Trump Brings Back Presidential Fitness Test with Pro Athletes
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to expand his council on sports, fitness, and nutrition. The order includes reviving the Presidential Fitness Test in public schools. The event was attended by professional athletes such as golfer Bryson DeChambeau, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, and former New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor. This initiative coincides with the US hosting major sporting events in the coming years, including the 2025 Ryder Cup, 2026 FIFA World Cup, and 2028 Summer Olympics.
President Trump has been actively involved in ensuring the success of these events. He has also used his platform to address cultural issues related to sports, such as policies on transgender athletes and urging the Washington Commanders to revert to their previous name, the “Redskins.” The executive order aims to capitalize on this momentum.
The order reintroduces the Presidential Fitness Test, originally established by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1966. It will promote excellence in physical education and establish criteria for a Presidential Fitness Award. Trump emphasized the significance of this test, highlighting its tradition and the importance of promoting healthy, active lifestyles among young Americans.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will oversee the administration of the test. The White House press secretary stated that the order addresses the declining health and physical fitness trends in the country. The presidential council will collaborate with professional athletes, sports organizations, and influential figures to promote a culture of strength and excellence.
Several high-profile individuals, including DeChambeau, Butker, and Taylor, have been appointed as formal members of the council. DeChambeau will serve as the council's chairman. The event also included Cody Campbell, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Annika Sorenstam, and Stephen Soloway, who have close ties to the president and will contribute to the council's initiatives.