presidents that are still alive

The Elite Six: A Deep Dive Into The Lives And Current Projects Of The Living U.S. Presidents In 2025

presidents that are still alive

The exclusive club of individuals who have held the highest office in the United States is small, and the list of those still living is even more select. As of December 2025, there are six living U.S. Presidents—one current and five former—whose combined White House careers span over four decades, representing a profound and unbroken chain of American political history. This group continues to shape global discourse and domestic policy through their foundations, public service, and political engagement.

The post-presidency life is often as busy as the time spent in the Oval Office, with former leaders dedicating their energy to philanthropy, policy institutes, and the construction of their respective presidential libraries. This article provides an in-depth, up-to-the-minute look at the current endeavors, major projects, and enduring legacies of the six most powerful living Americans today.

The Six Living Presidents: A Biographical Snapshot (December 2025)

The following list details the six individuals who currently hold the distinction of being a living U.S. President or former U.S. President, ordered by the end date of their first term in office, followed by the current president.

  • William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton (42nd President)
    • Born: August 19, 1946 (Age 79)
    • Term: 1993–2001
    • Post-Presidency Timespan: 24 years
    • Primary Focus: Global health, climate change, economic opportunity, and disaster relief through the Clinton Foundation.
  • George Walker Bush (43rd President)
    • Born: July 6, 1946 (Age 79)
    • Term: 2001–2009
    • Post-Presidency Timespan: 16 years
    • Primary Focus: Veterans support, global health (PEPFAR), education, and painting/artistic endeavors through the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
  • Barack Hussein Obama (44th President)
    • Born: August 4, 1961 (Age 64)
    • Term: 2009–2017
    • Post-Presidency Timespan: 8 years
    • Primary Focus: Youth leadership, civic engagement, and the construction/programming of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
  • Joseph Robinette "Joe" Biden Jr. (46th President)
    • Born: November 20, 1942 (Age 83)
    • Term: 2021–2025 (Assumed to be the former president in this 2025 context)
    • Post-Presidency Timespan: Less than 1 year
    • Primary Focus: Policy work, international relations, and planning for his Presidential Library.
  • Donald John Trump (45th and 47th President)
    • Born: June 14, 1946 (Age 79)
    • Term: 2017–2021 and 2025–Present (Current President)
    • Primary Focus: Executive agenda, domestic policy, and political leadership.

Note: The number of living presidents is contingent on the political landscape. Assuming the hypothetical context of Donald Trump being the current (47th) President in December 2025, and the passing of Jimmy Carter in 2024 (as suggested by recent search data), the total number of living U.S. Presidents is six.

The Active Legacies: Current Projects and 2025 Initiatives

While their time in the White House is over, the work of the former presidents continues, often focusing on humanitarian and policy-driven initiatives. The "post-presidency timespans" are proving to be periods of intense, focused service for this elite group.

Bill Clinton: Marking Two Decades of Global Action

Former President Bill Clinton remains highly active on the world stage, primarily through the Clinton Foundation and its flagship program, the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI). The year 2025 is particularly significant as it marks the 20th anniversary of the CGI.

The Clinton Global Initiative 2025 Annual Meeting was a major focal point of his year. This event brought together global leaders to make "Commitments to Action" in critical areas like climate change, health equity, and sustainable economic development. This global initiative work, often in collaboration with Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton and Dr. Chelsea Clinton, demonstrates a continued dedication to tackling complex international challenges.

George W. Bush: Service, Art, and the Power of Sports

George W. Bush’s post-presidency has been defined by his commitment to service, especially for veterans, and his surprising turn to portrait painting. The George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas, continues to be a hub for policy and community engagement.

In late 2025, the Center launched a major new exhibit titled Game Changer: United by Sports, which explores the role of athletics in uniting diverse communities. Furthermore, the Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries announced its 2025-2026 grant application cycle, continuing its mission to support school libraries nationwide. President Bush also made a special appearance at the 2025 Folds of Honor Gala, underscoring his deep commitment to supporting the families of fallen and disabled service members.

Barack Obama: Building the Future and Training New Leaders

Barack Obama's focus remains squarely on the next generation of leadership and the completion of his monumental legacy project. The Obama Presidential Center (OPC) in Chicago is nearing its opening, with construction crews busy across the 19.3-acre campus.

In December 2025, the Obama Foundation announced a major new art commission by renowned artist Theaster Gates for the Hadiya Pendleton Atrium within the OPC. Simultaneously, the Foundation launched the 'Community Tourism Prep Sessions' initiative, designed to prepare local residents to benefit from the economic opportunities the Center will bring. The application window for the highly competitive Global Leaders Program also closed in December, selecting a new class of changemakers from around the world.

The Newest Former and Current Presidents

The transition of power in early 2025 has shifted the focus for both Joe Biden and Donald Trump, with one beginning his post-presidency and the other launching a new executive agenda.

Joe Biden: Policy, Institutes, and the Presidential Library

Following his term, former President Joe Biden has quickly established his post-presidency priorities. A key focus is the development and fundraising for his Presidential Library, which is expected to be located in his home state of Delaware.

Biden has also indicated a commitment to continuing his policy work through academic centers. He plans to remain involved with the Biden Institute at the University of Delaware, focusing on domestic policy matters, and the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement, where he can continue to engage with world leaders and foreign policy matters behind the scenes. His early post-White House activities suggest a continued commitment to public service and policy advocacy, leveraging his decades of experience in the Senate and the White House.

Donald Trump: Launching the 2025 Executive Agenda

As the sitting 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump's current activities are centered on his executive agenda for 2025. By mid-December 2025, the President had signed over 220 Executive Orders and numerous memoranda and proclamations in his second term.

Key policy actions include executive orders aimed at promoting the innovation and use of trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reshaping the federal workforce. His administration's focus, as outlined in the Presidential Management Agenda, is to streamline government efficiency and align the federal workforce with his policies. The volume of executive action highlights a fast-paced and decisive approach to governing in the current political climate.

The Significance of the Living Presidents

The collective wisdom and experience of the six living presidents represent an unparalleled resource in American life. Their longevity and continued engagement in public life provide a vital continuity between different eras of American governance. They often unite for non-partisan efforts, such as disaster relief funds or national memorial events, showcasing a shared commitment to the nation that transcends political rivalries.

The age of U.S. Presidents is a topic of constant discussion, and this group, with several members in their late 70s and 80s, underscores the demanding nature of the office and the commitment required for a long post-presidency career. From the philanthropic endeavors of the Clinton Global Initiative to the educational mission of the George W. Bush Presidential Center and the future-focused work of the Obama Foundation, these leaders continue to define their legacies and influence the world long after leaving the Oval Office. Their ongoing projects ensure that their impact—and their names—will remain central to the American narrative for decades to come.

presidents that are still alive
presidents that are still alive

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presidents that are still alive
presidents that are still alive

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