WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to reinstate the Presidential Fitness Test, a long-standing program designed to measure the physical health of American schoolchildren. The move marks a return to a program that was a staple of public schools for decades before being phased out over a decade ago.
The President, joined by a roster of prominent athletes and sports figures including Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor, golfer Bryson DeChambeau, and former WWE star Paul “Triple H” Levesque, officially reestablished the test along with the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. The administration's focus, as stated by press secretary Karoline Leavitt, is to "build a culture of health and strength in our schools" and address what they describe as an epidemic of declining youth fitness.
The original Presidential Fitness Test, which was a rite of passage for many American students, typically included a one-mile run, sit-ups, pull-ups or push-ups, and a sit-and-reach test. The program's goal was to assess a child's aerobic endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility.
The test was originally established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 in response to a study that revealed American children were less physically fit than their European counterparts. It was later phased out in 2012 by the Obama administration, which replaced it with a program that focused more on individual health goals and personal improvement rather than comparative athletic performance.
The reinstatement of the test has sparked debate among health and education experts. Supporters of the move, including President Trump and his administration, argue that a standardized, competitive test can motivate students to be more active and can provide a clear metric for national fitness levels. They believe it will help reverse trends of childhood obesity and inactivity.
Critics, however, suggest that a single, high-stakes test may not be the most effective way to promote lifelong healthy habits. They point to the risk of shaming students who don't perform well and argue that a broader approach focused on daily physical activity, nutrition education, and a supportive environment is more beneficial.
The executive order charges the newly revitalized council with developing the specific criteria for the new test and a corresponding Presidential Fitness Award. The program will be administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the administration has expressed its intent to ensure that all American youth have opportunities to lead active, healthy lives. The announcement comes as the United States prepares to host major international sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the Summer Olympics in 2028, with the administration emphasizing the connection between youth fitness and national athletic excellence.