On July 31, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order alongside current and former professional athletes to restore the national fitness assessment in public schools—a program suspended since 2012. The order also reestablishes the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition.
Previously, the Presidential Physical Fitness Test included running a mile in under 6.5 minutes, sit-ups, pull-ups (or push-ups), the sit-and-reach flexibility test, and the shuttle run. However, the Trump administration has yet to announce which exercises will feature in the revived program.
Originally launched by President Lyndon B. Johnson in the mid-20th century to reward “physical excellence,” the test set standards for the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. From its inception until 2012, it remained mandatory in public schools, with the top 15% of students nationwide earning the award.
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., tasked with overseeing the program, has long expressed concern about childhood obesity. In his February “Make America Healthy Again” report, he highlighted the dangers of sedentary lifestyles.
At the signing ceremony, Trump declared: “This is a big deal—a great tradition we’re bringing back to America,” calling it a key step in the mission to “Make America Healthy Again.”
A White House official stated the move addresses declining American health, including “crisis-level” obesity, chronic diseases, inactivity, and poor nutrition.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized in a statement: “President Trump wants every young American to have the opportunity for a healthy, active lifestyle,” later echoing the sentiment on social media with “Make America Healthy Again!”
Critics, however, voiced opposition. One report quipped: “Fully support Trump reviving this terrible idea—on one condition: Donald Trump must run the mile on live television.”