Overview
- On July 31, President Trump signed an executive order reviving the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition along with the Presidential Fitness Test.
- During the signing ceremony, Trump named Barkley among a roster of prominent athletes and sports figures tapped to advise on youth fitness initiatives.
- Barkley told reporters on August 4 that he and his family decided months earlier to turn down the offer because his impending NFL season would keep him too busy.
- He said he was “definitely a little shocked” to hear his name mentioned at the council announcement without having formally accepted.
- Barkley’s continued appearance on the White House’s membership list has prompted scrutiny of the administration’s vetting and communication procedures.