President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday, July 31, 2025, to reinstate the Presidential Fitness Test in public schools nationwide. The move, confirmed by White House officials and initially reported by CNN, aims to address what the administration describes as a "widespread epidemic of declining health and physical fitness" among American youth. This initiative marks the return of a program that was a staple in schools for decades before its discontinuation.
The original Presidential Fitness Test, first established in the late 1950s, challenged students with various physical assessments and was phased out in 2013. It was replaced by the Obama administration's Presidential Youth Fitness Program, which shifted its focus from performance metrics to overall health and active lifestyles. President Trump emphasized the historical significance, stating, "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. This was a wonderful tradition, and we’re bringing it back."
The re-established President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition will be tasked with developing criteria for a new Presidential Fitness Award. It will also create school programs designed to reward excellence in physical education. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is slated to administer the test, aiming to revive the challenge that once recognized children with presidential honors for their athletic achievements.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt underscored the administration's goals, stating, "President Trump wants every young American to have the opportunity to emphasize healthy, active lifestyles — creating a culture of strength and excellence for years to come." The executive order signing event at the White House featured several prominent athletes and figures who will partner with the newly formed council. Golfer Bryson DeChambeau has been named chairman of the council, with attendees including former NFL player Lawrence Taylor, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, professional golfer Annika Sorenstam, and WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque.
This reintroduction of the fitness test is part of President Trump's broader focus on sports and physical well-being during his term. He has also addressed issues such as college athletics, including the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies, and has taken stances on gender participation in sports. The administration anticipates the revived test will foster a new generation of "strong, healthy, and successful" Americans.