You’d think that after running the free world, these guys would just want to sit on a beach with a drink that has a little umbrella in it. Some do. Others, well, they just can’t seem to stay out of the headlines. As of early 2026, the list of former presidents is a pretty exclusive group, and honestly, it’s one of the most fascinating "clubs" in American history.
It’s a weird life. One day you have the nuclear codes; the next, you're arguing with the Secret Service because you want to go to a Best Buy to get a new laptop (which, by the way, they usually won't let you do without a whole security sweep).
The Current Roster: Who is Actually Left?
Right now, we have a handful of living former commanders-in-chief. Since Jimmy Carter passed away in late 2024—the man lived to be 100, which is just insane when you think about it—the "oldest living president" title has shifted.
- Joe Biden (46th President): He’s the most recent addition to the former presidents club after the 2025 inauguration. He’s 83 now. You’ve probably seen the news about his $10 million book deal; apparently, everyone wants to know what went down in those final months of his term.
- Barack Obama (44th President): Still the "youngster" of the group at 64. He’s basically turned into a media mogul with his Netflix deals and podcasts.
- George W. Bush (43rd President): He’s 79 and mostly stays at his ranch in Texas, painting and occasionally showing up at baseball games. He’s the one who really mastered the art of the "quiet" post-presidency.
- Bill Clinton (42nd President): Also 79. He’s been in the news lately because of some legal back-and-forth regarding congressional subpoenas, which just goes to show you never really "leave" politics.
Wait, what about the 45th? Well, Donald Trump is a unique case on the list of former presidents because, as of 2026, he’s actually the sitting 47th president. He’s both a former and a current, which makes the paperwork for the General Services Administration (GSA) a total nightmare, I'm sure.
What Does an Ex-President Actually Do All Day?
People think they just get a fat check and disappear. It's not that simple. Under the Former Presidents Act of 1958, they get a pension that’s basically equal to what a Cabinet Secretary makes. In 2026, for Joe Biden, that’s looking like over $250,000 a year.
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But there are strings attached.
They can’t just hop in a car and go for a drive. They haven't driven on a public road in decades. Most of them have a "transition" period where the government pays for an office and a small staff. For example, Biden’s office rent in Delaware is reportedly costing taxpayers around $727,000 this year. It sounds like a lot—and it is—but that’s the price of "maintaining the dignity of the office," or so the law says.
The "Presidential Allowance" Drama
There is a lot of grumbling in D.C. right now about how much these guys cost. Senator Joni Ernst has been pushing this "Presidential Allowance Modernization Act." The logic? These guys are making tens of millions on books and speeches. Why are we paying for their office furniture?
The proposed rule is basically: if you make more than $400,000 a year in the private sector, your government pension starts to shrink dollar-for-dollar.
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Honestly, it makes sense to a lot of people. When Bill Clinton left office, he was famously "dead broke" (his words, not mine) due to legal fees. Today? These guys are worth a fortune. Obama’s book deal was rumored to be worth $60 million.
Why the List of Former Presidents Still Influences Your Life
Even though they aren't in the Oval Office, these guys still carry a ton of weight. Think about the "Presidents Club" gatherings. When they all show up to a funeral—like they did for Jimmy Carter—it’s the only time you see bitter rivals whispering to each other in the front pew.
They also do "freelance diplomacy." Carter was the king of this, but Clinton and even Bush have done it. They go places the current president can't go. They talk to people the current administration doesn't want to be seen with.
It’s a weird, ghostly existence.
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Quick Facts You Probably Didn't Know
- No Mail: Former presidents don't get mail delivered to their house. The Secret Service intercepts it all at an off-site facility. If you send a letter to Obama, he’s not opening it himself.
- The "Dead" List: People forget how many presidents we've actually had. We're on number 47 (technically 46 individuals). The gap between the "founding fathers" and the modern era is filled with names most people can't remember, like Millard Fillmore or Franklin Pierce.
- Longevity: We are living in an era of "Super-Presidents." Before the 2000s, it was rare for so many to live so long. Now, thanks to the best healthcare on the planet, they’re regularly pushing into their 80s and 90s.
Moving Forward with the History
If you're trying to keep track of the list of former presidents, the best place to start isn't a dry textbook. Look at their libraries. Each one, from the Clinton Library in Little Rock to the Bush Center in Dallas, is basically a massive monument to how they want to be remembered.
If you're a history buff, your next step should be visiting the National Archives website to look at the GSA budget requests for 2026. It sounds boring, but seeing exactly how much is spent on "travel and cable TV" for a guy who left office 20 years ago is eye-opening. You can also check out the White House Historical Association's digital timeline, which is the gold standard for factual accuracy on term dates and transitions.
The "club" is getting smaller as the older generation passes, but its influence on American policy and the public imagination isn't going anywhere.