politics
Trump Signs Order Reviving Presidential Physical Fitness Award
President Donald Trump on Tuesday revived the Presidential Physical Fitness Award and reintroduced an annual competitive fitness test in U.S. schools. The program, created in the 1950s and phased out under former President Barack Obama, emphasizes competition and physical excellence. The test becomes mandatory at 161 schools on U.S.
May 5, 1:47 PM·2m read5 sources
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President Donald Trump signed a proclamation at the White House on Tuesday reinstating the Presidential Physical Fitness Award, which had been part of an annual competitive test in schools for decades before being phased out. The original program, which originated in the 1950s, evaluated students on exercises including a 1-mile run and sit-ups; those scoring above the 85th percentile for their gender and age in each component received the award.
Details of the specific tests to be used in the revived program have not yet been released.
The revival follows an executive order Trump signed last summer directing the reestablishment of the test. The program will be mandatory for students at 161 schools located on U.S. military installations. Officials encouraged other schools nationwide to adopt the program voluntarily. No timeline has been provided for full nationwide rollout or finalization of testing protocols.
At the Oval Office ceremony, Trump said, “We’re bringing it back. ” He described himself as an avid golfer and sports enthusiast and stressed the importance of balancing physical and mental fitness.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ” One official at the ceremony called the prior decision to discontinue the test “very unfortunate” and pointed to rising obesity rates among American children.
The initiative is connected to the “Make America Healthy Again” agenda. Trump signed the first copy of the new award during the event. Afterward, children were invited to the South Lawn to play sports accompanied by music including “YMCA” and “Eye of the Tiger.” Trump participated by putting on a green, kicking soccer balls and throwing a baseball. He also taught students his iconic dance.
The Presidential Fitness Test served as a standardized measure in public schools across the country for generations before its replacement shifted emphasis toward individualized health metrics. While the revived program positions competition as central to building national strength and links physical fitness to military readiness, its success will depend on voluntary uptake by state and local school districts.
