The Five U.S. Presidents Alive Today: A Deep Dive Into Their Post-White House Legacies And Current Status

As of December 15, 2025, the exclusive club of living U.S. Presidents comprises five distinguished individuals. This number represents a recent change following the passing of the long-serving statesman, Jimmy Carter, in late 2024, marking a significant moment in American presidential history. The current roster includes the 42nd, 43rd, 44th, 46th, and the incoming 47th President, each continuing to shape the national and global conversation through their post-presidency work, or in the case of the current and incoming officeholders, their active political roles. The transition of power and the longevity of these leaders make the current moment a unique study in presidential legacies. From global philanthropy to domestic political engagement, the actions of these five men—Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Donald Trump—continue to capture international attention, providing a fascinating look at life after the Oval Office and the enduring influence of the American presidency. This in-depth look explores their biographies, key accomplishments, and their current impact.

The Five Living Presidents: Biographical Profiles and Eras

The five individuals who currently hold the unique distinction of being a living U.S. President span three decades of American leadership, representing a diverse range of political philosophies and historical moments. The list is presented here in order of service, from the earliest to the most recent.

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

• Years Served: 1993–2001
• Born: August 19, 1946
• Current Age (Approximate): 79
• Key Entities/LSI: Arkansas, North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), impeachment, budget surplus, Clinton Foundation, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Presidential Library.

Bill Clinton, the former Governor of Arkansas, was the first president of the Baby Boomer generation. His presidency was marked by a period of economic prosperity and a balanced federal budget. Since leaving office in 2001, his post-presidency has been defined by humanitarian work, primarily through the establishment of the Clinton Foundation. This massive philanthropic organization focuses on global issues, including climate change, economic opportunity, and public health. A major component is the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), which has played a critical role in expanding access to HIV/AIDS treatment in developing nations. He remains an active voice in Democratic politics and global diplomacy.

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

• Years Served: 2001–2009
• Born: July 6, 1946
• Current Age (Approximate): 79
• Key Entities/LSI: Texas, September 11 attacks, War on Terror, No Child Left Behind Act, President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), George W. Bush Presidential Center, painting, wounded warriors.

George W. Bush's two terms were largely defined by the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, leading to the launch of the War on Terror and subsequent military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq. His domestic policy included the No Child Left Behind Act. In his post-presidency, Bush has cultivated a reputation as an artist, focusing on painting portraits of world leaders and, notably, wounded service members. His primary institutional focus is the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas, which houses the George W. Bush Institute. The Institute’s work centers on policy areas like economic growth, education, and support for veterans and military families, including the Wounded Warrior Project.

3. Barack Hussein Obama (44th President)

• Years Served: 2009–2017
• Born: August 4, 1961
• Current Age (Approximate): 64
• Key Entities/LSI: Illinois, first African-American president, Affordable Care Act (ACA), Iran Nuclear Deal, The Obama Foundation, My Brother's Keeper Alliance, Presidential Center, Netflix deal.

Barack Obama made history as the first African-American to hold the office of the U.S. President. His signature domestic achievement was the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Since leaving the White House, Obama has remained a prominent figure, focusing his efforts through The Obama Foundation. The Foundation’s mission is to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world, with a particular emphasis on fostering the next generation of leaders. A key initiative is the My Brother's Keeper Alliance, a program he started during his presidency to address opportunity gaps for boys and young men of color. The development of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago is a major ongoing project. The former president and First Lady Michelle Obama have also engaged in media production, including a high-profile deal with Netflix.

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4. Joseph Robinette "Joe" Biden Jr. (46th President)

• Years Served: 2021–2025 (Outgoing)
• Born: November 20, 1942
• Current Age (Approximate): 83
• Key Entities/LSI: Delaware, oldest president inaugurated, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Inflation Reduction Act, Paris Agreement, Keystone XL pipeline, executive orders, 2024 election.

Joe Biden, a long-time Senator from Delaware and former Vice President, holds the distinction of being the oldest person ever inaugurated as President at 78 years old. His administration has focused on major legislative achievements, including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. Early actions of his presidency included rejoining the Paris Agreement and revoking the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline. As of December 2025, he is the outgoing President, preparing for the transition of power to his successor. His current activities are centered on completing his term and solidifying his legacy before stepping back into post-presidential life.

5. Donald John Trump (45th and 47th President)

• Years Served: 2017–2021 (45th) and 2025–Present (47th, Incoming)
• Born: June 14, 1946
• Current Age (Approximate): 79
• Key Entities/LSI: New York, Make America Great Again (MAGA), tax cuts, border security, trade policy, second term, 2024 presidential election, oldest person ever sworn in.

Donald Trump’s presidency was characterized by a focus on "America First" foreign policy, deregulation, and major tax cuts. His post-presidency was unprecedented, as he immediately launched a campaign to return to the Oval Office. Following his victory in the 2024 election, he is set to become the 47th President of the United States, a unique historical feat as only the second person to serve non-consecutive terms (after Grover Cleveland). His second inauguration on January 20, 2025, will make him the oldest person ever sworn into office, surpassing the record previously held by Joe Biden. His current activities are dominated by the transition process, preparing to implement his policy agenda for his second term.

The Post-Presidency Landscape: Foundations and Global Impact

The modern post-presidency has evolved significantly from the quiet retirement once sought by former commanders-in-chief. Today, it is a period of intense, high-profile activity dominated by large-scale philanthropic and policy work, often managed through presidential foundations. The establishment of a Presidential Library and Museum is a traditional cornerstone of the post-presidency, but the accompanying policy institutes have become the true engines of continued influence. The George W. Bush Institute, for example, is highly engaged in global health and empowering women leaders, while the Obama Foundation is a global organization focused on civic engagement and leadership development. This work, often non-partisan in its stated goals, allows former presidents to leverage their unique global network and moral authority to tackle complex global challenges, such as the fight against HIV/AIDS led by the Clinton Health Access Initiative.

The Intersection of Age and Presidential Longevity

The current group of living presidents is notable for its advanced age, a trend that highlights the increasing longevity of American leaders. The average age of the five living presidents is approximately 78, a figure significantly boosted by the two oldest men to ever hold the office, Joe Biden and Donald Trump. The discussion around the age of US presidents has become a prominent feature of political discourse, particularly concerning the physical and mental demands of the office. The fact that three of the five living presidents are in their late seventies, with one in their early eighties, underscores the historical shift in who occupies the highest office. This group serves as a living testament to the demanding nature of the presidency and the often-long public service careers that precede it. The death of former President Jimmy Carter at the age of 100 in late 2024, who was the longest-living president in U.S. history, further focused attention on this aspect of presidential history.

The Enduring Influence of Former Commanders-in-Chief

The collective presence of these five living presidents provides a unique and powerful resource for the nation. Historically, they have often gathered for moments of national unity, tragedy, or celebration, offering a bipartisan display of respect for the office. Their continued public engagement ensures that their respective legacies—from the Affordable Care Act to the response to the September 11 attacks—remain relevant and subject to ongoing historical evaluation. The transition from the 46th to the 47th President in early 2025 is a particularly rare moment, featuring the outgoing and incoming presidents both remaining among the living group. This situation highlights the intense and often fraught nature of contemporary presidential politics, where the lines between current and former officeholders are increasingly blurred. Regardless of political affiliation, the five living presidents represent a continuous thread of American leadership and an enduring commitment to public life long after their terms in the White House have concluded.