The Exclusive Club: How Many U.S. Presidents Are Alive Right Now (Updated December 2025)
The question of "how many presidents are alive" is more than a simple headcount; it’s a snapshot of American history in the present day, representing a unique and exclusive fraternity of individuals who have held the nation's highest office. As of late December 2025, the number of people who have served as the President of the United States and are currently alive is five, a number that became fixed following the passing of the longest-living president in U.S. history, Jimmy Carter, in 2024.
This small group of five—comprising the incumbent and four former leaders—spans a generational and political spectrum, collectively holding decades of experience in the White House. From the youngest, a former two-term leader, to the oldest, a former Vice President and one-term President, their current activities shape American policy, philanthropy, and public discourse, making this a relevant and constantly evolving topic.
The Five Living U.S. Presidents: A Complete Biography List
The current cohort of living U.S. Presidents is a remarkable assembly of political figures whose careers collectively span from the 1990s through the present day. This list is ordered by their term in office, from earliest to most recent. All ages are approximate as of December 2025.
- William "Bill" Jefferson Clinton (42nd President)
- Born: August 19, 1946
- Approximate Age: 79
- Term in Office: 1993–2001
- Political Party: Democratic
- George Walker Bush (43rd President)
- Born: July 6, 1946
- Approximate Age: 79
- Term in Office: 2001–2009
- Political Party: Republican
- Barack Hussein Obama (44th President)
- Born: August 4, 1961
- Approximate Age: 64
- Term in Office: 2009–2017
- Political Party: Democratic
- Joseph "Joe" Robinette Biden Jr. (46th President)
- Born: November 20, 1942
- Approximate Age: 83
- Term in Office: 2021–2025
- Political Party: Democratic
- Donald John Trump (45th and 47th President)
- Born: June 14, 1946
- Approximate Age: 79
- Term in Office: 2017–2021 and 2025–Present (Incumbent)
- Political Party: Republican
The Oldest and Youngest: A Generational Divide
The age range within this group of five living presidents is significant, spanning nearly two decades. This generational gap influences everything from their political perspectives to their post-White House focus.
The Oldest Living President: Joe Biden. As of late 2025, former President Joe Biden, born in November 1942, holds the distinction of being the oldest living U.S. president, at approximately 83 years old. He also holds the record for the oldest person ever inaugurated for a first term, a record he held until his successor, Donald Trump, surpassed it in January 2025.
The Youngest Living President: Barack Obama. Born in August 1961, Barack Obama is the youngest member of this exclusive club, at approximately 64 years old. His post-presidency has focused heavily on cultivating the next generation of global leaders through the Obama Foundation, a mission often associated with the energy and vision of a younger former president.
The Post-Presidency Focus: From Philanthropy to Policy
Once a president leaves office, their focus often shifts dramatically from the daily grind of governing to establishing a legacy through public service, policy centers, and memoirs. The current group of former presidents are all highly active, each pursuing distinct paths that reflect their core values and political histories.
Bill Clinton: Global Initiative and Advocacy. Bill Clinton’s post-presidency has been defined by the work of the Clinton Foundation and, specifically, the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI). The CGI brings together global leaders to create and implement innovative solutions to the world's most pressing challenges, ranging from climate change to public health. The 2025 Annual Meeting of the CGI continues to be a major international event, cementing his role as a global advocate and humanitarian.
George W. Bush: Leadership and Veteran Support. George W. Bush has cultivated a post-presidency centered on his Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas. His work is heavily focused on promoting leadership and tackling global issues like the fight against AIDS in Africa, a continuation of his P.E.P.F.A.R. initiative. A deeply personal focus for Bush is his extensive charity work for wounded veterans, including annual mountain bike rides to raise funds and awareness for those who served.
Barack Obama: Next-Generation Leadership. Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have leveraged their platform to focus on mentorship and civic engagement through the Obama Foundation. The Foundation's initiatives for 2024–2025 are centered on empowering young leaders and fostering active citizenship around the world. The development of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago remains a cornerstone of their legacy, designed to be a hub for community and global impact.
The Incumbent and Immediate Predecessor: A Current Political Dynamic
The current dynamic is particularly unique because it involves the immediate predecessor and successor—Joe Biden and Donald Trump. As of December 2025, the political landscape is dominated by the activities of the incumbent and the policy legacy of the former president.
Donald Trump: The 47th Administration and Project 2025. Following his inauguration in January 2025, President Donald Trump’s second term has been characterized by swift executive actions aimed at implementing his "Agenda 47." Key policies and executive orders in 2025 have been closely tracked by various organizations, often aligning with the goals outlined in the conservative think tank initiative known as Project 2025. His activities are, by nature, the most current and impactful on the nation's immediate future.
Joe Biden: Library Planning and Policy Work. After leaving the White House, former President Joe Biden has transitioned into the role of a former leader, though his influence remains strong within the Democratic Party. His immediate post-presidency plans involve major fundraising and planning for his Presidential Library. Furthermore, he has indicated a clear intention to remain engaged in policy work, utilizing centers like the University of Delaware's Biden Institute and the Penn Biden Center to continue focusing on both domestic and foreign policy matters.
The Exclusive Fraternity: Collective Facts and Historical Context
The number of living presidents is a metric that constantly changes with the passage of time and the cycles of presidential terms. The current group of five is a relatively small number compared to the record high. The largest number of living presidents at one time was six, which occurred for a period between 2017 and 2024, when the six were Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump.
The death of Jimmy Carter in 2024, who had been the longest-living president in U.S. history, marked a significant moment, reducing the group to its current size of five. The collective gathering of all living presidents is an extremely rare and historically significant event, most recently seen when all five current living presidents attended the funeral of Jimmy Carter, a powerful, albeit somber, display of the continuity of the American presidency.
The combined age of the five living presidents—all of whom were born between 1942 and 1961—underscores the unique history they share. This exclusive fraternity of leaders, despite their often-stark political differences, shares the unparalleled experience of having led the world’s most powerful nation, offering advice and perspective that no other private citizen can provide. Their ongoing work in philanthropy, policy, and public life ensures that the impact of their presidencies continues to resonate far beyond their time in the Oval Office.
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