Trump Restores Presidential Fitness Test in Schools

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to reinstate the Presidential Fitness Test in U.S. public schools, a program first established in 1966 and discontinued in 2012 under the Obama administration. The revived initiative aims to combat rising childhood obesity and inactivity through standardized fitness benchmarks such as push-ups, pull-ups, and timed runs, with oversight by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Trump has also reestablished the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, naming pro golfer Bryson DeChambeau as chairman and involving athletes like Harrison Butker and Lawrence Taylor to promote the program. Supporters claim the effort will foster a culture of strength and excellence among youth, while critics voice concerns about the risk of shaming less athletic or disabled children. The announcement comes as the U.S. prepares to host major global sports events, highlighting the administration’s emphasis on national fitness. Debate continues over whether the test should prioritize competitive achievement or a more inclusive approach to wellness.