The Post-White House Powerhouse: 4 Former U.S. Presidents Still Alive And Their Current Projects

The unique fraternity of former U.S. Presidents is one of the world's most exclusive and influential clubs, consisting of individuals who have held the highest office and continue to shape global discourse long after leaving the White House. This list is a dynamic one, having recently changed in late 2024 with the passing of the nation's longest-living president, Jimmy Carter, at the remarkable age of 100. As of December 2025, four non-incumbent former presidents remain, each forging a distinctive path in their post-presidency lives, focusing on everything from global health initiatives and artistic pursuits to the establishment of their permanent presidential libraries.

For many, the end of a presidency marks a transition, not a retirement. The current cohort of former leaders—spanning decades of American politics—is arguably the most active and engaged in modern history. From the groundbreaking work of the Clinton Global Initiative to the artistic endeavors of George W. Bush and the monumental construction of the Obama Presidential Center, these individuals continue to leverage their platforms to tackle complex global and domestic challenges, ensuring their influence on American life and foreign policy remains profound.

The Exclusive Club: A Complete List of Living Former U.S. Presidents (As of December 2025)

The following individuals are the four non-incumbent former Presidents of the United States who are still alive and active in public life as of late 2025. Their current ages reflect their birth dates and the current year.

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

• Full Name: William Jefferson Clinton
• Born: August 19, 1946 (Age 79)
• Years Served: 1993–2001
• Political Party: Democratic
• Home State: Arkansas / New York
• Current Residence: Chappaqua, New York

Bill Clinton, the 42nd President, remains a highly visible figure on the global stage, primarily through the work of the Clinton Foundation. His post-presidency is defined by philanthropic efforts, most notably the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI). The CGI brings together world leaders, NGOs, and business executives to develop and implement solutions to global challenges, with the 2025 Annual Meeting being a major focal point of his year. His work continues to focus on public health, economic empowerment, and climate change, often alongside his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, and their daughter, Chelsea Clinton. His presidential library, the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park, is located in Little Rock, Arkansas.

2. George W. Bush (43rd President)

• Full Name: George Walker Bush
• Born: July 6, 1946 (Age 79)
• Years Served: 2001–2009
• Political Party: Republican
• Home State: Texas
• Current Residence: Dallas, Texas / Crawford, Texas

The 43rd President, George W. Bush, has embraced a surprisingly personal and artistic post-presidency. While he maintains a presence in national and international matters through the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas, his most celebrated recent work involves his passion for painting. As of May 2025, his latest paintings continue to draw inspiration from his life and surroundings, following the success of his previous collections. His prominent art books, including Portraits of Courage and Out of Many, One: Portraits of America's Immigrants, have garnered critical attention and support for the Military Service Initiative at his center. Bush is noted for keeping a full and active schedule, defying the notion of a quiet retirement.

3. Barack H. Obama (44th President)

• Full Name: Barack Hussein Obama II
• Born: August 4, 1961 (Age 64)
• Years Served: 2009–2017
• Political Party: Democratic
• Home State: Illinois / Hawaii
• Current Residence: Washington, D.C.

Barack Obama, the 44th President, has focused his post-presidency on mentoring the next generation of leaders and massive media production. His primary focus in late 2025 is the construction of the ambitious Obama Presidential Center on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. With a projected opening in spring 2026, the 19.3-acre campus is designed not just as a traditional library but as a vibrant, active hub for community and civic engagement. In addition to his work with the Obama Foundation, he and former First Lady Michelle Obama have produced extensive content—including films, documentaries, and podcasts—through their production company, Higher Ground, maintaining a significant influence in popular culture and political commentary.

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

• Full Name: Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.
• Born: November 20, 1942 (Age 83)
• Years Served: 2021–2025
• Political Party: Democratic
• Home State: Delaware / Pennsylvania
Current Residence: Wilmington, Delaware

The most recent addition to the fraternity of former presidents, Joe Biden, concluded his term as the 46th President in January 2025. His transition to post-presidency life is focused on leveraging his decades of experience in public service. A key priority is the planning and fundraising for his presidential library, which is expected to be established in his home state of Delaware. Biden has also indicated a desire to return to his role at the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement at the University of Pennsylvania. His initial post-presidency activities in 2025 have involved sharing insights on leadership at major conferences and continuing to engage with world leaders behind the scenes, upholding his commitment to democratic principles and global stability.

Post-Presidency: The New Life of Public Service and Personal Pursuits

The post-presidency era is a unique American tradition, offering former commanders-in-chief a platform to redefine their legacy outside the pressures of the Oval Office. The current group of living former presidents has established a clear pattern: a shift from direct political power to influential, non-governmental public service, coupled with deeply personal endeavors.

The Rise of the Presidential Library as a Living Center. For modern presidents, the Presidential Library and Museum is no longer just an archive; it is a center for ongoing civic engagement. The George W. Bush Presidential Center, for instance, actively hosts forums on democracy, economic growth, and global health, while the Obama Presidential Center is being designed as a hands-on community hub. Similarly, the future Joe Biden Presidential Library is expected to be a major institution dedicated to his long career in the Senate, as Vice President, and as President. These institutions serve as a vital link between the past administration's policies and the current political landscape.

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Global Philanthropy and Diplomacy. Bill Clinton’s model of post-presidency engagement, centered on the Clinton Global Initiative, has become a template for leveraging presidential influence for philanthropic outcomes. His focus on "Commitments to Action" addresses pressing issues like the global AIDS crisis, disaster relief, and sustainable development. This high-level, international diplomacy allows former leaders to work on complex problems without the constraints of official government policy. This continued diplomatic engagement is also a feature of Joe Biden's initial post-presidency, where he continues to consult with foreign counterparts.

Art, Literature, and Media Production. The personal pursuits of these former leaders often capture significant public attention. George W. Bush’s dedication to oil painting—particularly portraits of veterans and immigrants—has provided a new, more intimate layer to his public persona. Meanwhile, the Obamas have fully embraced the digital media landscape, using their production company to tell stories that reflect their values and political insights, securing their relevance with younger generations and in the entertainment industry. The publication of memoirs and non-fiction books remains a powerful tool for shaping the narrative of their presidencies and influencing future policy debates.

The Legacy of Longevity: How the List Recently Changed

The list of living former presidents is a fluid one, and its composition saw a significant, recent change in late 2024. The passing of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President, on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100, marked the end of an era. His remarkable longevity made him the longest-living U.S. President in history, surpassing George H.W. Bush. Carter’s post-presidency, which spanned over four decades, was characterized by his tireless work for human rights, democracy, and global health through the Carter Center, establishing a gold standard for a life of service after the White House.

The current group of four former presidents—Clinton, Bush, Obama, and Biden—represents a diverse political spectrum and a concentration of presidential experience. Their continued presence in the public eye serves as a constant reminder of the weight of the office and the enduring power of the American presidency. As they navigate their post-White House careers, their actions, statements, and philanthropic endeavors continue to shape both domestic policy debates and international relations, securing their place as active, influential figures in the 21st century.