President Donald Trump recently signed a significant executive order at the White House, aiming to expand his council on sports, fitness, and nutrition, notably by reviving the long-standing Presidential Fitness Test in public schools. This initiative marks a renewed focus on physical education and youth health across the nation, harkening back to a program that once challenged and recognized young Americans for their athletic achievements.
The executive order formally reestablishes the Presidential Fitness Test, a program originally introduced by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1966. Its revival seeks to create robust school-based programs that reward “excellence in physical education” and establish specific criteria for earning a Presidential Fitness Award. This move signifies a shift back to a more structured and competitive approach to youth physical activity.
A host of prominent professional athletes joined the President for the signing event, underscoring the collaborative effort between the administration and the sports world. Attendees included renowned golfer Bryson DeChambeau, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, and former New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor, among others. Their presence highlighted the influential figures now committed to promoting the program.
The original Presidential Fitness Test permeated public schools from the late 1950s until its discontinuation in 2013 by the Obama administration, which replaced it with an assessment focused on individual health improvement. Trump emphasized the test as a “wonderful tradition” he was eager to bring back, aiming to instill a culture of strength and excellence for future generations of young Americans.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Trump desires “every young American to have the opportunity to emphasize healthy, active lifestyles.” The administration views this order as a direct response to what it describes as a “widespread epidemic of declining health and physical fitness” across the country, aiming to reverse this trend through structured physical education.
The order instructs the presidential council to actively partner with professional athletes, sports organizations, and influential figures. Many of the high-profile individuals present at the event, including DeChambeau, who was named chairman of the council, formally joined as members, bringing their expertise and public platforms to the initiative.
Among the notable figures, Harrison Butker, who previously met with the president, further solidified his ties to the administration. Other attendees included Cody Campbell, a former college football player and key voice in Trump’s college sports policies; Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE’s Chief Content Officer; Annika Sorenstam, a celebrated professional golfer; and Stephen Soloway, a physician who served on Trump’s sports council during his first term. Their diverse backgrounds reflect the broad reach of the new council.
This initiative also aligns with the United States’ upcoming role as host for several major international sporting events, including the 2025 Ryder Cup, 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Summer Olympics. The President has expressed significant personal investment in the success of these events, positioning the revival of the fitness test as part of a broader push to elevate American sports and physical prowess on a global stage.
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