President Donald Trump has revived the Presidential Physical Fitness Award, reinstating an annual fitness test for U.S. schools that was phased out under President Barack Obama. According to PBS, Trump signed an executive order last summer to reestablish the fitness test, which was created in the 1950s and tied to the Presidential Fitness Test.
Key Takeaways
President Donald Trump has revived the Presidential Physical Fitness Award, part of an initiative to reintroduce the annual fitness test in U.S. schools. The award was phased out under President Barack Obama but is now being brought back as a competitive benchmark for student fitness.
- Trump signed an executive order last year to reestablish the fitness test and awards at all American schools.
- The award will be given to students scoring above the 85th percentile in various physical exercises, though details of the revived test have yet to be released.
- Cabinet members including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Education Secretary Linda McMahon, and Housing Secretary Scott Turner were present at the Oval Office ceremony.
- The initiative is part of Trump's broader 'Make America Healthy Again' push.
The award will be given to students scoring above the 85th percentile for their gender in various physical exercises, including a 1-mile run and sit-ups. Details of the revived test have yet to be released. Trump unveiled the award at an Oval Office ceremony alongside children and professional athletes, emphasizing the importance of balancing both physical and mental fitness.
Cabinet members present included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Education Secretary Linda McMahon, and Housing Secretary Scott Turner. According to UPI, Trump signed a proclamation announcing the revival of the Presidential Fitness Test in honor of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.
The initiative is part of Trump's broader 'Make America Healthy Again' push. Speaking alongside Trump, Kennedy said it was 'very unfortunate' that Obama discontinued the test and cited increased obesity among American children as a reason for its revival.
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