U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on the 31st (local time) to reinstate the 'Presidential Fitness Test,' discontinued during the Barack Obama administration, after 12 years. This is a signal that the government will directly intervene in issues of childhood obesity and the decline in youth fitness under the banner of 'Building a Strong America.' However, there is considerable criticism that it encourages a uniform competition. American society is expected to be embroiled in the debate over 'state-led physical management' once again.
In the executive order released that day, the White House clarified that 'the decline in American health and fitness poses a threat to the vitality and longevity of the United States.' It diagnosed that 'the rates of obesity, chronic diseases, inactivity, and nutritional deficiencies are especially at crisis levels among our children.' The Trump administration specified in the executive order that this trend 'undermines our economy, military readiness, academic achievement, and national morale.' According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 2017 and 2020, 19.7% (about 14.7 million) of American children and adolescents were diagnosed with obesity. Annual medical expenses due to obesity are nearing $173 billion (about 240 trillion won).
During the signing ceremony, President Trump said, 'The fitness test was a great American tradition, and we have reclaimed that tradition.' The revival of the fitness test is in line with Trump's campaign 'Make America Healthy Again (MAHA)' that he has promoted since his first term. The newly established Presidential Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition Commission, organized under the executive order, will be chaired by famous golfer Bryson DeChambeau. Commission members include notable National Football League (NFL) player Harrison Butker, Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor, and professional wrestling star Paul 'Triple H' Levesque, who will support the policy's implementation.
The Presidential Fitness Test was initiated during the Dwight Eisenhower administration in 1956. At that time, the American government was shocked by research findings showing that American children had lower fitness levels than their European counterparts, leading to the creation of the 'Presidential Youth Fitness Committee.' It was officially established as a program during President Lyndon Johnson's administration in 1966. Students received certificates signed by the President if they passed standards such as doing 40 push-ups, 10 pull-ups, and running a mile (about 1.6 km) in 6.5 minutes.
In 2012, the Obama administration abolished the program that had continued for 56 years. The criticism was due to the uniform standards that ranked students and caused feelings of alienation and shame among students lacking athletic ability. Instead, they introduced the 'FitnessGram,' which set goals based on individual health status. The Obama administration at that time stated, 'This is a measure focused on healthy living for individuals rather than competition.'
By reinstating the fitness test, the Trump administration does not merely return to the past. The White House presented the policy goal in the executive order as 'creating a national culture of strength, vitality, and excellence.' In particular, next year will align with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, with large international sporting events such as the Ryder Cup (golf), FIFA World Cup (soccer), and the LA Olympics occurring in succession. The White House stated, 'This will showcase America's global dominance in sports and inspire Americans of all generations.' It has clearly indicated its intent to use fitness promotion as a means to enhance national pride and demonstrate national strength.
However, in the education sector, criticism remains prevalent, with many viewing this as an outdated idea. Laura Richardson, a kinesiology professor at the University of Michigan, noted to the Associated Press, 'A single test cannot make American children healthier.' This implies that rather than evaluating students numerically, schools should offer improvement programs tailored to individuals, according to the Associated Press.
This measure is expected to have significant ripple effects on the U.S. industry. The food sector, which has a high proportion of sugar and processed foods, is anticipated to take a hit. There is also a strong possibility of increased pressure for tighter regulations on foods targeting children, including school meals. In contrast, related industries such as sports apparel and equipment, wearable devices, and youth fitness programs are expected to benefit, as reported by CNBC. The U.S. youth sports market is estimated to be worth between $30 billion to $40 billion (approximately 42 trillion to 56 trillion won) annually.