Donald Trump was accused of being the 'most unhealthy president ever' on social media after he told schoolchildren at the White House in Washington on Tuesday, 5 May, that he works out for about one minute a day.
The 79-year-old President made the remark during an event to promote his plan to reinstate the Presidential Physical Fitness Award, a nationwide exercise test for American pupils. This was after Trump used a gathering of elementary-age children to sign a memorandum reinstating the scheme, which was first launched under President Lyndon Johnson and then phased out under Barack Obama.
Trump framed the move as part of a renewed focus on 'America's athletic traditions,' presenting himself, as he often does, as both cheerleader and example.
'It is indeed a beautiful day to celebrate America's athletic traditions and champions in physical fitness and all of those things that I work so hard at on a personal basis,' he told the audience, before adding the line that would ricochet across the internet, 'I work out so much, like about one minute a day, max, if I'm lucky.'
The comment drew laughter in the room. Online, it landed rather differently.
President Trump: "I work out so much. Like, about one minute a day, max. If I'm lucky."pic.twitter.com/jsLn4jxKHs
The Presidential Physical Fitness Award was once a minor rite of passage in US schools, remembered by many Americans for shuttle runs, push‑ups and timed miles. Trump is attempting to wrap that nostalgia into his wider branding of strength and vigour, yet his own approach to exercise has long been a point of fascination and mockery in equal measure.
The contrast between the fitness rhetoric on stage and Trump's admission about his habits proved irresistible to critics. Short clips of the exchange spread quickly on X, TikTok and Instagram, usually paired with footage ofTrump on golf coursesor walking gingerly across stages.
One user on X summed up a widely shared sentiment with, 'One-minute exercise and McDonald's on the daily. Most unhealthy president ever.' The line was repeated and amplified, turning into a shorthand insult.
One minute exercise and McDonald’s on the daily. Most unhealthy president ever.pic.twitter.com/kJn05fv5p9
Source: International Business Times UK
