The Five Living US Presidents: A Shocking December 2025 Update On Their Current Activities And Legacies
The landscape of American presidential history has been significantly reshaped in late 2024 and throughout 2025, culminating in a definitive list of just five living US Presidents as of this moment, December 21, 2025. This exclusive group holds a unique place in the nation’s political and cultural life, with one currently occupying the Oval Office and four others continuing their powerful work in the realm of global diplomacy and charitable foundations.
The most profound change to this elite club came with the passing of the beloved 39th President, Jimmy Carter, in late 2024, followed by the transition of power in January 2025. This article provides an in-depth, up-to-the-minute look at the current activities, public roles, and ongoing influence of the five men who still hold the title of President of the United States.
The Definitive List of Current Living US Presidents (December 2025)
As of December 2025, only five individuals who have served as the President of the United States are still living. Their current roles range from the highest office in the land to global humanitarian work and the stewardship of their presidential libraries. This list is presented in order of their presidency.
- William J. "Bill" Clinton (42nd President, 1993–2001)
- George W. Bush (43rd President, 2001–2009)
- Barack Obama (44th President, 2009–2017)
- Joseph R. "Joe" Biden Jr. (46th President, 2021–2025)
- Donald J. Trump (45th and 47th President, 2017–2021 and 2025–Present)
The 47th President's December 2025 Agenda: Executive Power and Policy Shifts
Donald J. Trump (45th and 47th President) is currently serving in his second non-consecutive term, a historical rarity that places him in a highly scrutinized position. His administration has been particularly active in the final month of the year, focusing on a flurry of executive actions and policy enactments.
In mid-December 2025, the President signed numerous Executive Orders (EO), continuing a legislative blitz that began in the first year of his second term. These orders, ranging from EO 14147 through EO 14367, cover a wide spectrum of domestic and foreign policy.
A significant focus has been on immigration policy, with the administration expanding a travel ban on December 19, 2025, impacting several new regions and categories of individuals. This move has reignited debates over the scope of presidential authority and executive power.
Domestically, the President issued an executive order on December 18, 2025, granting most federal workers a holiday on Christmas Eve and December 26, a popular move ahead of the holiday season. The administration is also actively involved in shaping the future of technology, with actions taken regarding "Winning the 6G Race" and "ENSURING AMERICAN SPACE SUPERIORITY" in the days leading up to the end of the year.
Post-Presidency Powerhouses: Charitable Work, Diplomacy, and Controversy
The post-presidency phase is often described as the "third act" of a former Commander-in-Chief's life. For the other four living presidents, this period is defined by high-impact charitable work, high-profile public speaking engagements, and in some cases, unexpected controversy.
Joe Biden: The Immediate Former President's Legacy
Joe Biden (46th Former President), having concluded his term in January 2025, holds the unique status of the most recent former president. His current activities are focused on solidifying the legacy of his four years in office, particularly concerning his legislative achievements, such as infrastructure investment and clean energy initiatives. He remains a powerful voice within the Democratic Party, often participating in electoral considerations and fundraising events. His work often involves advocating for the policies he enacted, ensuring their long-term implementation and impact on American life. The Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement is expected to become the focal point of his future work.
Barack Obama: Center Construction and Global Conversations
Barack Obama (44th Former President) continues to be one of the most visible global figures. His primary focus in late 2025 is the development of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. In December 2025, President Obama visited the campus to personally inspect the construction progress, showing his excitement for the project's completion.
In addition to his foundation work, Obama remains a sought-after speaker. He participated in a high-profile "First Conversation" event in December, hosted by the Crystal Bridges Museum, where he discussed the American spirit and the importance of finding common ground. His post-presidency is a blend of cultural outreach, leadership development, and continuing his work on democracy and youth engagement through the Obama Foundation.
George W. Bush: Global Health and Policy Initiatives
George W. Bush (43rd Former President) has dedicated his post-presidency to the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas. His work is characterized by a strong focus on global health and veteran support.
In December 2025, the Bush Center released multiple updates highlighting its ongoing commitment to global health through the PEPFAR program (President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief). This initiative, which has saved millions of lives, is a cornerstone of his legacy.
Furthermore, the Bush Institute is actively involved in domestic policy, releasing a monthly immigration update in December 2025, reflecting the former President's continued interest in policy discussions and economic growth. Bush's post-White House life is a model of non-partisan, impact-driven public service.
Bill Clinton: Foundation Work and Legal Challenges
Bill Clinton (42nd Former President) remains highly engaged through the Clinton Foundation, which focuses on global health, climate change, and economic opportunity. The Foundation's public programs continue to host compelling conversations with change-makers, with events scheduled throughout December 2025.
However, the former President's month was also marked by significant legal and political developments. He was scheduled for a deposition on December 17, 2025, related to ongoing investigations, highlighting the continued scrutiny that even former presidents face under the Former Presidents Act. Furthermore, he was recently compelled to respond to renewed public interest in the Epstein-related documents, a controversy that continues to follow him years after his time in office.
The End of an Era: Honoring the Legacy of Jimmy Carter
The list of living presidents saw a profound change with the passing of Jimmy Carter (39th President). The nation's longest-lived president, Carter passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100, after spending nearly two years in hospice care.
His death reduced the number of living presidents from six to five, marking a significant moment in American history. Carter’s legacy extends far beyond his single term, defined by his decades of humanitarian work with The Carter Center. His commitment to human rights, election monitoring, and disease eradication, particularly his work in Guinea Worm disease eradication, cemented his status as a humanitarian icon.
The Carter Center announced in December 2025, nearly a year after his death, that the values of hope, health, and peace he championed continue to drive their global mission. His quiet dignity and positive message about hospice care provided a final, powerful lesson in his last years.
The Continuing Influence of the Exclusive Club
The five current living presidents—Trump, Biden, Obama, Bush, and Clinton—represent a collective repository of unique experience, institutional knowledge, and global influence. Their activities, whether from the Oval Office or through their presidential centers and global diplomacy, continue to shape policy debates and public discourse. The transition of power and the loss of a figure like Jimmy Carter underscore the dynamic and evolving nature of this exclusive club, ensuring that the actions and words of these five men will be closely watched for years to come. Their ability to leverage the prestige of the presidency for charitable and political ends is a defining feature of the modern American political system.
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