The Five Living U.S. Presidents: Where Are They Now And What Is Their 2025 Legacy?
As of December 18, 2025, only five remarkable individuals who have held the highest office in the United States—the Presidency—are currently alive. This exclusive group of living presidents and former presidents represents a unique cross-section of American political history, spanning nearly three decades of leadership and policy. Following recent shifts in the political landscape and the passing of other historical figures, the current roster of living commanders-in-chief is a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of the American presidency.
The list includes figures from both major political parties, each continuing to shape public discourse and global initiatives through their foundations, public service, and personal pursuits. From global philanthropy to the arts and a historic return to the White House, their post-presidency lives are as impactful and varied as their time in office. This is a comprehensive look at the five living US Presidents, complete with their full biographies and their most current, up-to-date activities as of late 2025.
Complete Biography and Profile of the Five Living U.S. Presidents
The following list details the five individuals who have served as President of the United States and are currently alive, presented in order of their presidential term:
- William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton (42nd President)
- Born: August 19, 1946, in Hope, Arkansas
- Full Name: William Jefferson Blythe III (changed name later)
- Term: 1993–2001
- Age: 79 (as of December 2025)
- George Walker Bush (43rd President)
- Born: July 6, 1946, in New Haven, Connecticut
- Full Name: George Walker Bush
- Term: 2001–2009
- Age: 79 (as of December 2025)
- Barack Hussein Obama II (44th President)
- Born: August 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii
- Full Name: Barack Hussein Obama II
- Term: 2009–2017
- Age: 64 (as of December 2025)
- Joseph Robinette "Joe" Biden Jr. (46th President)
- Born: November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania
- Full Name: Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.
- Term: 2021–2025 (Term ends January 20, 2025)
- Age: 83 (as of December 2025)
- Donald John Trump (45th and 47th President-Elect)
- Born: June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York
- Full Name: Donald John Trump
- Term: 2017–2021; 2025– (Second term begins January 20, 2025)
- Age: 79 (as of December 2025)
The Enduring Post-Presidency Life: Global Philanthropy and Artistic Pursuits
The lives of former presidents often transition from the intense political spotlight to a focus on their personal legacies, public service, and foundations. This period, often called the "post-presidency," is marked by significant charitable work and the establishment of presidential centers that serve as hubs for civic engagement and historical preservation. The three longest-serving former presidents on this list have carved out distinct and influential paths since leaving the Oval Office.
Bill Clinton: The Global Initiative and Health Work
Bill Clinton, the 42nd president, has dedicated his post-presidency to the Clinton Foundation, which operates globally to address critical challenges such as climate change, health equity, and economic opportunity. The Foundation's work remains highly current, with its 2024 Impact Report highlighting major milestones in its programs across the United States and around the world.
A central pillar of his work is the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI). The 2024 CGI meeting, themed "What’s Working?", saw significant commitments from world leaders and philanthropists. Notably, the meeting featured major announcements, including a half-billion dollars in new annual spending for women’s health research, demonstrating the initiative’s continued relevance and power to convene global action. The focus on global health and development keeps the Clinton legacy active and influential on the world stage.
George W. Bush: From Commander-in-Chief to Artist
George W. Bush, the 43rd president, has famously embraced painting as a primary focus of his life after leaving office. His artistic endeavor has become a significant part of his public identity, blending his passion for art with his commitment to military veterans and immigrants. His artwork is not merely a hobby; it is a form of public service and storytelling.
His acclaimed series, "Portraits of Courage," features oil paintings and stories honoring the sacrifice of America's military veterans. In a testament to its enduring popularity and message, the exhibit was extended through 2026 at locations like EPCOT, keeping his work in the public eye. Furthermore, Bush continues to draw inspiration close to his Dallas home for his latest paintings, including his book and exhibition "Out of Many, One," which spotlights the inspiring journeys of American immigrants. The George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas, remains a focal point for his policy and leadership work, particularly on issues of national security and democracy.
Barack Obama: Media Production and Legacy Building
Barack Obama, the 44th president, and his wife, Michelle Obama, have pioneered a new model for the post-presidency through media and cultural influence. Their production company, Higher Ground Productions, founded in 2018, continues to release powerful, informative, and inspiring content across various platforms, including feature films and documentaries. This enterprise allows the Obamas to shape narratives and engage a diverse, global audience outside of traditional political channels.
Meanwhile, the construction of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois, is a major ongoing project. The Center, which broke ground in 2021, is currently slated for a significant opening in late 2025. This complex will serve as a museum, foundation headquarters, and a public gathering space, solidifying the Obama legacy and promoting civic engagement for future generations. His continued work through the Obama Foundation also focuses on youth leadership and global citizenship.
The Current State of the Office: The Oldest and the Returning President
The remaining two individuals on the list represent the most recent transitions of power, with one completing his term and the other making a historic return to the White House. Their current status defines the immediate political landscape of the United States in late 2025.
Joe Biden: The Transition to Former President Status
Joe Biden, the 46th president, concluded his term on January 20, 2025. At 83 years old, Biden remains one of the oldest individuals to have held the office. His decades-long career in public service, including 36 years as a U.S. Senator from Delaware and eight years as Vice President, is a testament to his enduring commitment to political life. As he transitions into the role of a living former president, his focus will likely shift to his own presidential library, memoirs, and continued involvement in public policy discussions, drawing on his extensive experience in both domestic and foreign affairs.
Donald Trump: The Historic 47th Presidency
Donald Trump, the 45th president, is set to make history by returning to the office as the 47th President of the United States. His second inauguration took place on January 20, 2025, a rare event that makes him only the second president in American history to serve non-consecutive terms. Born in Queens, New York, Trump's career as a real estate mogul and television personality preceded his political life, making his journey to the White House one of the most unconventional in history. His return to the presidency ensures that his political influence and the Trump legacy remain at the forefront of global attention well into the late 2020s and beyond.
The Significance of the Living Presidential Roster
The existence of five living presidents provides a unique and invaluable resource for the nation. This group of individuals—Clinton, Bush, Obama, Biden, and Trump—collectively holds a massive amount of institutional knowledge, diplomatic experience, and historical perspective. Their interactions, whether public or private, often transcend partisan politics, representing the continuity of the American government and the shared challenges of leading a superpower.
From the collaborative efforts seen during national crises to the quiet advisory roles they play for current leaders, the living presidential roster is a powerful symbol of American democracy. Their foundations and centers—the Clinton Presidential Center, the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the Obama Presidential Center, and the forthcoming Joe Biden Presidential Library—ensure that their policies, personal stories, and historical records are preserved, studied, and debated by scholars and citizens for generations to come. The collective experience of these five men shapes the national conversation on everything from economic policy and healthcare to foreign relations and the future of democracy.
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