Power is a weird thing. One day you’re the leader of the free world, and the next, you’re just a guy trying to figure out how to use an iPad or where to get a decent cup of coffee without a motorcade. Honestly, the transition is jarring. As of early 2026, the club of living US presidents has seen some significant changes, most notably the loss of its oldest member and a historic return to the Oval Office.
We currently have five men who have held the title of President of the United States. Five.
It used to be six. Jimmy Carter, the man who basically redefined what it means to be a "former" president, passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. He made it to the century mark—a feat no other president has ever touched. Since his funeral on January 9, 2025, the dynamic of this exclusive group has shifted.
The Current Roster of Living US Presidents
It’s a mix of faces you know well, but their current "jobs" might surprise you. Here is who is still with us:
- Bill Clinton (42nd President)
- George W. Bush (43rd President)
- Barack Obama (44th President)
- Donald Trump (45th and 47th President)
- Joe Biden (46th President)
Yes, you read that right. Donald Trump is on the list twice because he’s currently the sitting president again. He’s only the second person in American history to serve non-consecutive terms, following in the footsteps of Grover Cleveland.
Why the "Ex-Presidents Club" is Different Now
Historically, former presidents were expected to sort of... fade away. Maybe write a memoir. Maybe build a library. But things are getting way more complicated.
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Take Bill Clinton. He’s been out of office for over 25 years. You’d think he’d be playing golf in Chappaqua and calling it a day. Instead, he’s currently facing a fair bit of heat. As of January 2026, there are active contempt of Congress proceedings being discussed by the House Oversight Committee. It's related to subpoenas regarding his past associations, and it’s a reminder that the "shield" of the presidency doesn't last forever.
Then there’s Joe Biden. He’s the newest member of the "Former" category. After leaving office in January 2025, he’s kept a relatively low profile, though reports surfaced in mid-2025 that he was dealing with a prostate cancer diagnosis. At 83, he’s mostly focusing on his health and his family, which makes sense after a career that spanned over half a century in public service.
George W. Bush: The Quietest Resident of the Group
If you’re looking for the guy who has mastered the art of the post-presidency, it’s George W. Bush. He basically disappeared into North Dallas. He paints. He hangs out at his ranch in Crawford.
He’s currently getting ready for the "2026 Presidential Salute" in Houston this February, an event benefiting the George & Barbara Bush Foundation. Honestly, it’s kind of refreshing to see a former president who isn't trying to live-tweet the news cycle or settle old scores. He’s lean, he’s healthy, and he seems perfectly content to let history be the judge of his eight years in office.
The Obama Era Isn't Over, It's Just Moving
Barack Obama is arguably the most active "brand" among the living US presidents.
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He isn't just sitting around. He’s building. The Obama Presidential Center in Chicago is finally nearing completion, with an expected opening date in June 2026. This isn't just a building with some old papers in it. It’s a massive $850 million campus on the South Side.
He’s also still very much in the "influence" game. Through the Obama Foundation, he’s been mentoring a 2025-2026 class of global leaders—over 200 people from around the world. He’s lean, he’s still a powerful orator, and he’s using his platform to shape the next generation of activists.
Donald Trump: The President and the Former President
This is where it gets confusing for some. Donald Trump is currently the 47th President, but he is also a former president (the 45th).
Right now, in January 2026, he’s making headlines for leading a massive US delegation to the World Economic Forum in Davos. He’s pushing a very specific "America First" agenda, threatening tariffs on allies if they don’t support his more ambitious plans—like the one involving Greenland.
His return to power has fundamentally changed the vibe of the "living presidents" group. Usually, former presidents show up together at funerals or library openings in a show of unity. That hasn't really happened lately. The tension is palpable.
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What Most People Get Wrong
People think these guys sit around and chat on a secret group text. They don't.
While there is a level of mutual respect for the "burden of the office," the political divides are deeper than ever. In the past, you’d see the "Club of Five" (or Six) standing together at the National Cathedral. Now? They barely speak.
Living US presidents receive lifetime benefits that are pretty substantial:
- A Pension: Roughly $220,000 to $230,000 a year.
- Secret Service Protection: This is for life, and it extends to their spouses.
- Staff and Office Space: Taxpayers foot the bill for their transition and their ongoing administrative needs.
But the real value isn't the money. It’s the "consulting" fees and the speaking engagements. A single speech from a former president can fetch $400,000 or more.
Actionable Insights for the Curious
If you’re following the activities of our living US presidents, here is how to stay informed without getting lost in the noise:
- Visit the Libraries: If you’re near Dallas, Chicago, or Little Rock, go to the museums. They offer a sanitized but fascinating look at the decision-making process. The Bush Museum is even offering free admission on Presidents Day 2026.
- Check the Foundation Reports: If you want to know what a president actually cares about now, look at their non-profit's annual report. Obama focuses on "leadership," while Carter focused on "health and democracy."
- Watch the Subpoenas: The legal landscape for former presidents is changing. Keep an eye on the House Oversight Committee's actions regarding Bill Clinton—it could set a precedent for how former commanders-in-chief are handled in the future.
The "Post-Presidency" used to be a sunset. Now, it's just a second act. Whether it’s painting in Texas or fighting subpoenas in D.C., these five men continue to shape the country long after their first (or second) term has ended.