It's a question that usually pops up during a major national holiday or, more somberly, when a state funeral dominates the news cycle. People want to know the current headcount of the most exclusive club in the world.
As of January 2026, there are five living United States presidents.
This number recently changed. For a long time, we were sitting at six, but the passing of Jimmy Carter in late 2024 at the age of 100 marked the end of an era. It’s kinda wild to think about, but the current lineup includes one sitting president and four former commanders-in-chief. They represent decades of American history, from the end of the Cold War to the hyper-polarized digital age we're living in right now.
Who is Still in the Presidents Club?
The current list is a mix of political titans who, despite their massive differences, share a bond that only 46 people in history have ever truly understood.
1. Donald J. Trump (The Incumbent)
Donald Trump is currently serving his second term as the 47th President of the United States. Having returned to the White House after the 2024 election, he is now 79 years old. His presence in the club is unique because he is one of the few men to ever belong to the "former" and "sitting" categories at different times.
2. Joe Biden
Joe Biden left office in January 2025 at the age of 82. He’s currently living in Delaware. Honestly, Biden holds a few records of his own, specifically being the oldest person to serve as president until he handed over the keys. In early 2025, news broke that he was dealing with some health challenges, specifically a prostate cancer diagnosis, but he has remained active in his post-presidency life, occasionally popping up for philanthropic events or high-level briefings.
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3. Barack Obama
At 64, Barack Obama is the youngest member of this group. He’s been out of the Oval Office since 2017 but hasn't really "retired" in the traditional sense. You've probably seen him on the campaign trail for others or working on his massive Presidential Center in Chicago, which is slated for its grand opening later this year in 2026.
4. George W. Bush
"Dubya" is 79 now. Born just a month apart from Bill Clinton and Donald Trump in 1946, he represents a specific generation of leadership. Most of his time these days is spent at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, or at the Bush Institute. He’s famously taken up oil painting, which was a pivot nobody really saw coming back in 2004.
5. Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton is also 78 years old. His health has been a frequent topic of conversation in the news lately. In late 2024, he was hospitalized for a brief period with a fever, and more recently, photos surfaced of him in the Hamptons with what appeared to be medical support equipment. Despite the scares, he’s still a fixture at global summits and Democratic party events.
The Longevity of Modern Presidents
It wasn't always like this. If you look back at the 1800s, presidents didn't typically live for decades after their term ended. Medical care was... well, let's just say "less than ideal."
Jimmy Carter changed the math. By living to 100, he set a bar that likely won't be cleared for a long time. He spent nearly 44 years as a former president. That’s more time than some people spend in their entire careers.
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The "Presidents Club" isn't just a catchy name; it's a real thing. It’s an informal network. When a new president takes over, they often reach out to the others for advice. Even if they can't stand each other's politics, they usually respect the weight of the chair. You might remember the photos from Jimmy Carter’s funeral in January 2025. Seeing Trump, Obama, Clinton, and Bush lined up in the same pew—shaking hands and making small talk—is a reminder that the office is bigger than the person.
Why the Number Matters for 2026
We are currently approaching the United States Semiquincentennial—the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026.
Having five living presidents during such a massive milestone is historically significant. There are plans in motion for various "America250" events where all five are expected to participate in some capacity, though health and political schedules are always the wildcards.
Current Ages (as of early 2026):
- Joe Biden: 83
- Donald Trump: 79
- George W. Bush: 79
- Bill Clinton: 79
- Barack Obama: 64
Basically, 2026 is a "clumped" year. You have four men who are essentially the same age, all nearing 80. This makes the next few years statistically likely to see changes in the membership of this club.
Common Misconceptions About Former Presidents
A lot of people think that once a president leaves, they just vanish into a library. Not true.
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They get a pension (about $230,000 a year), but they also get lifetime Secret Service protection. This is why you’ll see Bill Clinton or George W. Bush at a random restaurant and there are ten guys in suits nearby. They also get transition funding to set up an office and hire a staff.
Another weird myth? That they can't drive. Technically, they aren't allowed to drive on public roads for security reasons, even after they leave office. George W. Bush famously loves driving his Ford F-150, but he’s restricted to the dirt roads of his private ranch.
Actionable Insights for History Buffs
If you're following the activities of the living presidents, here’s how to stay updated:
- Follow the Presidential Centers: The Obama Foundation and the Bush Center are the best places for actual updates on their initiatives rather than just political gossip.
- Watch the 2026 Celebrations: Keep an eye on the official America250 website. This will be the primary venue where you'll see the living presidents collaborating on non-partisan civic engagement.
- Visit the Libraries: If you're near Dallas (Bush), Little Rock (Clinton), or Chicago (Obama), visiting the libraries gives a much deeper look into their lives than a Wikipedia summary ever could.
The 2026 lineup of living presidents is a rare bridge between the 20th and 21st centuries. Whether they’re painting in Texas or campaigning in Chicago, they remain the most visible symbols of American governance.