Reinstatement of the Presidential Fitness Test and Renewal of the Presidential Council for Sports, Health, and Diet
President Donald J. Trump has issued an Executive Order on July 31, 2025, to revitalize the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition and reestablish the Presidential Fitness Test. The aim is to promote youth participation in sports and physical fitness, combat rising obesity and inactivity, and foster a new generation of healthy, active Americans.
The Executive Order revokes a previous 2018 order and amends a 2002 order to explicitly reestablish the Presidential Fitness Test. The Council, as established by the order, will now be responsible for developing school-based programs awarding excellence in physical education and establishing criteria for a Presidential Fitness Award.
The Council, consisting of up to 30 members appointed by the President, will also collaborate with the private sector to achieve the Administration's goals. They will work to increase access to quality sports programs for underserved youth and prioritize the promotion of good nutrition for children and youth. The Council will also focus on increasing public awareness about the importance of physical fitness, sports, and nutrition for children and youth.
The Presidential Fitness Test historically included components like a one-mile run, push-ups or pull-ups, sit-ups, shuttle run, and sit-and-reach. However, the specific components of the reinstated test under this Order are not yet fully detailed.
The amended Executive Order 13265, titled "President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, and the Reestablishment of the Presidential Fitness Test," also tasks the Council with developing and implementing a national strategy for youth sports and physical activity. The Council will submit an annual report to the President detailing its progress and recommending strategies for continued improvement.
Furthermore, the Council will advise the President concerning progress made in carrying out the provisions of the order and recommend strategies for reestablishing the Presidential Fitness Test. The Council will work to ensure that all youth have the opportunity to participate in physical activity and sports, regardless of their economic status.
This initiative responds to declining health and fitness among youth, aiming to restore America’s fitness traditions and national vitality. The Council will collaborate with the Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and other federal agencies to achieve these goals.
[1] White House (2025). Executive Order on the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, and the Reestablishment of the Presidential Fitness Test. Retrieved from [https://www.whitehouse.gov/executive-orders/executive-order-presidents-council-on-sports-fitness-and-nutrition-and-the-reestablishment-of-the-presidential-fitness-test/]
[2] White House (2025). Fact Sheet: Revitalizing the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition and Reestablishing the Presidential Fitness Test. Retrieved from [https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/fact-sheet-revitalizing-presidents-council-sports-fitness-nutrition-reestablishing-presidential-fitness-test/]
[3] White House (2025). Remarks by President Trump on the Revitalization of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition and Reestablishment of the Presidential Fitness Test. Retrieved from [https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-president-trump-revitalization-presidents-council-sports-fitness-nutrition-reestablishment-presidential-fitness-test/]
[4] White House (2025). Executive Order 13265 of June 6, 2002 (President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports), as amended by Executive Order 13824 of February 26, 2018, and Executive Order 13974 of July 31, 2025. Retrieved from [https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-presidents-council-sports-fitness-nutrition-reestablishment-presidential-fitness-test/]
[5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2025). Presidential Fitness Test. Retrieved from [https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/physicaleducation/fitness/pft.htm]
[1] The Executive Order of July 31, 2025, reinstates the Presidential Fitness Test as part of President Donald J. Trump's aim to promote youth participation in sports and fitness.
[2] The President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, under the reestablished order, will develop school-based programs to encourage physical education excellence and establish criteria for a Presidential Fitness Award.
[3] Collaborating with the private sector, the Council will work towards increasing quality sports programs access for underserved youth and prioritizing good nutrition for children and youth.
[4] The Council will focus on public awareness about physical fitness, sports, and nutrition, as well as promoting a national strategy for youth sports and physical activity.
[5] The Presidential Fitness Test historically included components like a mile run, push-ups, sit-ups, shuttle run, and sit-and-reach, but details on the specific components of the reinstated test are yet to be fully detailed.
