Trump brings back the Presidential Fitness Test in public schools
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Kids participate in the Premier League Summer Series at Washington Elementary School on July 25 in Kearny, New Jersey. Photo: Adam Hunger/Premier League via Getty Images
President Trump will revive the Presidential Fitness Test in public schools, which was phased out more than a decade ago, a White House official confirmed to Axios on Thursday.
The big picture: The test — featuring challenges like a one-mile run, pull-ups and the sit-and-reach — was once a rite of passage for America's youth.
- It was also a source of anxiety and shame for more than a few kids, who ended up feeling like they weren't strong enough for the president's (or Arnold Schwarzenegger's) purposes.
- Trump on Thursday will sign an executive order to reestablish the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition, which includes re-establishing the test, as first reported by CNN.
Why it matters: The Trump administration has focused on sports and athletics, including banning transgender athletes and hosting major national and international sporting events.
State of play: Then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower established the test in 1956 to assess cardiovascular fitness, upper body and core strength, endurance, flexibility and agility, according to Harvard Health.
- The test included a one-mile run, pull-ups or push-ups, sit-ups, shuttle run, and sit-and-reach.
- Children in the top 15% received the Presidential Physical Fitness Award, established by former President Lyndon B. Johnson.
- President Obama replaced the test after the 2012-13 school year and instituted the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, putting more emphasis on students' health rather than performance, per Education Week.
Flashback: Eisenhower originally established the test out of panic over American children being less fit than European children, Vox reported.
- One of its early iterations was akin to a military training exercise.
What's next: The Presidential Fitness test will be administered by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- The executive order directs the council to create school programs rewarding excellence in physical education and develop criteria for a fitness award.
What they're saying: "President Trump wants to ensure America's future generations are strong, healthy, and successful," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.
- "President Trump wants every young American to have the opportunity to emphasize healthy, active lifestyles — creating a culture of strength and excellence for years to come."
Go deeper: Kids' health declined over the past 17 years: Study
