The Five Living US Presidents: Where Are They Now And Their 2025 Post-Presidency Legacies
The exclusive club of living US Presidents is one of the most powerful and scrutinized groups of individuals in the world, serving as a unique council of former (and current) leaders. As of late December 2025, following the transition of power and other significant events, there are five Americans who have held the nation's highest office, each now carving out a distinct and impactful post-presidency life, or in one case, commencing a new term. This article provides a fresh, 2025-focused look at the current President and the four former Presidents, detailing their most recent activities, foundations, and ongoing legacies.
This dynamic group of elder statesmen—including a former President whose post-White House life was marked by a significant health announcement in 2025—continues to influence global policy, philanthropy, and public discourse, proving that the end of a term is merely the beginning of a new chapter in public service. The focus now shifts from governing to legacy-building, with each individual leveraging their unique platform to address domestic and international challenges through their respective foundations and initiatives.
The Five Living US Presidents: Complete Biographical Profile
The current list of living United States Presidents, as of December 2025, consists of the incumbent President and four former Presidents. This list reflects the passing of Jimmy Carter, the nation's longest-living president, in late 2024, and the subsequent end of the 46th administration.
- 47th President: Donald J. Trump
- Term: 2017–2021 and 2025–Present
- Born: June 14, 1946 (Age 79)
- Spouse: Melania Trump
- Vice President: Mike Pence (1st Term), [Current VP Name] (2nd Term)
- 46th President: Joseph R. Biden Jr.
- Term: 2021–2025
- Born: November 20, 1942 (Age 83)
- Spouse: Jill Biden
- Vice President: Kamala Harris
- 44th President: Barack Hussein Obama
- Term: 2009–2017
- Born: August 4, 1961 (Age 64)
- Spouse: Michelle Obama
- Vice President: Joe Biden
- 43rd President: George Walker Bush
- Term: 2001–2009
- Born: July 6, 1946 (Age 79)
- Spouse: Laura Bush
- Vice President: Dick Cheney
- 42nd President: William Jefferson Clinton
- Term: 1993–2001
- Born: August 19, 1946 (Age 79)
- Spouse: Hillary Rodham Clinton
- Vice President: Al Gore
The Post-Presidency Focus: Foundations and 2025 Initiatives
Once they leave the White House, former US Presidents typically transition into a role of elder statesmen, focusing on humanitarian efforts, writing memoirs, establishing their presidential library, and securing their legacy. The year 2025 has seen a number of high-profile activities and personal updates from the former leaders.
Joe Biden: Health and the Next Chapter
The most significant and personal update concerning the former 46th President, Joe Biden, came in May 2025. After leaving office, the former President announced that doctors had diagnosed him with an "aggressive" form of prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. This health challenge has naturally dominated the start of his post-presidency, with his public appearances and activities focusing on his treatment and recovery, while still maintaining a presence in Democratic politics and policy discussions. His post-presidency life, as detailed by the Miller Center, has been a stark reminder of the personal challenges faced by leaders after their time in office.
Barack Obama: Activism and Global Conversations
Former President Barack Obama, who made the uncommon choice to remain in Washington D.C. following his term, continues to be a major figure in global activism. His work, alongside former First Lady Michelle Obama, is primarily channeled through the Obama Foundation, which focuses on civic engagement and leadership development worldwide. A notable engagement in 2025 was his conversation with historian Heather Cox Richardson in June, where he offered his perspective on current political and historical trends, further solidifying his role as a leading intellectual voice. The Obama Presidential Center in Chicago remains a central entity of his legacy, serving as a hub for community and global initiatives.
Bill Clinton: The Power of Global Initiative
Bill Clinton’s post-presidency has been defined by the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) and the William J. Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. The CGI continues to be a powerful entity for international philanthropy, convening leaders from around the world to develop and implement solutions to global challenges. The 2025 Annual Meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative, attended by President Clinton, Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Dr. Chelsea Clinton, marked a significant milestone, celebrating 20 years of the initiative’s impact on public health, economic opportunity, and climate change. His continued advocacy work spans from Northern Ireland to South Africa, demonstrating a commitment to global public service and diplomacy.
George W. Bush: Leadership, Ideas, and Veterans
The post-presidency of George W. Bush is centered on the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas, a major institution dedicated to policy, education, and service. The Center’s Forum on Leadership 2025 was a key event, emphasizing the importance of free exchange of ideas and preparing young adults for societal contributions. Former President Bush is also well-known for his extensive charitable work for wounded veterans, including an annual 100-kilometer mountain bike ride to raise funds and awareness. His focus on veterans' care, education, and the promotion of democracy through his center's policy work exemplifies his dedication to public life after the White House.
The Exclusive Role of Elder Statesmen in 2025
The collective influence of the living US Presidents extends far beyond their individual foundations. As elder statesmen, they often serve as informal advisors, moral authorities, and diplomatic envoys. They are a powerful symbol of the continuity of American democracy, frequently appearing at ceremonial events and offering their perspectives on national and world affairs. All former Presidents are entitled to lifetime Secret Service protection, a substantial pension, and funding for their official offices, enabling them to maintain a high level of public engagement.
In a politically charged year like 2025, the voices of these former leaders—especially in light of the new Trump administration and the personal challenges faced by Joe Biden—carry significant weight. Their shared experience of holding the nation's highest office gives them a unique perspective on the challenges of the modern world, from global pandemics and economic instability to the complexities of international relations. The enduring legacies of Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, alongside the ongoing work of the current administration, form a rich and complex tapestry of American political history.
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