President Donald Trump is scheduled to sign a presidential memorandum on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, to revive the competitive Presidential Physical Fitness Test in schools. The initiative aims to encourage fitness and nutrition across the United States through measurable athletic standards for students.
The program formally re-establishes a 1966 initiative introduced by President Lyndon B. Johnson that rewarded students for meeting specific benchmarks. These physical evaluations include the 50-yard dash, shuttle runs, and pull-up competitions, according to a report from Fox News.
The move reverses an Obama-administration policy that had replaced the original competitive award with a program more focused on general health. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will oversee the revamped test as part of the administration’s broader health agenda.
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle addressed the president’s role in leading these initiatives despite public polling regarding his age and condition. The spokesperson defended the 79-year-old leader’s capability to manage the nation’s affairs.
“President Trump is the sharpest and most accessible President in American history who is working nonstop to solve problems and deliver on his promises, and he remains in excellent health.” said Davis Ingle, White House spokesperson.
The revival of the test targets supporters of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement. This group has recently expressed concerns regarding the administration’s stance on certain pesticides, despite their general support for Trump during the 2024 election.
Public perception of the president’s own fitness remains divided according to a recent Washington Post poll. The survey found that 59 percent of respondents questioned his mental sharpness, while 55 percent expressed doubts about his physical health for effective service.
White House officials previously disclosed that Trump was diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency last year. The administration described the condition as a common issue where veins struggle to manage blood flow back to the heart.
The president recently dismissed concerns about his mental acuity during a public appearance on Monday. He claimed to have successfully completed a screening used to identify cognitive decline.
“aced” said Donald Trump, President.
The signing ceremony for the fitness memorandum will include participation from various professional athletes. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary Kennedy are also expected to attend the official event at the White House.
