The Six Pillars Of Power: A 2025 Deep Dive Into The US Living Presidents And Their Post-White House Legacies
As of December 2025, the exclusive club of US living presidents consists of six individuals, a group whose combined service spans over four decades of American history. This elite cohort includes the sitting 47th President and five former commanders-in-chief, each continuing to shape domestic and global discourse through unique foundations, initiatives, and public engagements. The latest update to this list came with the passing of the longest-living president, Jimmy Carter, in late 2024, marking a significant transition in the living history of the American presidency.
The post-presidency era for these leaders is anything but retirement; it is a dynamic phase defined by monumental charitable work, the construction of presidential centers, and continued political commentary. From global health initiatives to personal artistic endeavors, here is an in-depth, up-to-the-minute look at the six living US presidents, their biographies, and the powerful legacies they are building in 2025.
The Six Living US Presidents: A Complete 2025 Biographical List
The following list is ordered by presidential term, from the earliest to the most recent. The information is current as of December 21, 2025, reflecting the most recent updates in their lives and work.
- Bill Clinton (42nd President)
- Born: August 19, 1946
- Age (Dec 2025): 79
- Term: 1993–2001
- Legacy Focus: Global health, climate change, and economic opportunity through the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI).
- George W. Bush (43rd President)
- Born: July 6, 1946
- Age (Dec 2025): 79
- Term: 2001–2009
- Legacy Focus: Veterans support, global health (PEPFAR), and personal artistic work, housed at the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
- Barack Obama (44th President)
- Born: August 4, 1961
- Age (Dec 2025): 64
- Term: 2009–2017
- Legacy Focus: Youth leadership development, civic engagement, and global citizenship through the Obama Foundation.
- Donald J. Trump (45th and 47th President)
- Born: June 14, 1946
- Age (Dec 2025): 79
- Term: 2017–2021 (45th) and 2025–Present (47th)
- Legacy Focus: Currently serving as the sitting President of the United States, focusing on his "America First" agenda and public remarks on the economy.
- Joe Biden (46th President)
- Born: November 20, 1942
- Age (Dec 2025): 83
- Term: 2021–2025
- Legacy Focus: Post-presidency activities are focused on continuing the initiatives started during his administration and domestic policy commentary. He holds the distinction of being the oldest living former president.
The Dynamic Post-Presidency: 2025's Freshest Updates
The role of a former US president has evolved into a highly active, high-profile career focused on building a lasting legacy that transcends partisan politics. In 2025, the five former presidents are engaged in major, specific projects that highlight their individual passions and political legacies. This post-presidency life is crucial for understanding their continued influence on American culture and global affairs.
Bill Clinton: The 20th Anniversary of Global Initiatives
The cornerstone of Bill Clinton’s post-presidency is the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), which celebrated a major milestone in 2025. The annual meeting, held in September 2025, was a high-profile event that convened global leaders to tackle pressing world challenges. The focus for the year was reportedly on redefining how global leaders "show up" and work together to honor "common humanity." At the close of the 2025 CGI, President Clinton, alongside Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton and Dr. Chelsea Clinton, launched over 100 new "Commitments to Action"—measurable partnerships tackling issues like climate change and economic inequality.
George W. Bush: The Unexpected Artist's Journey
George W. Bush has continued to pursue his passion for painting, a unique and highly personal aspect of his post-presidency. His focus in 2025 was on new art exhibits showcasing his work. The George W. Bush Presidential Center unveiled a new art exhibit in May 2025, featuring never-before-seen paintings that captured life across the Bush Center and the surrounding SMU campus. Furthermore, his popular exhibit, "Out of Many, One," featuring portraits of military service members, continued its run through early 2026, solidifying his role as a prominent artistic voice among former US leaders.
Barack Obama: Building the Future of Civic Engagement
Barack Obama's 2025 activities were heavily focused on the construction and preparation for the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. The center, which is the physical manifestation of the Obama Foundation’s mission, is on track for a 2026 opening. Throughout 2025, the Foundation provided updates on the 19.3-acre campus, emphasizing its role as a hub for youth leadership and civic engagement. The Obamas’ work continues to be defined by a global reach, focusing on mentoring the next generation of leaders and promoting democratic values worldwide.
The Oldest and The Newest: Biden and Trump's 2025 Presence
The current and immediate past presidents command the most attention in the political sphere, even with the transition of power in January 2025.
Joe Biden: The Elder Statesman and Policy Advocate
Upon leaving office, Joe Biden became the oldest living former US president at 83 years old. His post-presidency has been marked by a focus on defending and continuing the policies he enacted during his term, often lamenting the changes that have occurred since he left the White House. Biden's public statements in 2025 have centered on advocating for his signature legislative achievements and the final executive actions he pushed through in the last days of his administration, ensuring his policy legacy remains a topic of national debate.
Donald J. Trump: The 47th President
Donald Trump began his second, non-consecutive term as the 47th President of the United States in January 2025. At 78, he reclaimed the title of the oldest American to take the presidential oath of office. His 2025 agenda has been dominated by a focus on the economy, border security, and his ongoing political campaign promises. His daily activities define the current political landscape, setting the tone for both domestic policy and America’s role on the global stage.
Topical Authority and Key Entities in US Presidential History
Understanding the living presidents requires recognizing the key entities that form their topical authority and sustain their post-presidency influence. These institutions serve as vital centers for historical research, public policy, and philanthropic work, ensuring their legacies endure.
- Presidential Libraries and Museums: The physical centers—such as the George W. Bush Presidential Center and the forthcoming Obama Presidential Center—serve as archives for their administrations and educational institutions for the public.
- Foundations and Global Initiatives: The Clinton Foundation, which runs the CGI, and the Obama Foundation are powerful non-profits that leverage presidential influence to address global challenges in health, poverty, and leadership.
- Post-Presidency Legacy: This concept encapsulates the collective work of former presidents, demonstrating how they utilize their unique status to comment on national issues, engage in diplomacy, and promote their personal passions, like George W. Bush’s portrait paintings.
- Succession and Presidential History: The current list of living presidents is a direct reflection of US presidential history, offering a unique perspective on the evolution of the office from the 1990s through the 2020s.
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