The Presidential Physical Fitness Award is back as Trump revives annual fitness test
President Donald Trump has revived the Presidential Physical Fitness Award as part of a renewed emphasis on competitive physical fitness in U.S. schools. The initiative reintroduces a fitness test that was phased out during the Obama administration in favor of a health-focused, non-competitive program. The test will be mandatory for students at 161 schools on U.S. military installations, with encouragement for broader adoption nationwide.
- ▪President Donald Trump revived the Presidential Physical Fitness Award during an Oval Office ceremony on May 5, 2026.
- ▪The original test, established in the 1950s, was discontinued under President Barack Obama in favor of a non-competitive health program.
- ▪The revived test will be mandatory for students at 161 schools on U.S. military bases, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
- ▪Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. linked the initiative to his 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda.
- ▪Trump emphasized values of excellence and competitiveness, stating the award would be given to students performing above the 85th percentile in fitness components.
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ABC NewsLiveVideoShowsGood Morning AmericaShopGMAInterest Successfully AddedWe'll notify you here with news aboutTurn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOnStream onThe Presidential Physical Fitness Award is back as Trump revives annual fitness testPresident Donald Trump is reviving the Presidential Physical Fitness Award as he reintroduces a competitive physical fitness test in America's schoolsByCOLLIN BINKLEY Associated Press and DARLENE SUPERVILLE Associated PressMay 5, 2026, 1:34 PM1:28Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks as President Donald Trump listens before the signing of a proclamation in the Oval Office at the White House, Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in Washington.
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