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The Four Living Ex-Presidents: What Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, And Joe Biden Are Doing In 2025

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The landscape of America’s elder statesmen has seen a significant shift in late 2024 and 2025, creating a unique moment in presidential history. As of December 2025, the exclusive club of living former U.S. Presidents now consists of four distinguished figures: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and the newest addition, Joe Biden. This group, whose terms collectively span from 1993 to 2025, represents a diverse range of political eras and post-White House commitments, from global health initiatives to building new presidential libraries.

This updated list follows the passing of the revered Jimmy Carter, who died in December 2024 at the age of 100, and the transition of Donald Trump from former president back to the sitting U.S. President in January 2025. The focus of these four remaining former leaders has shifted to cementing their legacies through foundations, public service, and private counsel, often working on issues far removed from the partisan battles of Washington D.C.

The Four Living Former Presidents: A Complete Biography List

The post-presidency club is defined by the individuals who have held the highest office and are still alive. As of December 2025, the four living ex-presidents are:

  • William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton
    • Term of Office: 42nd President (1993–2001)
    • Born: August 19, 1946 (Age 79)
    • Post-Presidency Focus: Global health, economic development, and climate change through the Clinton Foundation.
  • George Walker "George W." Bush
    • Term of Office: 43rd President (2001–2009)
    • Born: July 6, 1946 (Age 79)
    • Post-Presidency Focus: Veteran support, global health, education reform, and his personal passion for painting.
  • Barack Hussein Obama
    • Term of Office: 44th President (2009–2017)
    • Born: August 4, 1961 (Age 64)
    • Post-Presidency Focus: Youth leadership, civic engagement, and addressing global challenges through the Obama Foundation.
  • Joseph Robinette "Joe" Biden Jr.
    • Term of Office: 46th President (2021–2025)
    • Born: November 20, 1942 (Age 83)
    • Post-Presidency Focus: Establishing his presidential library, continuing work on domestic and foreign policy through university centers.

The Enduring Legacies: Post-Presidency Activities in 2025

The role of a former president is a unique one, blending elder statesmanship with continued philanthropic and policy work. In 2025, this group has been particularly active, each focusing on their established foundations and new projects.

Bill Clinton: The Global Convenor

Bill Clinton, who has been a former president for nearly a quarter-century, continues to leverage his global network. His primary vehicle remains the Clinton Foundation and its Clinton Global Initiative (CGI).

In 2025, the CGI marked its 20th anniversary, holding its annual meeting to tackle pressing international issues. The focus for the year included new Commitments to Action in areas like sustainable energy, global health, and economic resilience. The former president, alongside Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton, remains a leading figure in mobilizing private sector and governmental resources for international development.

His post-presidency has been defined by a commitment to collaboration, often working with former political rivals, a tradition he established early on with the late George H.W. Bush for disaster relief efforts.

George W. Bush: Art, Veterans, and Global Health

George W. Bush has carved out a distinct and impactful post-presidency, centered around the George W. Bush Institute in Dallas, Texas. His work in 2025 demonstrates a continued focus on both domestic and international policy.

The Bush Institute’s Go Further initiative, a public-private partnership with the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and UNAIDS, received updates throughout 2025, continuing its mission to improve global health outcomes, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This work highlights the enduring impact of his administration's global health policies.

On a more personal note, Bush continued to pursue his passion for painting, with his latest artwork showcased in May 2025. His paintings often focus on portraits of veterans and scenes from his life, reinforcing his commitment to military families and personal reflection.

Barack Obama: Youth, Media, and Civic Leadership

Barack Obama, along with former First Lady Michelle Obama, has focused his post-presidency on inspiring the next generation of leaders through the Obama Foundation. The foundation’s work in 2025 continued to support programs for civic engagement and youth leadership development globally.

The construction and development of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago remains a major, long-term project, symbolizing his vision for a community-driven presidential library and museum complex. Obama has also maintained a high-profile presence on the paid speakers circuit, delivering addresses to major financial and industry firms, using his platform to discuss leadership and global trends.

Furthermore, the Obamas’ production company, Higher Ground, continues to produce content for major streaming services, ensuring their voice and perspective remain influential in the cultural and media landscape of 2025.

The Newest Former President: Joe Biden’s Post-White House Plans

Joe Biden officially joined the ranks of the living ex-presidents in January 2025 following the presidential transition. His post-presidency is still in its nascent stages, but his plans are quickly taking shape, focusing heavily on policy and legacy preservation.

One of the most immediate priorities for the former 46th President is the establishment of his presidential library, which is expected to be located in his home state of Delaware. This effort involves significant fundraising and planning to document his decades-long career in public service.

Biden has also indicated a desire to return to his policy work through academic institutions. He plans to continue his work on domestic policy through the Biden Institute at the University of Delaware and on foreign policy matters at the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement. Reports from 2025 suggest he has already begun to engage with world leaders behind the scenes, using his experience to offer private counsel and maintain diplomatic connections. Furthermore, he has privately signaled a willingness to assist the Democratic Party in countering policy shifts from the new administration.

The Impact of Jimmy Carter’s Death and Donald Trump’s Return

The composition of the group of living ex-presidents was dramatically altered in the final months of 2024 and early 2025. The death of Jimmy Carter on December 29, 2024, at age 100, marked the end of an era. His funeral in January 2025 became a rare and poignant gathering of all five living presidents (Clinton, Bush, Obama, Trump, and the outgoing President Biden), underscoring the continuity of the American political system.

Simultaneously, Donald Trump's return to the presidency in January 2025 means he is no longer considered a former president for the purpose of this list, as he is the current occupant of the White House. This transition is a historical anomaly, as a former president has only returned to the office once before (Grover Cleveland). This unique sequence of events—the death of the longest-living president and the return of another—makes the current group of four living ex-presidents a particularly significant one in 2025.

The legacies of Clinton, Bush, Obama, and Biden are now being written in their post-White House chapters. Their foundations, policy institutes, and public engagements underscore a shared commitment to global betterment, demonstrating that the presidency is a lifetime commitment that extends far beyond the four or eight years spent in the Oval Office.

living ex presidents
living ex presidents

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