Current Number of Living Former Presidents
As of mid-2025, there are five living former presidents of the United States. This count reflects the natural attrition of former chief executives over time and changes whenever a former president passes away or a sitting president leaves office. The following breakdown is organized by presidential term to provide a clear, up-to-date status for each individual who has held the office.
| Presidential Term | President | Status as of Mid-2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 2021–present | Joe Biden (47th) | Sitting president, not a former president |
| 2017–2021 | Donald Trump (45th) | Living |
| 2009–2017 | Barack Obama (44th) | Living |
| 2001–2009 | George W. Bush (43rd) | Living |
| 1993–2001 | Bill Clinton (42nd) | Living |
| 1989–1993 | George H. W. Bush (41st) | Deceased (2018) |
| 1981–1989 | Ronald Reagan (40th) | Deceased (2004) |
| 1977–1981 | Jimmy Carter (39th) | Deceased (2024) |
| 1969–1974 | Richard Nixon (37th) | Deceased (1994) |
Methodology for Determining Living Former Presidents
This status list includes only individuals who have completed or left the office of President of the United States and were not serving at the time of observation. Sitting presidents are not counted as former presidents by this definition. Death dates are drawn from publicly verified records. When a former president’s status changes, this overview is updated to reflect the new circumstances.
Historical Context on Presidential Survival
Advancements in healthcare, shorter transition periods between administrations, and earlier retirement have generally increased the longevity of former presidents in recent decades. However, mortality ultimately reduces the living count over time. The most recent change to this list occurred in 2024 with the death of Jimmy Carter, the oldest living former president at that time. Future updates will depend on natural attrition and any transitions in the current presidency.
Notable Observations About Living Former Presidents
- Donald Trump remains the most recent former president added to the living list, leaving office in January 2021 and remaining eligible as of mid-2025.
- Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton continue to be active in public life through speaking engagements, foundations, and policy influence.
- George H. W. Bush and Ronald Reagan are remembered for their extended post-presidential lifespans, with both living several years beyond leaving office.
Definitions and Clarifications
- Former president: An individual who has served as President of the United States and is no longer in office, whether by term completion, resignation, or removal.
- Sitting president: The individual currently serving as President and therefore not classified as a former president.
- Status: Refers to whether the individual is confirmed alive or deceased based on publicly available, authoritative records.
Summary and Takeaways
There are five living former presidents as of mid-2025: Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Jimmy Carter is deceased. The number will decrease as future mortality events occur and will increase if a currently serving president leaves office. This status list is updated periodically to reflect verified changes using authoritative sources.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why does the number of living former presidents change?
The count changes only when a sitting president leaves office and becomes a former president or when a former president passes away. Because no new former presidents were added and one passed away in 2024, the total decreased from six to five as of mid-2025.
Will any former president become eligible again in the future?
Only individuals who have already left the presidency can become former presidents. The current sitting president, unless they leave office before the end of their term, is not counted until their term concludes or they resign.
How are transitions handled in the count?
During a transition period, there may be overlap where a former president is still alive and a new former president is added on inauguration day. For clarity, this list waits until Inauguration Day to update status.