Right now, as of early 2026, the answer is five.
Wait. It feels like more, doesn't it? For a long time, we were used to seeing a larger group gathered at state funerals or library openings. But the roster has changed. Honestly, the "Presidents Club" is getting smaller and older, and the dynamics are shifting in ways that most people don't really notice until they see them all together.
Actually, the death of Jimmy Carter in late 2024 was the big shift. He hit 100—an absolute marathon of a life—and his passing marked the end of an era. He was the last link to a specific kind of 20th-century leadership. Now, we are left with a very specific group of five men who know what it's like to have the nuclear codes and the weight of the world on their shoulders.
So, how many presidents are still alive today?
Currently, there are five living U.S. presidents. This includes the sitting president, Donald Trump, and four former presidents: Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.
It’s a tight-knit and yet deeply divided group. Think about it. You’ve got three guys—Trump, Clinton, and Bush—who were all born in the exact same year: 1946. That is a wild statistical anomaly. 1946 was clearly a big year for future commanders-in-chief.
The Current Roster (Ages as of January 2026)
- Bill Clinton: 79 years old. Born August 19, 1946.
- George W. Bush: 79 years old. Born July 6, 1946.
- Barack Obama: 64 years old. Born August 4, 1961.
- Donald Trump: 79 years old. Born June 14, 1946. (The incumbent)
- Joe Biden: 83 years old. Born November 20, 1942.
If you’re looking at that list, you’ll notice something immediately. Joe Biden is currently the oldest living president. After Jimmy Carter passed away, the title of "elder statesman" in terms of age shifted to him.
The 1946 Trio and the Age Gap
It is sort of bizarre that Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Donald Trump are all the same age. Clinton feels like he was president a lifetime ago because he took office so young (he was only 46). Meanwhile, Trump is currently serving in his late 70s. It’s a strange quirk of American politics that the same generation has held onto the wheel for so long.
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Then you have Barack Obama. He’s the "kid" of the group at 64.
He’s younger than some people who are just now starting their retirement. Because he served two terms and left office at 55, he has a massive post-presidency ahead of him. Historically, that’s where the real influence happens. Just look at what Jimmy Carter did with his four decades after the White House. He basically reinvented the "ex-president" role into a humanitarian powerhouse.
What Happened to the "Six Living Presidents" Record?
For a brief window, we actually had six living presidents. This happened twice in recent history. The most recent was from the time Joe Biden was inaugurated in 2021 until Jimmy Carter’s death in December 2024.
The other time? That was back in 2017 when George H.W. Bush was still around.
When you have six, the Secret Service detail alone is enough to fill a small hotel. But mortality eventually catches up, even with the most protected people on earth. With Carter gone, we are back down to five. If history is any indication, we probably won't see six again for quite some time, given the ages of the current group.
The Health and Status of the Former Presidents
People always ask how they're doing. It’s natural curiosity.
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Bill Clinton has had some well-documented heart issues over the years. You’ve probably noticed he looks much thinner than he did in the 90s. He’s been a vegan or "pescatarian" for a while now to manage his health. Lately, he’s been in the news for more than just health, though, as he’s been dealing with the fallout of various congressional investigations and public scrutiny.
George W. Bush stays mostly in Texas. He paints. He goes to mountain bike rallies with veterans. He’s generally stayed out of the political fray, which is a bit of a "W" tradition. He seems to be in good health, often appearing at sporting events in Dallas.
Barack Obama is basically a media mogul now. Between the Netflix deals, the books, and the high-level campaigning he does for the Democratic party, he's incredibly active. He lives primarily in D.C. and Martha's Vineyard.
Joe Biden is now in his post-presidency phase. After 2025, he’s shifted into a quieter role, though his health is always a topic of conversation in the media. He’s the oldest person to ever hold the office, and that naturally comes with a different pace of life.
Why the Number of Living Presidents Matters
It isn't just a trivia question for Jeopardy. The number of living presidents matters because they form an unofficial advisory council.
They share a bond that literally nobody else on the planet understands. There’s a famous photo from the 1990s of all the living presidents at the time standing in the Oval Office. They look like a club. Even when they hate each other's policies—and let’s be real, some of these guys really don't get along—there is a level of institutional respect.
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Well, usually.
In recent years, that "club" atmosphere has frayed. Donald Trump’s relationship with his predecessors has been... let's call it "complicated." He hasn't exactly followed the tradition of calling up the former guys for advice. But regardless of the personal drama, they all still receive the same intelligence briefings (if they choose) and the same lifetime protection.
Summary of the Current Living Presidents
To keep it simple, here is the state of the "Presidents Club" today:
- Oldest: Joe Biden (83)
- Youngest: Barack Obama (64)
- The 79-Year-Old Club: Trump, Bush, and Clinton.
- Longest Post-Presidency (Living): Bill Clinton (he's been out of office for 25 years).
If you are following the news today, you'll see them mostly in the context of legacy. Clinton and Bush are the "old guard." Obama is the bridge to the modern era. Biden and Trump are the two who have defined the extremely polarized 2020s.
Actionable Insights for the Curious:
- If you want to see them all together, wait for the next major state event or the dedication of the Biden Presidential Library—though whether they all show up remains a big question in this political climate.
- You can follow the "National Archives" for updates on presidential records, which is where the real history is being written while these men are still alive.
- Keep an eye on the "Presidents Club" as a concept; as the 1946 generation enters their 80s, the makeup of this group is going to change significantly over the next five years.