current and former athletes, making it a direct reflection of Trump’s longtime passion for sports. Notably present were professional golfer Bryson DeChambeau and controversial former NFL player Lawrence Taylor.
The council, officially named the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, will tackle various issues related to college athletics, including the transfer portal that allows athletes to move easily between schools. The program aims to redefine how physical fitness is understood in the education system and will also introduce a Presidential Fitness Award.
In the past, the fitness test included running, sit-ups, pull-ups, and a flexibility measure called the sit-and-reach test. However, in 2012, it transitioned into the Youth Fitness Program, which shifted focus from athletic performance toward overall health assessments of students.
Trump’s renewed commitment to physical fitness is timely, as the U.S. prepares to host major sporting events such as the 2025 Ryder Cup, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Summer Olympics.
While the effort to boost physical activity among children is commendable, some experts believe that a test alone won’t solve the issue of childhood obesity. Laura Richardson, a kinesiology professor at the University of Michigan, emphasizes that the test should be coupled with educational programs that promote healthy habits.
As Trump moves forward with this initiative, it reflects a broader desire to reinforce traditional values, including the importance of sports, fitness, and health in American culture.
