The Five Living U.S. Presidents: Their Current Lives And Legacies In December 2025
The landscape of American presidential history shifted dramatically in late 2024, leaving a new, consolidated group of five men who hold the distinction of being a living U.S. President. As of December 2025, this exclusive fraternity includes one sitting president and four former leaders, each continuing to shape public discourse and global policy through their post-presidency work, foundations, and, for the incumbent, a renewed term in the Oval Office. This article provides the most current, up-to-date information on the five individuals who have held the nation's highest office and remain alive today, focusing on their activities in 2025.
The most significant recent change to this group was the passing of the longest-lived U.S. President, Jimmy Carter, in December 2024. His death marked the end of an era, bringing the total number of living U.S. Presidents (current and former) down to five. The remaining leaders—Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Donald Trump—are now the sole custodians of the unique experience of having led the world’s most powerful nation.
The Five Living Presidents: A Complete Biography and Profile List
The following list details the five men who currently hold the status of a living President of the United States, including their full biographical profiles and key dates in their lives.
- 47th President: Donald J. Trump
- Born: June 14, 1946 (Age 79 in 2025)
- Party: Republican
- Terms Served: 45th President (2017–2021); 47th President (2025–Present)
- Spouse: Melania Trump
- Hometown: New York City, New York
- 46th President: Joseph R. Biden Jr.
- Born: November 20, 1942 (Age 83 in 2025)
- Party: Democratic
- Terms Served: 46th President (2021–2025)
- Spouse: Jill Biden
- Hometown: Scranton, Pennsylvania / Wilmington, Delaware
- 44th President: Barack H. Obama
- Born: August 4, 1961 (Age 64 in 2025)
- Party: Democratic
- Terms Served: 44th President (2009–2017)
- Spouse: Michelle Obama
- Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii / Chicago, Illinois
- 43rd President: George W. Bush
- Born: July 6, 1946 (Age 79 in 2025)
- Party: Republican
- Terms Served: 43rd President (2001–2009)
- Spouse: Laura Bush
- Hometown: New Haven, Connecticut / Midland, Texas
- 42nd President: William J. "Bill" Clinton
- Born: August 19, 1946 (Age 79 in 2025)
- Party: Democratic
- Terms Served: 42nd President (1993–2001)
- Spouse: Hillary Rodham Clinton
- Hometown: Hope, Arkansas
The End of an Era: Honoring the Life of Jimmy Carter
The most significant recent event concerning the living presidents was the death of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, on December 29, 2024. Carter, who was 100 years old, passed away at his home in Plains, Georgia, after entering home hospice care in February 2023. His 22 months in hospice care highlighted the former President’s quiet resilience and commitment to a dignified end of life, a decision he made after a series of hospital stays. His passing closed a remarkable chapter of post-presidency work, which included winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his decades of tireless efforts in conflict resolution, global health, and democracy promotion through The Carter Center. The funeral, held in early January 2025, saw the gathering of all five remaining living U.S. Presidents, a poignant moment that underscored the shared, unique bond of the presidency.
Carter’s legacy is defined not just by his single term in the White House but by his extraordinary 43 years of humanitarian service after leaving office, making him a global icon of public service and philanthropy.
The Current Activities of the Living Presidents in 2025
With the composition of the group solidified, the five living presidents continue to engage in a wide range of activities, from governing the nation to managing vast philanthropic and educational initiatives. Their current work in 2025 showcases their enduring influence on American and world affairs.
Donald J. Trump: The 47th President and New Administration
Donald J. Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025, marking the start of his second, non-consecutive term. His return to the White House immediately initiated a series of significant policy shifts, primarily through the use of executive orders. Early in 2025, the administration began implementing its agenda, focusing on domestic policy and foreign relations. His second presidency has been characterized by active engagement, including numerous presidential trips and a focus on quickly reversing or modifying policies enacted by the previous administration.
Joseph R. Biden Jr.: Post-Presidency Focus and Global Engagement
Following his term as the 46th President, Joe Biden transitioned into his post-presidency role in early 2025. His activities have centered on policy continuation, the development of his presidential library, and academic engagement. Biden has indicated a desire to return to his roots at the University of Pennsylvania, particularly the Penn Biden Center, to continue his work on foreign policy. He has also been actively involved in public speaking engagements, sharing his insights on leadership and confirming that he continues to engage with world leaders behind the scenes. A major priority for the former president is the planning and fundraising for his presidential library, which is expected to be located in his home state of Delaware.
Barack H. Obama: Foundation Work and Cultural Projects
Former President Barack Obama and the Obama Foundation remain highly active in 2025. A central focus is the ongoing construction of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois. As of a September 2025 update, construction teams were working to bring various parts of the 19.3-acre campus to life in anticipation of its planned opening in 2026. Beyond the physical center, Obama has participated in numerous public-facing events, including virtual conversations and "Building Bridges" public discussions, continuing his efforts to promote civic engagement and leadership. His work, alongside former First Lady Michelle Obama, through their production company and foundation, continues to influence culture, education, and global leadership initiatives.
George W. Bush: Global Health and Policy Initiatives
George W. Bush continues his work through the George W. Bush Presidential Center and its associated policy arm, the Bush Institute. The Institute is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to fostering positive change both domestically and internationally. A major area of focus in late 2025 has been global health. Specifically, the Bush Institute has been issuing policy recommendations and updates concerning critical global health initiatives like the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund, urging the current administration to ensure these programs are leveraged efficiently to strengthen health systems worldwide and advance American national security.
Bill Clinton: The Clinton Global Initiative and Public Service
Bill Clinton remains deeply involved in global philanthropy and public service, primarily through the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI). The 2025 CGI Annual Meeting was a significant event, marking 20 years of the initiative, where President Clinton, Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Dr. Chelsea Clinton gathered leaders to address the world’s most pressing challenges. Clinton has also continued to make public appearances, such as speaking at a Naturalization Ceremony in June 2025 at the Clinton Presidential Center. His ongoing work focuses on global development, economic opportunity, and addressing climate change, reinforcing his commitment to transformative global action.
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