The Exclusive Club: Four Living Former US Presidents And Their Powerful 2025 Legacies

As of December 2025, the United States has four living individuals who have completed their terms as President, a remarkably small and exclusive group that continues to shape global policy and public discourse. This current number follows the passing of the longest-living former president, Jimmy Carter, in late 2024, and the recent transition of power in January 2025. The four living former presidents—Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden—represent a unique continuum of American political history, with each defining a powerful second act through humanitarian work, policy advocacy, and cultural contributions.

The total number of living Americans who have held the office of President is five, which includes the current sitting President, Donald Trump. However, the focus on "past" or "former" presidents highlights the distinct post-White House phase of American leadership. This article offers an in-depth look at these four former commanders-in-chief, detailing their current ages, key biographical facts, and the fresh, impactful initiatives that define their post-presidential lives in 2025.

The Four Living Former Presidents: Biographical Profiles and Current Ages (December 2025)

The following list details the four living former Presidents of the United States, in order of their presidential term, along with a brief biography and their age as of December 2025:

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• William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton (42nd President)
  • Term: 1993–2001
  • Born: August 19, 1946 (Hope, Arkansas)
  • Age (Dec 2025): 79
  • Key Pre-Presidency Roles: Governor of Arkansas (1979–1981; 1983–1992), Attorney General of Arkansas (1977–1979).
  • Key Presidential Achievements: Signing of NAFTA, welfare reform, balancing the federal budget, and the longest period of peacetime economic expansion in American history.
• George Walker Bush (43rd President)
  • Term: 2001–2009
  • Born: July 6, 1946 (New Haven, Connecticut)
  • Age (Dec 2025): 79
  • Key Pre-Presidency Roles: Governor of Texas (1995–2000), Managing General Partner of the Texas Rangers baseball team.
  • Key Presidential Achievements: Creation of the Department of Homeland Security, passage of the PATRIOT Act, launch of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
• Barack Hussein Obama (44th President)
  • Term: 2009–2017
  • Born: August 4, 1961 (Honolulu, Hawaii)
  • Age (Dec 2025): 64
  • Key Pre-Presidency Roles: U.S. Senator from Illinois (2005–2008), Illinois State Senator (1997–2004).
  • Key Presidential Achievements: Signing of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the end of the Iraq War, the killing of Osama bin Laden, and the Paris Agreement on climate change.
• Joseph Robinette "Joe" Biden Jr. (46th President)
  • Term: 2021–2025
  • Born: November 20, 1942 (Scranton, Pennsylvania)
  • Age (Dec 2025): 83
  • Key Pre-Presidency Roles: 47th Vice President of the United States (2009–2017), U.S. Senator from Delaware (1973–2009).
  • Key Presidential Achievements: Signing of the American Rescue Plan Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act.

Defining Legacies: Post-Presidency Activities in 2025

Unlike earlier eras where former presidents often retreated from public life, today's former commanders-in-chief remain highly visible, leveraging their unique platform to drive large-scale philanthropic and policy initiatives. Their work in 2025 continues to focus on global health, democracy, and leadership development, ensuring their relevance long after leaving the White House.

Bill Clinton: Global Action and the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI)

Former President Bill Clinton’s post-presidency has been defined by the expansive work of the Clinton Foundation and, specifically, the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI). In 2025, the CGI remains a primary engine for global partnerships, bringing together leaders from government, business, and civil society to make "Commitments to Action." Recent reports from the Foundation highlight the success of the CGI 2025 Annual Meeting, which concluded with numerous new commitments focused on climate resilience, equitable growth, and health equity across the developing world. The Foundation’s consistent presence in global news demonstrates Clinton’s dedication to addressing complex, interconnected global challenges through collaborative problem-solving, a hallmark of his post-White House career.

George W. Bush: The Art of Leadership and Service

George W. Bush has cultivated a distinctive post-presidency centered on personal expression and unwavering support for veterans. His passion for painting, which began after he left office, has matured into a significant artistic endeavor. In 2025, his work continues to be showcased, with exhibitions often attracting national attention at the George W. Bush Presidential Museum and other venues. His subjects frequently include portraits of veterans, underscoring the work of the George W. Bush Institute's Military Service Initiative, which aids post-9/11 veterans and their families. Bush has successfully transitioned from a political figure to a respected artist and philanthropist, focusing on the healing power of art and the importance of national service.

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Barack Obama: Investing in the Next Generation of Global Leaders

Barack Obama’s second act is powerfully driven by the Obama Foundation, with its central mission of inspiring, empowering, and connecting the next generation of leaders. A major focus in 2025 is the continued construction and development of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, which is nearing completion and promises to be a hub for community and civic engagement. The Foundation's global reach is evident through programs like the Obama Foundation Scholars and Obama Leaders initiatives, which in 2025 welcomed new cohorts of emerging professionals from around the world to address pressing issues like climate change and democracy strengthening. Furthermore, his extensive media production deals with Higher Ground continue to generate influential documentaries and content, keeping his voice prominent in cultural and political conversations.

Joe Biden: Reflecting on a Transformative Term

As the most recent former president, Joe Biden's post-presidency life in 2025 is just beginning, shifting from the daily demands of the Oval Office to reflecting on his legacy. His administration, which concluded in January 2025, was marked by significant legislative victories aimed at economic recovery and infrastructure renewal, such as the American Rescue Plan Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. Early 2025 saw academic institutions, such as Mount Union, hosting conferences dedicated to analyzing the full scope and impact of the Biden Presidency, a clear sign that the scholarly assessment of his term is immediately underway. His post-White House efforts are expected to focus on issues close to his heart, including cancer research through the Biden Cancer Initiative and continued advocacy for working families.

The Rarity of Five Living Presidents and Historical Context

The total number of living individuals who have held the office—currently five—is a modern phenomenon. Historically, it was rare for more than two or three former presidents to be alive concurrently due to shorter life expectancies and the intense physical and mental strain of the office. The recent loss of Jimmy Carter in late 2024 at the age of 100 significantly altered this dynamic, marking the end of an era and prompting a reflection on presidential longevity. The current group of living presidents is notable for its relatively close ages, with Clinton, Bush, and the sitting President Trump all in their late 70s, showcasing a convergence of different political eras into a single, influential cohort.

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The presence of so many living former leaders provides a powerful, often bipartisan, resource for the nation. They frequently gather for ceremonial or humanitarian events, symbolizing a unity of office that transcends political divides. This collective influence is often brought to bear on national crises or global humanitarian efforts, lending a unique weight to their calls for action and solidarity.

The Enduring Role of the Former President in Modern America

The role of a former U.S. President has evolved dramatically since the mid-20th century. Today, the post-presidency is less of a retirement and more of an institutionalized continuation of public service, supported by the Former Presidents Act which provides a pension and staff. This framework allows for the creation of massive philanthropic organizations and presidential libraries that serve as centers for civic engagement and historical study.

The foundations established by these leaders—the Clinton Foundation, the George W. Bush Institute, and the Obama Foundation—are not merely symbolic; they are active global organizations with multi-million dollar budgets and staff dedicated to tackling complex problems like global health, veteran support, and democratic reform. This post-presidency work ensures that the experience and global network of a former commander-in-chief remain a vital and active national asset, continuing to shape domestic policy and international relations long after their time in the Oval Office has concluded.