ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. launched a nationwide effort to restore the Presidential Fitness Test and promote physical activity among children, joining students at the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City as the Trump administration expands its “Make America Healthy Again” agenda.
Kennedy, accompanied by U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., and several WWE personalities, participated in fitness exercises with more than 75 children during the June 29 event, which also marked the debut of the federal website GetActive.gov/kids.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns about childhood health in the United States. According to HHS, nearly one in five children is overweight or obese, and 77% of young Americans are ineligible for military service, with poor health and physical fitness among the leading factors.
“More than 60 years ago, my uncle, President John F. Kennedy, challenged America to make physical fitness a national priority because he understood that the strength of our nation begins with the health of our people,” Kennedy said. “Today, President Trump is restoring that vision.”
HHS said it is partnering this summer with the Boys & Girls Club of America, WWE and community organizations nationwide to encourage children to become more active and prepare for the return of the fitness test.
Beginning this fall, schools nationwide will administer the Presidential Fitness Test using updated, age-appropriate standards designed to measure strength, endurance, speed and agility while emphasizing personal progress and improvement, according to the department.
The original Presidential Fitness Test, which dates to the administration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and was later championed by President John F. Kennedy, was phased out during the Obama administration and replaced with broader health-focused assessments.
Federal officials said states led by both Republicans and Democrats have committed to reintroducing the test in schools, signaling bipartisan support for expanding youth fitness initiatives.
“Bringing back the Presidential Fitness Test will give students a positive goal to work toward and make physical activity a bigger part of their everyday lives,” Van Drew said.
The Atlantic City event also featured WWE executives and performers, including Paul Levesque, known professionally as Triple H, who recently was appointed vice chair of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. WWE personalities Byron Saxton, Cody Rhodes and Charlotte Flair also participated in fitness demonstrations with students.
The administration said the effort is intended to encourage schools and communities to place greater emphasis on physical education and healthy habits as part of a broader strategy to address chronic disease and improve long-term health outcomes for children.
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