Washington– President Donald Trump on Tuesday revived the Presidential Physical Fitness Award as part of his push to bring the annual physical fitness test back to America’s schools.
The award is tied to the Presidential Fitness Test, which was a staple in public schools for decades but was phased out under President Barack Obama in favor of a program that reduces competition and focuses on long-term health. Trump signed an order last summer to restart the physical fitness test, which was created in the 1950s.
“We’re bringing him back,” Trump said at an Oval Office ceremony alongside children and professional athletes. “My administration is working hard to defend America’s cherished sports tradition and pass on our values of excellence and competitiveness to the next generation.”
The previous test tested students on a range of exercises, including a one-mile run and sit-ups. Those who scored above the 85th percentile for their gender on each part of the test were awarded the Presidential Fitness Award, although details of the revived test have not yet been published.
Trump unveiled the award on his desk while surrounded by Cabinet members including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Housing Secretary Scott Turner. They were joined by children who said they played sports including football, volleyball, hockey and golf.
Hegseth said in the Oval Office that the test has become mandatory for students in 161 schools located on US military installations. He encouraged other schools across the country to follow his example.
President Donald Trump walks with children during exercise on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in Washington.
AP Photo/Jacqueline Martin
“We need strong, healthy young Americans, whether you serve in the military or in any other aspect of your life,” Hegseth said. “The idea that competition is bad is the beginning of a nation’s decline.”
Trump, an avid golfer and sports enthusiast, stressed the importance of striking a balance between physical fitness and mentality, saying it’s all about the mind at the highest levels of competition. He praised the athletes at the White House event while joking about his own fitness regimen.
“I exercise a lot, one minute a day max, if I’m lucky,” Trump said.
Trump said he would sign the first version of the new award on Tuesday. After the Oval Office event, kids were invited to the South Lawn to practice to the soundtrack of songs like “YMCA” and “Eye of the Tiger.” Trump joined outside as children played on a putting green, kicking soccer balls and throwing a baseball with pitcher Noah Syndergaard.
The President linked the initiative to Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda. Speaking alongside Trump, Kennedy said it was “very unfortunate” that Obama halted testing and pointed to the increase in obesity among American children.
“We need to teach people how to win, how to lose, and how to deal with victory and defeat,” Kennedy said.
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