POTUS revives Presidential Fitness Test, aiming to elevate athleticism among youth
by Summer Lane | August 1, 2025
To spark a new era of athleticism and healthy living, President Donald Trump rounded up 30 of the nation’s best athletes this summer to help revive the famed “Presidential Fitness Test.”
The test was once commonly used in American grade schools for assessing overall athletic performance in students. According to Harvard University, the test was initially implemented by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 and included a series of assessments, such as push-ups, sit-ups, and a one-mile run.
President Trump’s executive order, signed on Thursday, reestablished the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, with a goal of innovating fitness goals for American youth.
Professional golfer Bryson DeChambeau will lead the council as chairman.
During Thursday’s special signing ceremony for the executive order, President Trump was also joined by well-known athletic stars like WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Kansas City Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker, and golfer Annika Sorenstam.
“We are building a nation of strong, proud, and unstoppable young Americans. The Presidential Fitness Test is not just about physical strength – it’s about character, competition, and confidence,” said President Trump during his remarks. “Together, we are making fitness fun, competitive, and cool again.”
According to the White House, the “revitalized” council will accomplish the following:
- Create school-based programs that reward excellence in physical education,
- Develop a Presidential Fitness Award,
- Champion access to health and fitness for Americans everywhere.
Additionally, the EO directs the council to:
- Develop opportunities for American youth at global, national, state, and local levels, empowering an active lifestyle, sports-mindedness, and military readiness,
- Partner with pro athletes and sports organizations to further the goal of highlighting active living and sports.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will be responsible for administering the Presidential Fitness Test.
