Ever found yourself watching the news and wondering who actually holds the title of "former commander-in-chief" these days? It's a small group. A really small one. Honestly, the "Presidents Club" is one of the most exclusive fraternities on the planet, and as of early 2026, the roster has seen some significant changes.
We recently lost a giant. Jimmy Carter, the man who redefined what it meant to be a former president by spending four decades building houses and eradicating diseases, passed away in late 2024 at the age of 100. His departure felt like the end of an era. It truly was. For a long time, he was the anchor of this group.
So, what United States presidents are still alive right now?
As we sit here in January 2026, there are exactly five living men who have held the highest office in the land. That includes the current guy in the Oval Office and four who have moved on to their "after-office" lives of libraries, high-priced speeches, and occasional paintbrushes.
The Current Member: Donald J. Trump (45th and 47th President)
It’s a bit of a weird trivia point now, isn't it? Donald Trump is the first person since Grover Cleveland to serve non-consecutive terms. Because he was inaugurated again on January 20, 2025, he is both a former president and the sitting president.
At 79 years old, he’s currently the man in charge. He broke Joe Biden’s record as the oldest person ever sworn into office. If he completes this term, he’ll be 82 by the time 2029 rolls around. His life right now is obviously centered in Washington D.C., though he still spends plenty of time at Mar-a-Lago when the weather in D.C. gets too "swampy."
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The Most Recent Addition: Joe Biden (46th President)
Joe Biden joined the ranks of former presidents just about a year ago. After deciding not to seek re-election and passing the torch during the 2024 cycle, he’s been keeping a relatively low profile. He’s 83 now. That actually makes him the oldest living president in the group.
You’ll mostly find him in Wilmington or Rehoboth Beach these days. He’s reportedly working on his memoirs, focusing on the heavy lifting of the early 2020s. People close to him say he’s enjoying the lack of a 2:00 AM emergency phone call, though he still weighs in on Democratic party matters when asked.
The "Middle" Generation: Barack Obama and George W. Bush
These two are the heart of the living former presidents' group. It’s kinda funny how they’ve become friends over the years, isn’t it? You see them at funerals or big national events, and they’re usually cracking jokes in the back row.
Barack Obama (44th President)
Obama is the "youngster" of the group at 64. He’s been out of office for nine years now, which is wild to think about. He spends his time between Washington, Martha’s Vineyard, and Chicago. Between his production deal at Netflix and his foundation work, he’s arguably the most culturally active former president we have. He still has that "rock star" pull whenever he shows up at a rally or a global summit.
George W. Bush (43rd President)
"W" is 79. He shares a birth year (1946) with both Bill Clinton and Donald Trump. It was a big year for future presidents, apparently. Bush has famously leaned into his hobby of oil painting. He’s actually gotten pretty good at it. He lives a quiet life in Dallas, Texas, showing up for Rangers games and staying largely out of the day-to-day political mudslinging. He’s taken on the role of the "elder statesman" who just wants to talk about veterans and his dogs.
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The Senior Member: Bill Clinton (42nd President)
Bill Clinton is also 79. He’s dealt with a few health scares over the last decade—heart stuff, mostly—but he’s still very much in the mix. He published a new memoir, Citizen, in late 2024 that gave a pretty raw look at his life after the White House.
He’s not as fast on his feet as he was during the '92 campaign, but his mind is still a steel trap for policy details. He stays busy with the Clinton Foundation and, of course, supporting Hillary’s various initiatives.
Why the Number of Living Presidents Matters
It’s not just about trivia. Having a pool of living former presidents serves as a living library of American history. When a major crisis hits, the sitting president often reaches out to these guys. Even if they disagree on every single policy, they share a trauma and a responsibility that only 46 people in history have ever truly understood.
- Advice and Counsel: They provide a perspective that even the best advisors can't. They know what it feels like when the "buck stops" on their desk.
- Diplomacy: They often act as unofficial ambassadors. Remember when Clinton and the elder Bush teamed up for tsunami relief? That stuff matters.
- Civic Stability: In a time when the country feels super divided, seeing these men from different parties stand together at a funeral or a dedication sends a powerful message.
Life After the White House: The "Golden Years"
What do they actually do all day? Most of them have a "transition" period where they just try to learn how to drive a car again (the Secret Service usually doesn't let them drive on public roads for the rest of their lives).
- Writing: Every single one of them writes a book. It's basically a law at this point.
- Philanthropy: They all start foundations. It’s how they keep their legacy alive.
- Speaking: They get paid a lot to talk. We’re talking six figures for an hour-long keynote at a tech conference or a global summit.
What People Get Wrong About the Presidents Club
A lot of people think they’re all best friends. They aren't. They’re colleagues. There’s a lot of ego in that room. Imagine putting five people who were all "The Boss" of the free world in one small office. It’s tense.
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But there is a profound respect. Even Trump, who has been historically critical of his predecessors, has found moments of decorum when the "Club" gathers. The death of Jimmy Carter in 2024 brought them all together in a way we hadn't seen in years. It was a reminder that the office is bigger than the man.
Moving Forward: The Next Few Years
As we look at what United States presidents are still alive, we have to acknowledge that the group is aging. With three members born in 1946 and one born in 1942, we are in a season where the "Old Guard" is very much in their twilight years.
If you're interested in keeping up with the "Presidents Club," the best thing you can do is follow the official presidential libraries. They aren't just dusty buildings with old papers; they are active hubs where these former leaders launch their newest projects.
You can also check out the National Archives website for deep dives into their daily schedules from when they were in office. It’s a fascinating way to compare how different men handled the exact same job. Keep an eye on the news around major national holidays—that's usually when you'll see the living presidents make a joint statement or appearance.
The list is short, but the impact these five men have on the world is still massive.