The New Record Holder: Who Is The Oldest Elected President Of The US? (The Shocking List)

The question of who is the oldest elected President of the United States has become a central topic in modern political discourse, and the record has been broken twice in the span of just four years. As of today, December 15, 2025, the title of the oldest person ever to be sworn in as a US President belongs to Donald J. Trump, who set the new record during his second inauguration.

The rise in the age of presidential candidates reflects a major demographic shift and sparks national debates about fitness for office, experience, and the rigors of the presidency. This article provides the most current and definitive list, highlighting the exact ages of the most senior leaders to ever take the oath of office.

The Definitive Biography of the Oldest Elected President

The individual who holds the current record for the oldest age at presidential inauguration is Donald John Trump. His second swearing-in ceremony on January 20, 2025, officially established a new historical benchmark.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

• Full Name: Donald John Trump
• Date of Birth: June 14, 1946
• Place of Birth: Queens, New York, U.S.
• Political Party: Republican
• US Presidency Terms: 45th President (2017–2021) and 47th President (2025–)
• Age at First Inauguration (January 20, 2017): 70 years, 220 days
• Age at Second Inauguration (January 20, 2025): 78 years, 7 months, and 6 days
• Education: Fordham University; University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School)
• Prior Career: Real estate mogul, television personality (The Apprentice)
• Vice President (2nd Term): J.D. Vance

Donald Trump’s age at the start of his second term surpassed the previous record held by Joe Biden by approximately five months, cementing his status as the oldest individual to assume the nation’s highest office.

The Top 5 Oldest US Presidents at Inauguration

Before the 21st century, the age of US presidents was a point of interest, but rarely a major political flashpoint. Today, the top of the list is dominated entirely by modern leaders, underscoring a significant trend toward older candidates. The following list ranks the five oldest presidents at the time of their most recent inauguration or assumption of office.

1. Donald J. Trump (47th President)
   • Age: 78 years, 7 months, 6 days
   • Inauguration Date: January 20, 2025
   • Context: Broke the record he previously held with Joe Biden, becoming the first president to be inaugurated in his late seventies.
2. Joe Biden (46th President)
   • Age: 78 years, 61 days
   • Inauguration Date: January 20, 2021
   • Context: Briefly held the record, surpassing Ronald Reagan. His age was a constant point of discussion throughout his term.
3. Donald J. Trump (45th President)
   • Age: 70 years, 220 days
   • Inauguration Date: January 20, 2017
   • Context: Was the oldest president to take office at the time of his first inauguration, surpassing Ronald Reagan's initial age.
4. Ronald Reagan (40th President)
   • Age: 69 years, 348 days
   • Inauguration Date: January 20, 1981
   • Context: Held the record for nearly 36 years. He was the first president to turn 70 while in office and served until he was 77.
5. William Henry Harrison (9th President)
   • Age: 68 years, 23 days
   • Inauguration Date: March 4, 1841
   • Context: Held the record for the longest time, from 1841 until 1981, when Ronald Reagan was sworn in. Harrison is also notable for the shortest presidency, dying after just 31 days in office.

The fact that the top three entries on this list are all from the 21st century highlights a clear and unprecedented trend in American politics toward electing older leaders. This shift has profound implications for the future of the presidency and the demands of the office.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

Historical Context: The Growing Age of the American President

The median age for a US president at the time of their first inauguration is approximately 55 years old. This historical average contrasts sharply with the ages of the most recent officeholders, suggesting that the "traditional" age for the presidency is rapidly increasing.

The Constitutional Age Requirement

The US Constitution sets only three requirements for the presidency, one of which is age. Article II, Section 1, Clause 5 states that a president must be at least 35 years old. There is no upper age limit. This lack of a maximum age has allowed candidates like Donald Trump and Joe Biden to seek and win the highest office well into their late seventies.

For comparison, the youngest person to ever assume the presidency was Theodore Roosevelt, who took office at age 42 following the assassination of William McKinley. The youngest person ever elected to the presidency was John F. Kennedy, who was 43 years old at his inauguration.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

The Oldest Living Presidents

A separate, but equally fascinating, entity is the title of the longest-lived US president. This record belongs to former President Jimmy Carter, the 39th President. As of the current date, he has lived past 100 years old, setting an incredible longevity record for all former chief executives. This fact is often used in debates about whether advanced age necessarily correlates with a decline in health or mental acuity, as Carter has remained active in public service for decades after his presidency.

Other long-lived presidents include George H.W. Bush, who lived to 94 years, 171 days, and Ronald Reagan, who lived to 93 years. The increasing lifespan of Americans, combined with the continued political engagement of senior statesmen, contributes to the overall trend of older candidates.

The Debate: Age, Experience, and Fitness for Office

The record-breaking ages of recent presidents have fueled an intense public and media debate about the role of age in the presidency. This discussion centers on several key LSI keywords and concepts:

• Experience vs. Vitality: Proponents of older candidates argue that their decades of experience—in government (like Joe Biden's time as Vice President and Senator) or in business (like Donald Trump's career as a real estate mogul)—provide an invaluable perspective needed to navigate complex global and domestic challenges.
• Cognitive Health: Critics and concerned citizens often raise questions about the cognitive health, stamina, and mental acuity of candidates in their late seventies. The demands of the presidency are immense, and the public scrutinizes every verbal slip or physical movement.
• The Rigors of the Office: The presidency is widely considered one of the most stressful jobs in the world. The average life expectancy of a US president after leaving office is a subject of ongoing study, suggesting the immense toll the office takes on one's health.

While the US Constitution has no maximum age, the trend toward electing older leaders ensures that the age and health of presidential candidates will remain a dominant and recurring theme in every election cycle moving forward. The 2024 election, which featured the two oldest candidates in history, has solidified this as the new normal in American politics.