President Donald Trump, who set a record for signing more executive orders during his first 100 days than any other presidential administration in U.S. history, has announced the return of the Presidential Fitness Test in public schools, more than a decade after its discontinuation. The initiative, aimed at fostering healthier and more active youth, was formalized through an executive order signed on Thursday, 31 July 2025.
The executive order expands the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition and reinstates the fitness test, which began under President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956 and was phased out in 2012 during President Barack Obama’s administration. Obama replaced it with the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, which focused on holistic health rather than competitive benchmarks. The Presidential Fitness Test, as historically administered, included activities such as a one-mile run, pull-ups or push-ups, sit-ups, a shuttle run, and a sit-and-reach flexibility assessment, though the specifics of the revived version remain undisclosed.
At the signing ceremony in the White House’s Roosevelt Room, Trump was joined by athletes including Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, golfer Bryson DeChambeau, WWE’s Paul “Triple H” Levesque, and former NFL player Lawrence Taylor. Trump emphasized the test’s legacy, stating, “This was a wonderful tradition, and we’re bringing it back.” DeChambeau, named chairman of the council, highlighted the opportunity to “change the fabric of kids’ lives” through this initiative, marking the council’s 70th anniversary.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt underscored the administration’s goal to ensure “America’s future generations are strong, healthy, and successful” by promoting active lifestyles and a “culture of strength and excellence.” The move aligns with broader priorities, including addressing youth obesity and preparing for major sporting events like the 2025 Ryder Cup, 2026 FIFA World Cup, and 2028 Summer Olympics.
The reinstatement has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters view it as a return to fostering discipline and physical excellence, while critics, including some fitness experts, argue the test’s rigid standards may discourage children at varying developmental stages. Posts on X reflect this divide, with some praising the focus on health metrics and others expressing concern over potential impacts on child welfare, though these sentiments remain inconclusive.
The test will be administered by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with the council tasked to develop criteria for a Presidential Fitness Award, recognizing top performers. As schools prepare for the rollout in the 2025-26 academic year, the administration aims to reverse trends in declining youth fitness, though its success will depend on implementation and public reception.