President Donald Trump signed a proclamation Tuesday to reintroduce the Presidential Fitness Test Award and revive the National Youth Sports and Fitness Initiative.
Present for the signing was Florida basketball coach Todd Golden, two-time U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, Hall of Fame golfer Gary Player and other notable athletes.
DeChambeau is the chair of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition, which is comprised of professional athletes, physicians, health and fitness leaders and business professionals unified to improve and protect America’s youth, health and well-being, and athletic institutions.
Trump criticized the Barack Obama administration for phasing out the youth sports initiative due to competition concerns over some youth being embarrassed in front of their peers.
“Thank you Barack. Great job,” he said sarcastically. Then Trump followed it up with, “We’re bringing it back.”
He continued, “My administration is working very hard to defend America’s cherished traditions and pass our values of excellence and competitiveness to the next generation.”
President Donald Trump, at right, and Bryson DeChambeau watch as kids exercise at fitness stations on the south lawn of the White House, Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in Washington. | Jacquelyn Martin, Associated Press
Trump celebrated his executive order to save college athletics as well as his administration’s actions that “banned men” from participating in female athletics.
“We’re going to continue to win, win, win. Our country is doing great. We’re breaking records in every way,” he said.
Youth fitness is his next step to “winning.”
America’s health concerns
Calling attention to national security and general health concerns, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy said, “The presidency has presided over the worst public health crisis in history. We’re now the sickest nation in the world.”
According to Kennedy, the country’s obesity percentage for kids has jumped from 5% to 20%, with 77% percent of kids unable to qualify for military service. He added that 70% percent of adults are obese or overweight.
“This should be an eye opener for all of us.”
We need to bring back competition “with each other in a friendly, congenial way and to help each other get in shape so we can prepare for a great future,” Kennedy said.
Importance of competition
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the fitness program will be in all the schools under the Department of Defense education activity, where he hopes the 161 schools will pilot an eventual national program.
Hegseth emphasized the ability these competitions have to alleviate the inability of nearly three-quarters of youth to qualify for the military.
“The idea that competition is bad is the beginning of a decline of a nation,” he said. “Competition is critical to who we are and ensuring America stays on top.”
Afterward, the president and numerous athletes stepped outside, where professional athletes and others ran friendly, physical competitions for kids to participate in.
The Presidential Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition’s fitness test will bring back a focus on benchmarks in running and various physical activities like pushups and situps.
The original Presidential Fitness Test was cut in 2012 and replaced with the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, emphasizing engaging activities over peer competitions.