What Ex Presidents Are Still Alive

How Many Former Presidents Are Still Walking Around?

Here's a question that sounds simple but trips up a surprising number of people: what ex presidents are still alive? The answer changes more often than you might think, and keeping track isn't just a trivia exercise — it's a window into how the presidency works across generations. As of mid-2025, the list of living former presidents is shorter than you might expect, and the stories behind each one are worth knowing.

What Does "Living Former Presidents" Actually Mean?

The phrase is straightforward, but the implications are not. In practice, a living former president is anyone who has held the office of President of the United States and is still breathing. That person gets a pension, Secret Service protection, an office, and a staff — perks that are often overlooked until you realize how many people have held the job and how many of them are still around.

The number fluctuates. That said, presidents die, obviously. And the pace has changed over time. Think about it: in the early days of the republic, it was common for only one or two former presidents to be alive at any given moment. These days, lifespans are longer and the gap between presidencies is shorter, which means more former presidents overlap.

A Quick History of the Count

There have been 46 presidencies (counting Grover Cleveland's two non-consecutive terms as one presidency, or 45 individuals). At various points in history, the number of living former presidents has ranged from as few as one to as many as six. And the record for living former presidents at the same time was six, which held for a period in the early 2010s. Since then, the number has crept downward as the oldest among them have passed away.

Jimmy Carter, who held the record for longest-lived president for a long stretch, died in December 2024 at the age of 100. His passing brought the count down to the current number.

Why This Question Matters More Than You'd Think

You might wonder why anyone cares how many ex presidents are still alive. A few reasons:

• Historical continuity. When multiple former presidents are living, you get rare moments — joint appearances, memorial services, policy consultations — that connect the present to the past in a way that's hard to replicate.
• Institutional knowledge. Former presidents carry decades of experience. Their presence in public life, even in a reduced role, shapes how the current administration operates.
• Cultural weight. Seeing a former president in the news, at a funeral, or at a national event reminds people that the presidency is a human institution, not just a political one.
• Practical questions. The Secret Service, the National Archives, and congressional budget committees all need to account for living former presidents. It's not just trivia — it's logistics.

Who's on the List Right Now?

As of mid-2025, three former presidents are confirmed to be alive. Here's a look at each one.

Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton served as the 42nd president from 1993 to 2001. Born William Jefferson Blythe III in 1946 in Arkansas, Clinton is now in his late seventies and remains a visible figure in public life. He's been involved in philanthropy through the Clinton Foundation, has spoken out on a range of political issues, and continues to make appearances at events and on panels.

Clinton's presidency was defined by economic growth, cultural shifts, and later, impeachment proceedings. His post-presidency has been unusually active compared to many of his predecessors, and he remains a polarizing figure depending on who you ask.

George W. Bush

George W. On the flip side, bush, the 43rd president, served two terms from 2001 to 2009. Born in 1946 in New Haven, Connecticut, and raised in Texas, Bush's presidency was shaped by the September 11 attacks, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the financial crisis of 2008.

Since leaving office, Bush has largely retreated from the political spotlight. He's focused on painting — yes, painting — and on his presidential library in Dallas. He's made occasional public statements on bipartisan issues and has been vocal about the importance of civic engagement, but he generally avoids the kind of partisan commentary that characterized his time in office.

Barack Obama

Barack Obama, the 44th president, served from 2009 to 2017. Born in 1961 in Hawaii, he was the first Black president in American history, and his election was a landmark moment for the country. His two terms focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and a range of foreign policy challenges.

Obama has been one of the most active former presidents in recent memory. His memoir A Promised Land* became a bestseller, his production company Higher Ground has produced content for Netflix, and he remains a prominent voice on issues like voting rights, climate change, and democratic institutions. He and Michelle Obama continue to be one of the most recognizable couples in American public life.

If you found this helpful, you might also enjoy john f kennedy what can you do for your country or the impact of the emancipation proclamation.

What About Donald Trump?

Donald Trump is currently serving as the 47th president, having won the 2024 election after previously serving as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021. Because he's the sitting president right now, he doesn't fall into the "

Because he's the sitting president right now, he doesn't fall into the roster of former commanders‑in‑chief who receive the full suite of post‑office benefits and protections. That said, as the 2024 election cycle settles, the focus shifts to the inevitable moment when the current occupant will step down and join the ranks of those who have already left the White House. At that point, the “living former presidents” list will expand again, adding a new name to a group that already includes three veterans of the modern era.

The Logistics of Being a Living Former President

When a president leaves office, a complex support system kicks in to ensure their safety, health, and continued public role. The most visible component is Secret Service protection. While the agency provides round‑the‑clock detail for sitting presidents, former presidents receive a reduced but still substantial level of protection—typically a motorcade escort, advance teams for public events, and a cadre of agents assigned to their personal security details.

The Secret Service detail is just the most visible layer of the post‑office safety net. In practice, the transition to “former” status also triggers a cascade of administrative and financial entitlements that have evolved over decades.

Pension and Health Care
The former president’s pension is calculated as a percentage of the basic salary paid to a Secretary of State, currently $219,200 a year. The payment is made through the Office of Personnel Management and is supplemented by the Former Presidents’ Health Care Act, which provides comprehensive medical and dental coverage through the federal health insurance program. Many ex‑presidents rely on this coverage to manage the long‑term health issues that can arise from the intense demands of the presidency.

Presidential Libraries
The National Archives’ Presidential Libraries program gives each former president the right to establish a library and museum in their home state or a location chosen by the administration. These facilities serve as repositories for executive records, as well as public education centers. They are funded jointly by the federal government—through a modest annual appropriation—and private donors, and they often become major tourist attractions that help sustain the former president’s legacy.

Public Speaking and Advisory Roles
With the weight of a national office behind them, most former presidents choose to remain active in public life. They give speeches to corporate boards, universities, and think‑tank conferences, often earning substantial speaking fees. Many also take on advisory roles for current administrations, NGOs, or international organizations, leveraging their experience to influence policy behind the scenes. Barack Obama’s Higher Ground production company is a prime example of how a former president can shape cultural narratives while staying relevant.

Media Presence and Personal Projects
Beyond speaking, former presidents frequently engage in media ventures—books, documentaries, podcasts, and social media. Their unique perspective can command high book sales and viewership numbers, and they are often invited to appear on news programs, panel discussions, and political commentary shows. The media attention, while sometimes intrusive, also keeps their voices in the national conversation, allowing them to advocate for causes they are passionate about.

Legal and Ethical Considerations
The Ethics Reform Act of 1989, amended several times since, imposes strict post‑office restrictions on former presidents. They must recuse themselves from lobbying activities related to matters they handled while in office for a period of two years, and they are prohibited from accepting foreign gifts or salaries. These rules aim to prevent conflicts of interest and preserve the integrity of the executive office.

The Human Side of Retired Leadership
Despite the perks and public platform, the transition can be personally challenging. Former presidents often grapple with the loss of a daily routine, the sudden influx of public scrutiny, and the need to find new purpose after years of serving the nation. Many turn to creative pursuits—gardening, painting, or writing—as a way to process the experience and maintain a sense of identity outside the Oval Office.

Looking Ahead

As the 2028 election approaches, the roster of living former presidents will inevitably grow. Day to day, each new addition brings fresh perspectives and renewed public interest, but the core structure of benefits, security, and legacy management remains largely unchanged. The system—shaped by decades of legislation and tradition—continues to balance the need to protect and honor those who once held the nation’s highest office while allowing them to contribute meaningfully to public life.

In the end, the lives of former presidents after office illustrate a unique blend of privilege, responsibility, and personal evolution. Their ongoing engagement with the country—whether through public speaking, philanthropy, or cultural projects—underscores how the presidency, even after the term ends, remains a powerful platform for shaping the national narrative. The living former presidents, therefore, are not just relics of the past; they are active participants in the democratic process, reminding us that the influence of a presidency can extend far beyond its four-year term.