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The Exclusive List: Only 5 US Presidents Are Still Alive Today

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As of December 23, 2025, there are only five living individuals who have held the office of President of the United States. This number is a direct result of historical events, including the passing of the nation’s longest-living president, Jimmy Carter, in late 2024, and the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as the 47th President in January 2025. The current group of living presidents spans a remarkable three decades of American leadership and represents a unique concentration of political experience. The five living presidents—one incumbent and four former—form an exclusive club whose members are often called upon for counsel, ceremonial duties, or to represent the nation on the world stage. From the Baby Boomer generation to the Silent Generation, their collective wisdom and influence continue to shape the political landscape long after their terms have ended, making this small group a powerful, if informal, institution.

The Five Living US Presidents: A Complete Biography List (December 2025)

The total number of living US Presidents currently stands at five. This includes the incumbent 47th President, Donald J. Trump, and the four individuals who preceded him in the office. This list is accurate as of December 23, 2025, and is ordered by their presidential terms.

1. Bill Clinton (42nd President)

  • Full Name: William Jefferson Clinton
  • Born: August 19, 1946
  • Age (Dec 2025): 79
  • Term of Office: January 20, 1993 – January 20, 2001
  • Party: Democratic
  • Notable Post-Presidency: Global humanitarian work through the Clinton Foundation, particularly in areas of health and climate change.

2. George W. Bush (43rd President)

  • Full Name: George Walker Bush
  • Born: July 6, 1946
  • Age (Dec 2025): 79
  • Term of Office: January 20, 2001 – January 20, 2009
  • Party: Republican
  • Notable Post-Presidency: Focus on painting, veterans' issues, and the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

3. Barack Obama (44th President)

  • Full Name: Barack Hussein Obama II
  • Born: August 4, 1961
  • Age (Dec 2025): 64
  • Term of Office: January 20, 2009 – January 20, 2017
  • Party: Democratic
  • Notable Post-Presidency: The Obama Foundation, global speaking engagements, and media production deals (Higher Ground Productions).

4. Joe Biden (46th President)

  • Full Name: Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.
  • Born: November 20, 1942
  • Age (Dec 2025): 83
  • Term of Office: January 20, 2021 – January 20, 2025
  • Party: Democratic
  • Notable Post-Presidency: Currently the oldest living former US President.

5. Donald J. Trump (45th and 47th President)

  • Full Name: Donald John Trump
  • Born: June 14, 1946
  • Age (Dec 2025): 79
  • Term of Office: January 20, 2017 – January 20, 2021 (45th); January 20, 2025 – Present (47th)
  • Party: Republican
  • Notable Status: The current and 47th President of the United States.

The Historical Significance of Only Five Living Presidents

The current count of five living US Presidents is relatively rare in American history, marking a significant—and temporary—shift in the presidential landscape. The number of living former presidents fluctuates constantly with the passing of elder statesmen and the inauguration of new ones.

Historically, the number of living former presidents has often been small, particularly in the 19th century. For example, there was a period from 1861 to 1862 when there were five former presidents alive: Martin Van Buren, John Tyler, Franklin Pierce, Millard Fillmore, and James Buchanan. Since the mid-20th century, however, advances in healthcare and increased longevity have made larger numbers more common, with the total reaching six living presidents for an extended period, especially during the terms of Presidents Obama and Biden.

The recent change to five is primarily due to the death of Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. Carter not only became the first president to reach the age of 100 but also held the record for the longest post-presidency in history, retiring for 43 years and 344 days.

A Deep Dive into Presidential Longevity and Mortality

The longevity of the current group of living presidents is part of a broader trend in American history. Modern presidents are living significantly longer than their 19th-century predecessors, a fact that has a tangible impact on the cost of presidential pensions, security, and the ongoing influence of former leaders.

The Oldest and Youngest: A Statistical Look

The current oldest living president is former President Joe Biden, who is 83 years old as of late 2025. This is a title he inherited following the death of Jimmy Carter, who was the longest-living US President, reaching 100 years and 89 days old.

  • The Longest-Living President: Jimmy Carter (100 years, 89 days).
  • The Youngest to Die: John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated at the age of 46.
  • The Shortest Post-Presidency: James K. Polk, who died only 103 days after leaving office in 1849.
  • The Shortest Term: William Henry Harrison, who died just 31 days into his term in 1841.

The "Class of '46" and the Age Factor

A remarkable fact about the current living presidents is the close age proximity of three of them, often referred to as the "Class of '46": Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Donald J. Trump, who were all born in the summer of 1946. All three are currently 79 years old, a statistical anomaly that highlights the concentration of experienced leadership from the Baby Boomer generation.

The average life expectancy for a US President after leaving office is approximately 14 years. However, the longevity of the most recent presidents—including George H.W. Bush (94), Gerald Ford (93), and Ronald Reagan (93)—suggests that the demands of the office, while often stressful, do not necessarily shorten one's lifespan. The combination of access to the best healthcare and a high-profile retirement that often encourages continued engagement contributes to their extended years.

The Role of Former Presidents in Modern America

The role of a former US President has evolved significantly since the 19th century. Today, the four former presidents—Biden, Obama, Bush, and Clinton—maintain a high level of public visibility and influence. They are not merely retirees but active global figures.

Their post-presidency activities often focus on philanthropy, policy advocacy, and preserving their legacy through presidential libraries and foundations. For example, the Obama Foundation and the George W. Bush Presidential Center serve as non-partisan hubs for promoting civic engagement and addressing major global issues, from leadership development to global health. The collective experience of these statesmen represents a deep reservoir of institutional knowledge that the current administration can, and often does, draw upon.

The current number of five living presidents is a temporary snapshot in history. As time moves forward, this number will inevitably change, underscoring the finite nature of presidential history and the enduring impact of the individuals who have held the highest office in the land.

how many presidents of the us are still alive
how many presidents of the us are still alive

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