Supported by numerous current and former sports stars, US President Donald Trump is promoting the reintroduction of the presidential fitness test for schoolchildren. The inclusion of a convicted former NFL star in the promotion of the program has caused surprise.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday establishing the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition and reinstating the President’s Fitness Test for students in public schools.

The 79-year-old was supported by numerous current and former sports stars. Among them were golfer Bryson DeChambeau, WWE boss Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, and a thoroughly controversial figure: Giants legend Lawrence Taylor.

The former linebacker played for the New York franchise from 1981 to 1993 and won two Super Bowls with the team. In May 2010, the 66-year-old made headlines when he was arrested for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl.

At the time, the underage prostitute was not legally able to consent to sex due to her age, which is why Taylor was sentenced to six months’ probation six months later and subsequently had to register as a sex offender.

The fact that Taylor is now promoting the introduced youth sports test as one of its prominent supporters raises questions.

With 49ers star Nick Bosa and Saquon Barkley, the reigning Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles, other NFL stars are supporting the president in his endeavor.

NFL: President Donald Trump reinstates regulation abolished by Barack Obama

The fitness test was originally introduced in the 1960s but was abolished during the term of former President Barack Obama.

According to the White House, the goal of this regulation is “to address the widespread epidemic of declining health and physical fitness with a proven approach that honors the uniqueness of American sports and fitness traditions.”

“From the late 1950s to 2013, students across the country competed in the Presidential Fitness Test, and it was a big deal. It was a wonderful tradition, and we are bringing it back,” Trump emphasized.

“President Trump wants every young American to have the opportunity to pursue a healthy, active lifestyle—and in doing so, create a culture of strength and excellence for years to come,” emphasized White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

The regulation is the latest example of Trump’s focus on sports during his second term. Earlier this month, the US president signed an executive order aimed at bringing order and stability to college sports.

He also recently called on the Washington Commanders and the Cleveland Guardians of MLB to return to their former team names, even threatening to terminate Washington’s stadium lease if the Commanders did not comply.

In addition, the “POTUS” appeared at the Club World Cup and signed an executive order earlier this year to establish a White House task force for the 2026 World Cup. Trump plans to chair this task force himself.

Trump also announced plans to host a UFC fight on the grounds of the White House during the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.