The Definitive Count: How Many Former US Presidents Are Still Alive In 2025?
The answer to "How many former US presidents are still alive?" is a dynamic number that has recently shifted, making the current count a powerful reflection of history and political transition. As of today, December 18, 2025, a total of five Americans who have held the highest office are still living, but only FOUR of them hold the title of former US President. This updated count reflects the inauguration of the 47th President earlier this year and, tragically, the passing of the longest-living president in US history in late 2024. The four living former commanders-in-chief now represent a unique and influential cohort, each actively shaping their legacies through global initiatives, public service, and political engagement.
The transition of power in January 2025 moved one of the most recent presidents into the 'former' category, while the passing of Jimmy Carter solidified the new total. Understanding this number requires acknowledging both those who have left the office and the one who currently occupies it. This article breaks down the definitive list, their current age, and the significant post-presidency work that continues to influence domestic and international affairs, providing the most current and comprehensive overview available.
The Definitive List of Living US Presidents (Including the Current 47th)
As of December 18, 2025, there are five individuals alive who have served as President of the United States. Only four of them are considered "former" presidents, as one is the current occupant of the White House. The change in the total number of living presidents from six to five occurred with the death of Jimmy Carter in late 2024.
- Donald J. Trump (45th and 47th President)
- Status: Current President (47th)
- Born: June 14, 1946
- Age (Dec 2025): 79
- Term(s): 2017–2021 (45th) and 2025–Present (47th)
- Current Focus: Serving his second non-consecutive term, having been inaugurated on January 20, 2025.
- Joseph R. Biden Jr. (46th President)
- Status: Former President
- Born: November 20, 1942
- Age (Dec 2025): 83
- Term(s): 2021–2025 (46th)
- Current Focus: Post-presidency activities are underway, with plans to re-engage politically to confront his successor and a potential return to the University of Pennsylvania.
- William J. Clinton (42nd President)
- Status: Former President
- Born: August 19, 1946
- Age (Dec 2025): 79
- Term(s): 1993–2001
- Current Focus: Leading the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), which marked its 20th anniversary in 2025, focusing on global health, climate, and economic solutions.
- George W. Bush (43rd President)
- Status: Former President
- Born: July 6, 1946
- Age (Dec 2025): 79
- Term(s): 2001–2009
- Current Focus: Directing the George W. Bush Presidential Center's work on global health, veteran support, and democratic initiatives, including a December 2025 meeting on local news.
- Barack H. Obama (44th President)
- Status: Former President
- Born: August 4, 1961
- Age (Dec 2025): 64
- Term(s): 2009–2017
- Current Focus: Actively involved in the Obama Foundation and the ongoing construction of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, with significant building updates throughout 2025.
The Post-Presidency Landscape: Four Former Presidents and Their Missions
The post-presidency period is often viewed as a chance for former leaders to focus on humanitarian work, policy advocacy, and historical preservation—a shift from the daily political grind. The four living former presidents—Biden, Obama, Bush, and Clinton—have each carved out distinct, influential roles, utilizing their unique global platforms to address complex challenges.
The Biden Era of Re-Engagement
Joe Biden, having left office in January 2025, has transitioned into a new phase of public life. His post-presidency is expected to be highly unusual, given his stated intention to remain a significant and active voice in the political arena, directly confronting the policies of the new administration. Beyond politics, Mr. Biden has explored returning to academia, specifically the University of Pennsylvania, where he previously served as a professor. His final months in office were marked by a push to solidify key policy achievements before the change in administration.
Clinton’s Global Initiative and Humanitarian Focus
Bill Clinton, one of the three septuagenarian former presidents, remains relentlessly active on the world stage. The Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025, continuing its mission to convene global leaders to develop actionable solutions for pressing issues. Mr. Clinton’s work, alongside Hillary and Chelsea Clinton, focuses heavily on economic development, climate change, and public health, making the CGI a perennial feature in international affairs. This period also saw Mr. Clinton dealing with political scrutiny, including subpoenas from a House Subcommittee in the summer of 2025 related to his foundation's activities.
Bush’s Focus on Service and Leadership
George W. Bush's post-presidency has been characterized by a dedication to service, particularly through the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas. The Center’s initiatives are broad, ranging from supporting veterans and military families to advancing global health. In a December 2025 update, the Center highlighted its continued work in global health, including a major investment by Kenya to meet co-investment benchmarks. Additionally, the Center convened national and Texas leaders to discuss and advance sustainable local news initiatives, underscoring a commitment to democratic institutions.
Obama’s Legacy-Building and Youth Empowerment
Barack Obama, the youngest of the former presidents, has heavily invested in his legacy through the Obama Foundation. A major focus in 2025 has been the continued, high-profile construction of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, with mid-year recaps showing significant progress on the campus, including a multipurpose athletic and events facility. Mr. Obama also maintains a strong presence in public discourse, participating in high-level conversations and events, advocating for youth leadership, and promoting democratic values globally.
A Look at Presidential Longevity and Historical Context
The current group of living former presidents is notable for its relative youth and the close proximity of their terms. With three of the four *former* presidents (Clinton, Bush, and Biden) in their late 70s and early 80s, and the current president (Trump) also 79, the United States is currently in a period of remarkable presidential longevity.
This reality was underscored by the death of the 39th President, Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. President Carter had been in hospice care for nearly two years, and his passing marked the end of an era, solidifying his status as the longest-living president in US history. His death is the reason the number of living former presidents dropped from five (or six, including the sitting president) to the current total of four former presidents.
The collective influence of this group of former leaders is immense. Their foundations, centers, and public activities represent billions of dollars in charitable work and policy advocacy, extending their impact far beyond their time in the Oval Office. From addressing the global health crisis through the Bush Center to fostering democratic engagement via the Obama Foundation and tackling humanitarian issues through the Clinton Global Initiative, the four living former presidents continue to be powerful forces in the 21st century's political and social landscape, defining the very nature of the post-presidency role in modern America.
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