President Donald J. Trump announced the return of the Presidential Fitness Test and Presidential Fitness Award, marking a major push to improve the health of young Americans ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
“I’m pleased to announce that we’re officially restoring the Presidential Fitness Test and the Presidential Fitness Award,” Trump said on July 31 while issuing a new executive order.
The move reinstates the original President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports with an updated name and mission: the “President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, and the Reestablishment of the Presidential Fitness Test.” It also replaces the Obama-era council structure that had removed the test entirely.
READ 🔽https://t.co/6wAEcwkzvO
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 31, 2025
Triple H Among 30 Athletes Tapped to Help Lead the Effort
Trump’s updated council will include 30 high-profile athletes and figures from the world of sports. Notably, WWE executive and superstar Triple H (Paul Levesque) is among those tapped to help shape the direction of the revamped Presidential Fitness Test.
“I’ve watched some of the decline of the youth of America… and the decline of the importance of fitness and health… I’m thrilled to dig in and get to work,” said Levesque.
The Council will be chaired by figures selected by Trump and led day-to-day by an Executive Director acting as a liaison to the President and government agencies. These individuals will advise on policy and promotional efforts for youth sports, fitness programs, and school-based assessments. Catherine Granito is the executive director. Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley and Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa are also on the council, with LIV Golf pro Bryson DeChambeau serving as chairman.
ARE YOU READY… TO MAKE AMERICA FIT AGAIN
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 31, 2025
WHITE HOUSE X @TRIPLEH 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2sBFWok5ZF
Why Trump Brought the Test Back
Trump said the decision to bring back the test stems from rising concerns over childhood obesity, declining physical fitness, and their impact on academic achievement, military readiness, and the economy.
“As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026, we must address the threat to the vitality and longevity of our country that is posed by America’s declining health and physical fitness,” the executive order states. “These trends weaken our economy, military readiness, academic performance, and national morale.”
Trump also invoked past presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy, who both sounded the alarm about American youth fitness in the mid-20th century and launched the original test and council in response.
President Donald J. Trump brought together 30 top athletes to revive the Presidential Fitness Test for America's youth. 🇺🇸
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 1, 2025
Let's Make America Fit Again! 💪 pic.twitter.com/oCkNAt08BG
What the New Presidential Fitness Test Includes
The newly reestablished test will be overseen by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in partnership with the Secretary of Education. Its aim: to serve as the nation’s official youth fitness assessment tied to the prestigious Presidential Fitness Award.
The council’s duties include:
- Recommending improvements to the test
- Developing school programs and fitness challenges
- Promoting physical activity through national events
- Working with athletes and organizations to inspire kids
- Addressing fitness-related national security concerns
Bigger Goals Ahead of America’s 250th
Trump framed the effort as part of a larger movement to make America healthier and stronger in time for the nation’s semiquincentennial celebrations in 2026. He also noted that the U.S. will host the Ryder Cup, President’s Cup, FIFA World Cup, and Olympics over the next three years — key events that will spotlight American athleticism.
The updated council and Presidential Fitness Test are part of Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative launched earlier this year during the start of his second term.
