The Six Living US Presidents: Their Current Lives, Legacies, And 2025 Status
As of December 21, 2025, the exclusive club of living American leaders comprises six individuals who have held the highest office in the nation. This group spans nearly four decades of U.S. political history, from the early 1990s to the current administration. The composition of this group has seen significant, recent changes, which re-contextualize their place in history and their ongoing public roles.
The transition of power in January 2025, alongside the recent passing of a beloved former commander-in-chief, has brought renewed focus to the lives and legacies of these six men. They are bound by the shared experience of the Oval Office, yet their post-presidency work—from global initiatives to political commentary and philanthropy—could not be more diverse.
The Complete Roster of Living US Presidents and Key Biographies (2025)
The list of living US Presidents is dynamic, a fact underscored by the recent passing of the longest-living president in US history, Jimmy Carter, who died on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. Furthermore, the number of living former Vice Presidents also recently changed with the death of Dick Cheney on November 3, 2025. The six surviving presidents are listed below, ordered by their term of office:
- William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton (42nd President)
- Born: August 19, 1946 (Age 79)
- Term: 1993–2001
- Vice President: Al Gore
- George Walker Bush (43rd President)
- Born: July 6, 1946 (Age 79)
- Term: 2001–2009
- Vice President: Dick Cheney (Deceased Nov 3, 2025)
- Barack Hussein Obama (44th President)
- Born: August 4, 1961 (Age 64)
- Term: 2009–2017
- Vice President: Joe Biden
- Donald John Trump (45th and 47th President)
- Born: June 14, 1946 (Age 79)
- Term 1: 2017–2021
- Term 2 (Current): 2025–
- Vice President (Current): J.D. Vance (50th VP, inaugurated Jan 20, 2025)
- Joseph Robinette "Joe" Biden Jr. (46th President)
- Born: November 20, 1942 (Age 83)
- Term: 2021–2025
- Vice President: Kamala Harris
The Current Status of Former Presidents: Post-Oval Office Work and Health Updates
The life of a former President is governed by the Former Presidents Act, which provides a pension, staff, and Secret Service protection. However, the true legacy is often defined by their post-presidency work. In late 2025, the five former presidents continue to shape public discourse through their foundations, writing, and public appearances, offering a unique perspective on US political history and global affairs.
Bill Clinton: Global Initiatives and Health Monitoring
Former President Bill Clinton, the 42nd Commander-in-Chief, continues his extensive humanitarian and philanthropic work through the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI). The CGI is a major entity focused on creating and implementing innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to public health.
Health has been a recurring topic of public interest for the former President. Following previous heart surgery and a recent hospitalization for a urological infection, President Clinton was recently photographed with what appeared to be a portable heart defibrillator, indicating continued diligence in monitoring his cardiovascular health. Despite these concerns, he remains an active public figure and influential voice within the Democratic Party.
George W. Bush: Art, Service, and the Bush Institute
George W. Bush, the 43rd President, has largely focused on his personal passions and the work of the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas. The Center, which includes the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, is home to the Bush Institute.
In late 2025, the Bush Institute remains highly active, hosting major convenings on critical issues. Recent initiatives have included forums on global health, democracy, and the future of American journalism, bringing together a bipartisan group of national and state leaders. President Bush has also received acclaim for his portraiture work, having painted world leaders and US veterans, a significant departure from his time in the Oval Office.
Barack Obama: Combating Authoritarianism and Leadership Development
The 44th President, Barack Obama, and former First Lady Michelle Obama, continue to be influential global figures. Their primary vehicle for change is the Obama Foundation, which is developing the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. The Foundation’s mission centers on inspiring, empowering, and connecting people to change the world.
In 2025, President Obama has been particularly vocal on issues of democracy and the rise of authoritarianism worldwide, participating in high-profile discussions at forums and through the Obama Leadership Network. His recent remarks emphasize the power of citizenship and the long-term struggle against injustices, solidifying his role as a global thought leader on good governance and civic engagement.
Joe Biden: Transition to Former President
Following the 2024 election, Joe Biden, the 46th President, transitioned into the role of former president in January 2025. His post-presidency period is one of the most recent and closely watched in US political history.
As of late 2025, the focus is on the establishment of his Presidential Center and Library, which will house the records of his administration. His public schedule is expected to include commentary on domestic and international policy, continuing his long career in public service that included decades in the Senate and two terms as Vice President under Barack Obama. His status as the oldest-ever former president in this group adds a layer of scrutiny to his continued public life.
The Current Administration and the New Political Landscape
The most significant change in the group of living presidents in 2025 is the return of Donald Trump as the 47th President. This marks only the second time in US history that a non-consecutive two-term president has served, a rare occurrence that has fundamentally reshaped the political landscape.
The current administration, which began in January 2025, sees the 47th President leading the nation with his new Vice President, J.D. Vance, the 50th Vice President of the United States. This political dynamic creates a unique situation where both the 47th and 46th Presidents (Donald Trump and Joe Biden, respectively) are living and actively engaged in the political sphere, representing the two most recent, and often contrasting, eras of the White House. This close proximity in time and political rivalry ensures that their actions, both in and out of the Oval Office, will continue to define the nation's political narrative for the foreseeable future.
Topical Authority and Key Entities
The six living US presidents represent a rich tapestry of American political life, with their influence extending far beyond their time as Commander-in-Chief. Key entities that define their ongoing legacy include: the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the Obama Foundation, and the eventual Joe Biden Presidential Center. Their collective work touches on critical areas like global health initiatives, democracy promotion, partisan politics, and the evolving role of the post-presidency in the modern era.
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