Late night television’s favorite political heckler is back at it again. Jimmy Kimmel took aim at Donald Trump this week over the former president’s decision to reinstate a controversial presidential fitness test, delivering a scathing, laugh-out-loud roast that highlighted Trump’s own physical fitness struggles — and joked the former president would have no chance of passing the exam himself.
What Is the Presidential Fitness Test Trump Reinstated?
The fitness test in question, originally launched in the 1960s under President Lyndon B. Johnson, was mandatory for U.S. schoolchildren for decades before being phased out in 2012. Trump announced plans to bring back the exam earlier this month, framing the move as a way to improve youth health outcomes and combat rising childhood obesity rates.
While the test is designed for school-aged children, Jimmy Kimmel roasts Donald Trump for the reinstatement by turning the focus squarely on the former president’s own physical capabilities.
Kimmel’s Brutal Monologue: ‘Trump Would Fail Every Single Event’
Kimmel did not hold back during his Monday night monologue on Jimmy Kimmel Live! He laughed as he read through the test’s core requirements, noting that Trump would struggle with even the most basic components.
The reinstated fitness test includes six core events:
- 1-mile run
- Push-ups (max reps in 1 minute)
- Sit-ups (max reps in 1 minute)
- Shuttle run (sprinting back and forth between two points)
- Sit-and-reach flexibility test
- Body composition assessment
“Let’s be real: Donald Trump’s idea of a 1-mile run is walking from his golf cart to the first tee,” Kimmel joked. “His push-up record? Leaning forward to sign executive orders. The only shuttle run he’s ever completed is rushing to the buffet at Mar-a-Lago.”
Kimmel added that Trump getting a passing score on the flexibility test would require “a chiropractor, three Advil, and a small miracle.”
Why the Joke Went Viral Overnight
Clips of Kimmel’s roast racked up more than 4 million views across TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) within 24 hours of airing. Many viewers noted that Trump has rarely been seen engaging in strenuous physical activity during public appearances, often opting for golf or short walks rather than cardio-heavy workouts.
One viral tweet read: “Kimmel nailed it. The only fitness test Trump can pass is the ‘how many burgers can you eat in one sitting’ challenge.”
Trump’s Team Has Not Responded (Yet)
As of publication, representatives for Donald Trump have not issued a public response to Kimmel’s jokes. This is not the first time Kimmel has targeted Trump’s physical fitness: the host previously mocked Trump’s 2018 physical exam, where the former president claimed to be in “excellent health” despite a BMI of 29.9 (just under the obese threshold for his 6’3” frame).
Why This Roast Matters for Policy News
Kimmel’s latest bit is a masterclass in making policy news accessible to casual viewers. By tying a dry policy announcement (the fitness test reinstatement) to a relatable, personal joke about Trump’s lifestyle, he managed to draw attention to a story that might have otherwise flown under the radar for late-night audiences.
Whether you love or hate the jokes, one thing is clear: Trump’s fitness test plan just got far more public attention than he probably bargained for — and Jimmy Kimmel is leading the conversation.
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