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The Exclusive Club: How Many Former U.S. Presidents Are Living Right Now?

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The number of living former U.S. Presidents is a constantly shifting figure, a profound reflection of American history and the longevity of its leaders. As of today, December 21, 2025, the answer to this frequently asked question is four (4). This exclusive group of statesmen continues to shape public discourse and global policy long after their time in the Oval Office, often with projects and foundations that define their lasting legacies.

The current count of four living former presidents—Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton—is a result of recent shifts, including the inauguration of the 47th President, Donald J. Trump, and the passing of the longest-living president in U.S. history, Jimmy Carter, in 2024. Their post-presidency lives offer a fascinating glimpse into the unique challenges and opportunities that await those who have held the nation's highest office, ranging from major philanthropic endeavors to unexpected new careers.

The Four Living Former Presidents: A Complete Profile

The following individuals have served as President of the United States and are currently alive, as of late 2025. Their post-White House careers are as varied and impactful as their time in office.

  • 46th President: Joseph R. Biden Jr.
    • Born: November 20, 1942 (Age 83)
    • Term: 2021–2025
    • Party: Democratic
    • Post-Presidency Focus: Policy, Diplomacy, and Presidential Library Development
  • 44th President: Barack H. Obama
    • Born: August 4, 1961 (Age 64)
    • Term: 2009–2017
    • Party: Democratic
    • Post-Presidency Focus: The Obama Foundation, Leadership Development, and Media Production
  • 43rd President: George W. Bush
    • Born: July 6, 1946 (Age 79)
    • Term: 2001–2009
    • Party: Republican
    • Post-Presidency Focus: The George W. Bush Presidential Center, Military Service Support, and Painting/Artistry
  • 42nd President: William J. Clinton
    • Born: August 19, 1946 (Age 79)
    • Term: 1993–2001
    • Party: Democratic
    • Post-Presidency Focus: The Clinton Foundation, Global Health, Climate Change, and Economic Opportunity

Joe Biden: Transitioning from the Oval Office to Policy Work

Joe Biden, having concluded his term as the 46th President, has immediately pivoted back to his roots in policy and institutional work. His post-presidency life, though relatively quiet in its initial months compared to the demands of the White House, is centered on solidifying his legacy through academic and diplomatic channels.

Presidential Library and Institute Engagement: A key 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. Furthermore, he continues to engage with the policy world through the University of Delaware’s Biden Institute and the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement.

This work allows Biden to continue focusing on domestic policy matters and maintain his decades-long commitment to foreign policy, often engaging with world leaders behind the scenes. His re-signing with a major talent agency suggests that public speaking and memoir writing will also be significant components of his post-White House career.

The New Role of the Former President: Unlike some of his predecessors, Biden's transition is marked by a continuation of the policy discussions that defined his career. His focus on institutional engagement, rather than large-scale global initiatives, reflects a desire to influence the next generation of policymakers through academic and diplomatic mentorship.

Barack Obama: Building the Future from Chicago

Barack Obama’s post-presidency has been defined by the ambitious scope of the Obama Foundation and the physical manifestation of his legacy: the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. The construction of the Center, a multi-building campus designed to be a living monument to democracy, community, and leadership, continues to be a major focus.

2025 Center Construction Milestones: As of late 2025, the Presidential Center is nearing completion, with significant progress reported on the interior, including the installation of hardwood flooring and work in the Sky Room. The Obama Foundation has also commissioned a major new art installation by artist Theaster Gates for the Hadiya Pendleton Atrium, demonstrating a commitment to integrating art and public service into the Center’s mission.

Global Leadership and Media: Beyond the Foundation, the Obamas have maintained a high-profile presence in media and global affairs. Their production company, Higher Ground, continues to release content across various platforms, while the former president remains a prominent voice on issues of democracy, climate change, and youth leadership through global initiatives and speeches.

George W. Bush: The Unexpected Career of a Presidential Artist

George W. Bush has carved out a unique and successful post-presidency career as a painter. His artistic endeavors are not merely a hobby but a serious commitment that has led to several high-profile exhibitions, often focusing on themes of service, immigration, and healing.

Recent Art Exhibitions: In late 2025 and into 2026, Bush’s work remains highly visible. His compelling exhibition, "Out of Many, One: Portraits of America's Immigrants," has been displayed at various locations, including the Milken Center in Washington D.C. Furthermore, a new exhibition titled "A Shining City on the Hilltop" features never-before-seen acrylic paintings capturing life across the Bush Center and the Southern Methodist University (SMU) campus.

The Bush Center’s Continued Mission: The George W. Bush Presidential Center remains a hub for policy work, particularly concerning military service members, veterans, and global health. Bush’s art often intersects with the Center's mission, using the power of portraiture and storytelling to highlight important societal issues and support his foundation’s work.

Bill Clinton: Two Decades of Global Action

Bill Clinton is arguably the pioneer of the modern, large-scale post-presidency, and his work continues to be driven by the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI). The CGI celebrated a major milestone in 2025, underscoring its enduring commitment to solving complex world problems.

The 2025 Clinton Global Initiative: The 2025 CGI Annual Meeting, held in New York City, marked 20 years since the initiative’s founding. The event concluded with a clear message of actionable solutions in a time of global uncertainty. This year’s meeting resulted in over 100 new "Commitments to Action"—specific, measurable plans to address challenges ranging from climate resilience to economic equity and global health access.

A Focus on Collaboration: Clinton's post-presidency is characterized by his ability to convene diverse leaders from government, business, and philanthropy to work on shared goals. His continued collaboration with Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton and Dr. Chelsea Clinton ensures the foundation’s work remains robust and focused on high-impact global solutions.

The Exclusive "Club of Living Presidents"

While the number of former presidents is four, the "Club of Living Presidents" is an even more exclusive group of five, which includes the sitting 47th President, Donald J. Trump. This group of living individuals who have held the highest office is a unique political body. Historically, the number of living former presidents has fluctuated dramatically, from a low of zero (after the death of Herbert Hoover in 1964 until the inauguration of Richard Nixon in 1969) to a high of six (briefly in 2021 before the passing of George H.W. Bush).

The interactions among these leaders, whether at ceremonial events, in private counsel, or through joint humanitarian efforts, are a testament to the shared experience of the presidency. Despite their political differences, the collective wisdom and unique perspective of this small group of former officeholders remain an invaluable, though often private, resource for the nation and the world.

how many former presidents are living
how many former presidents are living

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