The New Record Holder: Who Is The Oldest Elected President Of The US And How Does He Compare To Reagan And Biden?

As of today, December 10, 2025, the title of the oldest person ever to be elected and inaugurated as President of the United States belongs to Donald J. Trump. This is a new, historic record that shifts the political landscape, as the former 45th President is set to become the 47th President, reclaiming the title he briefly held and then lost to his successor, Joe Biden. The age of a president at the time of taking the oath of office has become a central point of public and political discourse, highlighting a significant trend toward older leadership in American politics. The record was officially established with the results of the 2024 presidential election. When Donald Trump takes the oath of office on January 20, 2025, he will be 78 years and 220 days old, a few months older than his predecessor, Joe Biden, who previously set the record in 2021. This monumental shift in the age record underscores the unprecedented seniority of the current generation of American political leaders, moving the benchmark for presidential age well into the late seventies.

Donald J. Trump: Biography and Profile of the Record Holder

Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who has a long and storied career before and during his time in the White House. His life before politics was defined by his real estate empire and his role as a television personality, which built a massive public profile that he leveraged into political success.

• Full Name: Donald John Trump
• Date of Birth: June 14, 1946
• Place of Birth: Queens, New York City, New York
• Education: New York Military Academy; Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania
• Previous Presidency: 45th President of the United States (2017–2021)
• Upcoming Presidency: 47th President of the United States (2025– )
• Age at 2025 Inauguration: 78 years, 220 days
• Spouse: Melania Trump
• Children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, Eric, Tiffany, and Barron

Trump’s career is marked by his transformation from a real estate mogul and casino owner into a global brand, largely through his business ventures and the reality television show The Apprentice. His political journey began in earnest with his 2016 campaign, which resulted in a stunning upset victory. His return to the White House in 2025 will solidify his place in history not only as the second non-consecutive president but also as the oldest person to ever begin a term in the Oval Office.

The Top 5 Oldest Presidents at the Time of Their Inauguration

The record for the oldest inaugurated president has been broken three times in the last four decades, signaling a clear upward trend in the age of US political leadership. Prior to the recent elections, the record had stood for decades, set by Ronald Reagan. The rivalry between Donald Trump and Joe Biden has pushed the age ceiling higher than ever before. Understanding this list provides crucial context to the current state of American politics and the entity "age of US presidents at inauguration."

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Here is the definitive list of the oldest presidents at the time of their first or subsequent inauguration:

1. Donald J. Trump: 78 years, 220 days (January 20, 2025)
2. Joe Biden: 78 years, 61 days (January 20, 2021)
3. Ronald Reagan: 69 years, 349 days (January 20, 1981)
4. William Henry Harrison: 68 years, 23 days (March 4, 1841)
5. James Buchanan: 65 years, 315 days (March 4, 1857)

The difference between the current record holder, Donald Trump, and the previous one, Joe Biden, is approximately five months. Both men were 78 years old when they took the oath, but Trump's June birthday and Biden's November birthday made the difference for the 2025 inauguration. This close margin highlights just how competitive and historically significant their recent elections have been in terms of presidential seniority.

The Context of Age: Comparing Trump, Biden, and Reagan

The three most senior presidents in US history—Trump, Biden, and Reagan—each represent a different era of the "oldest president" record. Examining their ages and tenures provides a deeper understanding of the topical authority surrounding presidential longevity and fitness for office.

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Ronald Reagan: The Long-Standing Record Holder

For nearly four decades, Ronald Reagan held the title, a record set when he was inaugurated in 1981 at the age of 69. Reagan's presidency, which lasted until he was 77, was often scrutinized for his age, especially after he was shot early in his first term and due to his eventual diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease after leaving office. His tenure established a new high-water mark for presidential age, which was not surpassed until the 21st century. Reagan's successful two terms proved that age was not an insurmountable barrier to effective leadership, setting the stage for even older candidates.

Joe Biden: The Brief Record Breaker

Joe Biden shattered Reagan's record in 2021 when he was inaugurated at 78 years and 61 days. Biden’s age was a constant subject of media focus and public debate throughout his single term. His record-breaking status brought the issue of cognitive and physical fitness to the forefront of the national conversation, especially as he was the oldest president to have his first child while in office (though his children were adults). His time in office, while brief, demonstrated the increasing willingness of the electorate to choose candidates well into their late seventies.

Donald Trump: The Reclaimed and Extended Record

Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration at 78 years and 220 days not only reclaims the title but also extends it further, solidifying the trend of septuagenarian presidents. This is a significant entity, as it marks the first time in history that the record has been broken by two consecutive presidents, both of whom are in their late seventies. Trump's return to the White House at this age will mean he will be over 82 years old if he completes his full term in January 2029, setting a new record for the oldest president to leave office. The focus on his health and stamina will undoubtedly be a major theme of his second term.

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The Youngest and the Longest Lived: Providing Full Context

To fully appreciate the significance of the oldest elected president, it's essential to look at the other end of the spectrum and the overall longevity of US presidents. This provides a comprehensive topical authority on the entity "age of US Presidents."

The Youngest President

While Donald Trump holds the record for the oldest elected president, the title of the youngest president is often a source of confusion. The youngest person to assume the presidency was Theodore Roosevelt, who was 42 years old when he took office in 1901 following the assassination of William McKinley. However, the youngest person ever elected to the office was John F. Kennedy, who was 43 years old at his inauguration in 1961. This distinction between assuming office and being elected is an important detail in presidential history.

The Oldest Living and Longest Lived President

The record for the longest-lived president belongs to Jimmy Carter. Born in 1924, Carter became the first US president to reach the age of 100, a monumental achievement that has garnered significant public attention. His longevity after leaving the presidency is another key entity in this discussion, as he holds the record for the longest retirement from the presidency. This demonstrates that while the age at inauguration is increasing, the overall lifespan of former presidents is also extending, adding a fascinating dimension to the study of presidential health and history.

The Impact of Seniority on the Modern Presidency

The rising age of the US president is more than just a historical footnote; it has profound implications for the nature of the office. The entity "seniority in US politics" is now inextricably linked to the highest office.

• Health and Stamina: The primary concern is the physical and cognitive health of a leader in their late 70s and 80s, who must manage a demanding schedule and make decisions under immense global pressure.
• Experience vs. New Ideas: Older leaders often bring decades of political and executive experience, which can be seen as a stabilizing factor. Conversely, critics argue that advanced age can lead to a resistance to new technologies, cultural shifts, and progressive policy ideas.
• Succession Planning: With the president being more senior than ever, the role of the Vice President and the line of succession becomes an even more critical entity in the national security and political framework.

Donald Trump's 2025 inauguration as the oldest elected president marks a definitive point in American history. It confirms a trend that has been building for decades, placing the question of age, experience, and fitness for office at the very center of the nation's political identity. As the 47th President takes the oath, the world will be watching not only his policies but also the stamina and longevity of the oldest individual to ever hold the most powerful office on Earth.