On the campaign trail, President Donald Trump promised that he would promote initiatives to “Make America Healthy Again,” which became known as “MAHA.”
Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. focused on the “MAHA” initiative as it pertains to food, vaccines, as well as other things. This started a ripple effect where several restaurant chains, such as Steak n’ Shake, have promised to implement healthier options in their food.
This week, the president announced that his goal to “Make America Healthy Again” would go a step further. This time, in America’s public school system.
Trump is set to sign an executive order reviving the Presidential Fitness Test in public schools.
According to The Hill, golfer Bryson DeChambeau will chair the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition.
🚨 JUST IN: President Trump is today signing an executive order to bring the Presidential Fitness Test back to public schools.
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) July 31, 2025
He'll be joined by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, former New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor, golfer Bryson DeChambeau and others,… pic.twitter.com/3JGnKXHTtA
The Presidential Fitness Test was first derived in the 1950s under President Dwight D. Eisenhower. President John F. Kennedy expanded the program and urged middle schools and high schools to implement physical fitness programs. In the following years, it was expanded by several presidents and became a staple in public middle schools and high schools.
Former President Barack Obama did away with this test. In 2013, the test was replaced by the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, which centered around a “holistic” approach to health.
The White House told CNN that Trump’s executive order will address "the widespread epidemic of declining health and physical fitness," and will use professional athletes, sports organizations, and other public figures to influence young people to stay healthy.
