Story perspectives

Trump Restores Presidential Fitness Test Amid Obesity Crisis

5/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a memorandum on May 5, 2026 restoring the Presidential Fitness Test Award.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said competition prevents national decline and urged schools to adopt it.
Health officials said one in five children and 70 % of adults are obese, prompting push.
Bryson DeChambeau, Gary Player, Amani Oruwariye and Noah Syndergaard attended and praised the test.
Children raced with Washington Nationals’ Racing Presidents on the South Lawn.

History

Historical Context

After Eisenhower created the President’s Council on Youth Fitness in 1956 and a 1955 Kraus–Weber study found 56.6% of American children failed, the Presidential Fitness Test became a staple of schools until its 2013 replacement. Lyndon B. Johnson added the Presidential Physical Fitness Award in 1966. Donald Trump’s May 5 2026 reinstatement follows his July 31 2025 executive order.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a memorandum on May 5, 2026 restoring the Presidential Fitness Test Award.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said competition prevents national decline and urged schools to adopt it.
Health officials said one in five children and 70 % of adults are obese, prompting push.
Bryson DeChambeau, Gary Player, Amani Oruwariye and Noah Syndergaard attended and praised the test.
Children raced with Washington Nationals’ Racing Presidents on the South Lawn.

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