The Exclusive Club: How Many Former U.S. Presidents Are Still Alive And Who They Are

As of December 2025, the number of individuals who have served as the President of the United States and are still alive is a small, exclusive group. Following the passing of the longest-living president in U.S. history, the count of living former presidents now stands at four, creating a unique moment in American political history. This article provides the definitive, up-to-date list of the former commanders-in-chief who continue to shape public life and discourse in their post-presidency roles.

The recent change in this number, specifically the death of former President Jimmy Carter, has brought renewed attention to the longevity and continued public service of these political figures. Understanding who they are, their relative ages, and their current endeavors offers a fascinating perspective on the legacy of the American presidency and the transition of power.

The Four Living Former U.S. Presidents: A Complete Profile

The list of former U.S. Presidents currently alive is short, spanning four different decades of American leadership. This list excludes the current sitting President, focusing only on those who have completed their term(s) in office. The four living former presidents, listed from oldest to youngest, are:

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• Bill Clinton (42nd President)
• George W. Bush (43rd President)
• Donald Trump (45th President)
• Barack Obama (44th President)

The most significant recent event affecting this list was the death of Jimmy Carter on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100, cementing his legacy as the longest-living U.S. President. His passing reduced the number of living former presidents from five to four.

1. William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton (42nd President)

Bill Clinton served two terms from 1993 to 2001. He is the oldest living former U.S. President.

• Born: August 19, 1946
• Age (as of late 2025): 79
• Term of Office: 1993–2001
• Political Party: Democratic
• Post-Presidency Focus: Global health, climate change, and economic opportunity through the Clinton Foundation. He frequently engages in public speaking and has played an active role in Democratic Party politics.

Clinton’s post-presidency has been marked by extensive global humanitarian work, often alongside his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) remains a major platform for addressing worldwide challenges. He is known for his continued public engagement and remains a prominent voice on domestic and international issues.

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2. George Walker "George W." Bush (43rd President)

George W. Bush served two terms from 2001 to 2009, having previously served as the Governor of Texas.

• Born: July 6, 1946
• Age (as of late 2025): 79
• Term of Office: 2001–2009
• Political Party: Republican
• Post-Presidency Focus: The George W. Bush Presidential Center, which focuses on public policy, education, and global health, particularly the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa (PEPFAR). He has also gained recognition as an amateur painter, often focusing on portraits of veterans.

Bush has largely maintained a private life since leaving office, focusing on his presidential center and personal interests, including his noted passion for painting. He and Bill Clinton have developed a notable cross-partisan friendship, often appearing together at charitable events.

3. Donald John Trump (45th President)

Donald Trump served a single term from 2017 to 2021. His post-presidency has been uniquely active and politically charged, unlike any other former president in modern history.

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• Born: June 14, 1946
• Age (as of late 2025): 79
• Term of Office: 2017–2021
• Political Party: Republican
• Post-Presidency Focus: Political campaigning, rallies, and maintaining a high profile in the Republican Party. He remains a central and dominant figure in national politics, having run for and won the presidency again in 2024.

Trump’s post-White House life has been defined by his continued political engagement. He is the only former president in the modern era to have successfully run for a non-consecutive second term. His influence over the Republican base remains significant, making him a constant fixture in news headlines and political debates across the country.

4. Barack Hussein Obama (44th President)

Barack Obama served two terms from 2009 to 2017. He is the youngest of the living former presidents.

• Born: August 4, 1961
• Age (as of late 2025): 64
• Term of Office: 2009–2017
• Political Party: Democratic
• Post-Presidency Focus: The Obama Foundation, which works to inspire and empower global citizens, and the creation of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. He and his wife, Michelle Obama, have also produced documentaries and other media content through their production company, Higher Ground.

Obama has focused heavily on mentoring young leaders and promoting democracy worldwide. His post-presidency has been characterized by a blend of high-level international diplomacy, writing, and media production. He remains a highly influential figure, often campaigning for Democratic candidates and speaking on issues of social justice and climate change.

The Historical Context: What Changed the Number of Living Former Presidents?

The number of living former presidents is a dynamic figure, changing only when a former president passes away or when a new president leaves office. For many years, the number of living former presidents stood at five, including Jimmy Carter. The death of President Carter in late 2024 was a monumental event that shifted this historical count.

The End of an Era: The Legacy of Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. President, holds the record for the longest-living president in American history. Born in 1924, his life spanned a century of American history, and his death at age 100 marked the end of the last living former president who served during the 20th century.

Carter's post-presidency was arguably the most active and impactful in history, earning him a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. His work with Habitat for Humanity, his global election monitoring, and his focus on human rights and disease eradication defined his later years, setting a high bar for all future former presidents. His passing on December 29, 2024, was a moment of national reflection, bringing all five living presidents (including the current one) together to pay tribute.

The Importance of Post-Presidency and Topical Authority

The post-presidency period is an important chapter in the life of a former commander-in-chief, offering a unique platform for continued public service and influence. The four living former presidents—Clinton, Bush, Trump, and Obama—each utilize their time out of office differently, reflecting their unique personalities and political priorities.

Topical Authority and Influence:

• Diplomacy and Humanitarianism: Former Presidents Clinton and Obama often engage in international diplomacy and humanitarian efforts, leveraging their global recognition to address issues like poverty, disease, and conflict.
• Presidential Libraries and Centers: Each former president maintains a presidential library and center (or is in the process of building one), which serves as a hub for historical preservation, public policy research, and civic engagement. The George W. Bush Presidential Center and the Obama Foundation are major forces in their respective fields.
• Political Engagement: Former President Trump has redefined the post-presidency by immediately and continually involving himself in active political campaigning and party leadership, demonstrating an unprecedented level of ongoing political influence.
• The Oldest Living President: The current oldest living person to have held the office of U.S. President is the sitting President, Joe Biden, further highlighting the advanced age of modern political leadership.

The current group of four living former presidents represents a diverse range of political ideologies and approaches to life after the White House. Their continued presence in public life serves as a constant reminder of the weight of the office and the enduring influence of those who have held the highest position in the United States.