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The Post-Presidency Power List: The 4 Former U.S. Presidents Still Alive And What They’re Doing In 2025

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The question of "Which former U.S. Presidents are still alive?" has a new, and surprisingly short, answer as of December 2025. The passing of beloved former President Jimmy Carter in late 2024 marked a significant moment in presidential history, leaving a total of four former chief executives—from both Democratic and Republican parties—who continue to shape the national and global conversation from their post-White House lives. This exclusive group of elder statesmen and women (including the current First Lady and former Secretary of State) represents a collective 32 years of experience in the Oval Office, now dedicated to philanthropy, global initiatives, and political advocacy. This unique cohort of American leaders, now operating as private citizens with unparalleled influence, includes two septuagenarians and two octogenarians. With Donald J. Trump having returned to the White House as the 47th President of the United States in January 2025, the four living former presidents—Joe Biden, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama—are redefining the role of the ex-Commander-in-Chief through their respective foundations, public appearances, and continued involvement in high-stakes political and social issues.

The Exclusive List of Living Former U.S. Presidents (as of December 2025)

The current group of former presidents is notable for its relatively young age compared to historical standards, though it includes the oldest *former* president in U.S. history. Here is a complete profile of the four individuals who have held the highest office and remain active today.

1. Joe Biden (46th President)

Biography & Profile:

  • Full Name: Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.
  • Born: November 20, 1942 (currently 83 years old)
  • Political Party: Democratic
  • Presidential Term: 2021–2025 (46th President)
  • Key Post-Presidency Focus: Public service advocacy, family foundation, and political commentary.

As of late 2025, Joe Biden is the newest member of the living former presidents club, having concluded his single term as the 46th President of the United States in January. At 83, he is the oldest living former president, a title previously held by the late Jimmy Carter. His post-presidency has been marked by a return to his family home in Delaware, stepping back from the immediate political fray but remaining a significant figure in the Democratic party. His transition out of office has been closely watched, particularly regarding his continued role as a statesman and the future of the Democratic platform. Like all former presidents, he retains lifetime Secret Service protection.

2. George W. Bush (43rd President)

Biography & Profile:

  • Full Name: George Walker Bush
  • Born: July 6, 1946 (currently 79 years old)
  • Political Party: Republican
  • Presidential Term: 2001–2009 (43rd President)
  • Key Post-Presidency Focus: Global health, military service member support, and painting.

The 43rd president, George W. Bush, has maintained a highly active and non-partisan post-presidency, focusing heavily on the work of the George W. Bush Institute in Dallas, Texas. The Institute's mission is centered on four key areas: domestic policy, economic growth, education reform, and global health. In December 2025, the Bush Institute convened national and Texas leaders to discuss issues related to journalism and democracy, highlighting his continued commitment to civic health. Furthermore, the Institute's focus on global health, particularly in Africa, continues to see significant updates, with recent reports in December 2025 noting increased domestic health investment in countries like Kenya, meeting new performance benchmarks.

3. Bill Clinton (42nd President)

Biography & Profile:

  • Full Name: William Jefferson Clinton
  • Born: August 19, 1946 (currently 79 years old)
  • Political Party: Democratic
  • Presidential Term: 1993–2001 (42nd President)
  • Key Post-Presidency Focus: Global philanthropy, economic development, and health equity.

Bill Clinton is one of the most visible and globally active former presidents, largely through the work of the Clinton Foundation. His post-presidency is a case study in using a former office for international impact, often engaging in high-level diplomacy and humanitarian efforts. His primary platform remains the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), which brings together world leaders, NGOs, and business executives to devise and implement "Commitments to Action." The 20th CGI Annual Meeting was held in New York City in September 2025, featuring President Clinton, Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Dr. Chelsea Clinton. However, his 2025 has also seen him drawn into legal and political controversies, with the House Oversight Committee seeking his deposition in January 2026 regarding documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, a recurring and sensitive topic in the news cycle.

4. Barack Obama (44th President)

Biography & Profile:

  • Full Name: Barack Hussein Obama II
  • Born: August 4, 1961 (currently 64 years old)
  • Political Party: Democratic
  • Presidential Term: 2009–2017 (44th President)
  • Key Post-Presidency Focus: Youth leadership, civic engagement, media production, and the Obama Presidential Center.

The youngest of the living former presidents, Barack Obama continues to be a major force in American politics and culture. His primary, long-term project is the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois. Construction on the 19.3-acre campus has progressed significantly throughout 2025, with updates in September and October 2025 showing the near-completion of the Museum, the community hub, and the new branch of the Chicago Public Library. The Center is set to feature high-profile art installations, including a giant frieze by artist Theaster Gates. Politically, Obama remains a key figure for the Democratic party, often stepping in as a "Campaign Closer" to rally support and energize the base during the 2025 election cycles. His ongoing media production deal with Netflix, through Higher Ground Productions, also ensures his influence extends across global entertainment and thought leadership.

The Evolving Role of the American Post-Presidency

The lives of former U.S. presidents—the post-presidency—have evolved dramatically over time. Historically, presidents like John Adams and Thomas Jefferson retired to their farms, engaging in an epic epistolary output of correspondence. Today, however, the role is defined by a blend of high-level foundation work, memoirs, and continued public service, often referred to as a "third act."

The modern former president is essentially a permanent global ambassador. They are often asked to speak at ceremonial events and college graduations, using their unique platform to address complex global challenges. The transition into this new phase of life is supported by the Former Presidents Act, which provides them with a pension, staff, office space, and, most critically, Secret Service protection for life. This infrastructure allows them to continue their work on a massive scale.

The Topical Authority of Presidential Legacies

Each of the four living former presidents has established a legacy institution to cement their place in presidential history and continue their work. These Presidential Libraries and Centers—the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the William J. Clinton Presidential Center, and the forthcoming Barack Obama Presidential Center—serve as archives and hubs for civic engagement and policy work. Even a former president who served a single term, like Joe Biden, will eventually have a library or foundation to house his records and promote his policy goals, contributing to the ongoing narrative of the United States of America's leadership.

The dynamic between the current president, Donald Trump (who is serving nonconsecutive terms, a rarity in history last seen with Grover Cleveland), and the four former presidents is a major focus of political commentary. The tradition of former presidents convening to honor a fallen colleague was recently observed in January 2025, following the death of Jimmy Carter, the longest-living U.S. president. These moments underscore the shared experience of the Oval Office and the unique fraternity of those who have held the title of Commander-in-Chief.

What the Future Holds for the Former Commanders-in-Chief

As they age, the focus for the former presidents shifts, but their influence remains undeniable. Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, both approaching their 80s, continue to manage major global initiatives that tackle issues from economic development to AIDS relief. Barack Obama, still relatively young, is poised to become a long-term voice in the public sphere, leveraging his center and media platform to mentor a new generation of leaders.

For Joe Biden, his return to private life after a single term places him in a unique historical position. His next steps will likely involve a focus on his foundation's mission and a role as a senior statesman, offering counsel to party leaders and reflecting on his long career in the Senate, as Vice President, and as the 46th President. Regardless of their political affiliation, this group of four former presidents will continue to shape American discourse for years to come, demonstrating that life after the White House is anything but retirement.

former presidents still alive
former presidents still alive

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