Trump Brings Back Presidential Fitness Test for U.S. Schoolchildren
President Donald Trump on Thursday reestablished the Presidential Fitness Test, a decades-old school tradition aimed at measuring children’s physical fitness through 1-mile runs, pushups, sit-ups, and flexibility tests.
The program had been phased out under the Obama administration in favor of a more health-centered approach.
“This is a wonderful tradition, and we’re bringing it back,” Trump said, signing an executive order that also revives the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition.
While the move drew applause from some athletes, it raised concerns among fitness experts, who stressed that testing without education or support won’t improve children’s long-term health. Critics also questioned the council’s composition and whether it reflects appropriate leadership for a national youth health initiative.
Still, the move signals a cultural shift back toward performance-based physical benchmarks for students.
The reintroduction of the Presidential Fitness Test supports the child’s right to health and development. By encouraging physical activity in schools and promoting long-term wellness habits, the program can help children build strength, confidence, and resilience.
