The Remaining Four: Which Former U.S. Presidents Are Still Alive In Late 2025?
The list of living former U.S. Presidents has fundamentally shifted in late 2025, marking a new era for the exclusive and unique fraternity of American leaders. Following the passing of the longest-lived president, Jimmy Carter, in late 2024, the number of Americans who have held the nation's highest office and are still alive has been reduced. This change, combined with the transition of power after the 2024 election, means only four individuals currently hold the title of "former U.S. President" and continue to shape global discourse and public service through their post-presidency work.
As of December 2025, the four living former U.S. Presidents are: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden. Their post-White House careers are defined by massive philanthropic foundations, global initiatives, and a continued, albeit non-political, influence on American life and foreign policy. This updated list provides a fresh look at the powerful second acts of these four distinguished figures.
The Exclusive Fraternity: A Complete List of Living Former U.S. Presidents (December 2025)
The term "former president" specifically refers to those individuals who have served as President of the United States and are no longer in office. This distinction is critical in late 2025, as Donald J. Trump, the 45th President, currently holds the office as the 47th President, having won the 2024 election. Therefore, he is the sitting president, not a former one. The most recent addition to the list of former presidents is Joe Biden, who served as the 46th President from 2021 to 2025.
The four men who comprise this unique group carry the weight of history and the responsibilities of their powerful second careers. The passing of Jimmy Carter on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100, was a poignant moment that highlighted the enduring legacy of post-presidential public service. Carter's work with The Carter Center on global health and human rights, particularly the eradication of Guinea worm disease, set a high bar for all who followed.
Here is the complete list of the four living former U.S. Presidents, ranked by the order of their time in office:
- William J. "Bill" Clinton (42nd President, 1993–2001)
- George W. Bush (43rd President, 2001–2009)
- Barack H. Obama (44th President, 2009–2017)
- Joseph R. "Joe" Biden Jr. (46th President, 2021–2025)
The Second Act: Post-Presidency Activities and Global Influence in 2025
The post-presidency is no longer a quiet retirement. For these four leaders, it is a period of intense, high-profile engagement, primarily channeled through their respective presidential centers and foundations. Their work focuses on critical global issues, leadership development, and fostering democratic dialogue.
Bill Clinton: The Global Catalyst
Bill Clinton, who served two terms as the 42nd President, remains one of the world's most active and recognizable figures. His post-presidency is largely defined by the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), a dynamic platform of the Clinton Foundation.
The CGI 2025 Annual Meeting was a major highlight, marking the 20th anniversary of the initiative. The event concluded with the launch of 106 New Commitments to Action, which are measurable, specific plans to address global challenges. These commitments span a wide range of issues, from climate resilience and sustainable development to health equity and economic opportunity. Clinton, alongside his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, and daughter, Dr. Chelsea Clinton, continues to emphasize collaborative solutions between heads of state, business leaders, and philanthropic pioneers.
George W. Bush: The Advocate for Veterans and Leadership
The 43rd President, George W. Bush, has carved out a post-presidency focused on leadership, military veterans, and global health through the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas.
In 2025, the Bush Center continued its focus on leadership development and policy. The Forum on Leadership 2025 brought together prominent figures for conversations on American promise and global challenges. The Center also hosted numerous public events, including a Presidents Day celebration in February 2025 and an exclusive conversation with President Bush in June 2025. Bush's personal passion for painting remains a significant part of his public identity, often focusing on portraits of wounded veterans, further amplifying his commitment to the veteran community. The work of the Bush Center continues to drive initiatives in global health, economic growth, and education, including a focus on strengthening democracy and promoting freedom worldwide.
Barack Obama: Cultivating the Next Generation of Changemakers
Barack Obama, the 44th President, has dedicated his post-presidency to inspiring and equipping the next generation of global leaders through The Obama Foundation.
A major focus in 2025 was the introduction of the 2025-2026 Class of Obama Foundation Leaders. This program brings together emerging changemakers from the United States, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, providing them with the tools and network to accelerate positive, lasting change in their communities. Meanwhile, construction on the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago's Jackson Park continues to advance, with the 19.3-acre campus set to feature a museum, a community hub, and a new branch of the Chicago Public Library. Obama also maintained his popular annual tradition of releasing his curated "Best Of" lists for books, music, and film in late 2025, showcasing his enduring influence on culture and media.
The Newest Former President: Joe Biden's Post-White House Role
Joe Biden, who served as the 46th President, transitioned out of office in January 2025. His post-presidency is still in its nascent stages, but early indications suggest a continued focus on policy and global engagement, leveraging his decades of experience in the Senate and as Vice President.
Biden's activities in 2025 have centered on returning to the academic and policy world. He has expressed a strong desire to return to the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement, a think tank associated with the University of Pennsylvania. Despite stepping down from the highest office, Biden has reportedly continued to engage with world leaders behind the scenes and participate in conferences to share his insights on leadership and foreign policy. His public statements indicate a commitment to continue policy work and remain a voice for his long-held political principles, even from outside the White House. His role as the most recent former president offers a unique perspective on the challenges facing the current administration and the global community.
The Enduring Significance of the Former Presidents
The small group of living former presidents represents a collective memory of the nation's recent history, spanning nearly four decades of political and social change. Their collective post-presidency endeavors—from the Clinton Global Initiative's Commitments to Action to the Obama Foundation Leaders Program and the Bush Center's Forum on Leadership—demonstrate a powerful, non-partisan commitment to public service long after their terms have ended. They serve as elder statesmen, providing counsel, perspective, and a bridge between administrations, often coming together for moments of national unity, such as the funeral of their colleague, Jimmy Carter. Their continued work ensures that the legacy of their time in office is not just defined by political achievements, but by a lasting dedication to improving the world.
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