Tradition for Schoolchildren:
Trump Revives Presidential Fitness Test for Children
On Thursday, President Donald Trump reinstated the Presidential Fitness Test for American children, a long-standing program in public schools aimed at assessing youth health and athletic ability through activities like 1-mile runs, sit-ups, and stretching. “We’re bringing back a great tradition,” Trump stated, referencing the program, which originated in 1966 but fell out of favor during the Obama years.
In conjunction with this announcement, Trump signed an executive order that revitalizes a national sports council, composed of both current and former athletes alongside notable sports figures. Among the attendees at this event were allies such as professional golfer Bryson DeChambeau and controversial figures like former New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor, who is a registered sex offender.
This initiative aligns with Trump’s ongoing interest in sports; he is known for his passion for golf, having played baseball in high school as well. This year, much of his domestic travel—aside from weekend golf outings—focused on attending major sporting events such as the Super Bowl and the UFC matches.
“I’ve always loved playing sports and was quite good at them,” Trump reflected. “When you are immersed in sports, it captures your attention. This enjoyment is part of why I appreciate golf; it allows for a couple of hours away from everything else.”
The announcement comes as the United States prepares to host several major sporting events, including the 2025 Ryder Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Earlier this month, Trump also mandated that federal authorities clarify the employment status of college athletes.
The revamped President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition will address issues related to college athletics, including the transfer portal, which has streamlined athlete movement between schools. This council will consist of up to 30 members and will establish criteria for a Presidential Fitness Award.
The fitness test, to be overseen by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., will include running, sit-ups, pull-ups or push-ups, and a sit-and-reach test. Previously, in 2012, the program transitioned into the Youth Fitness Program, which shifted its focus away from athletic performance to assessing students’ overall health.
Michelle Obama previously championed the “Let’s Move” initiative, aimed at combating childhood obesity through diet and exercise. According to the latest information on the Youth Fitness Test, the program emphasizes personal fitness goals rather than direct comparisons among children.
Notable attendees at the event included Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, golfer Annika Sorenstam, and WWE executive Paul Levesque. Taylor, who has faced legal issues in the past related to sexual misconduct, expressed his pride in being part of the initiative, despite his controversial past.
The NFL distanced itself from Butker’s previous comments regarding women’s roles and political ideology. Following those comments, he formed a political action committee focused on promoting traditional values among Christian voters. Sorenstam has faced backlash for accepting honors from Trump following the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.
While other notable sports figures could not attend, such as Jack Nicklaus and Wayne Gretzky, their involvement highlights the council’s diversity.
The revival of the fitness test has garnered both interest and skepticism. Experts like Laura Richardson from the University of Michigan expressed that while promoting physical activity is essential, the test alone won’t significantly improve children’s health. She emphasized the need for comprehensive programs that foster real improvement rather than just measuring performance.
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