Current Living Former Presidents
As of mid-2025, there are four living U.S. former presidents. This verified list reflects publicly confirmed status through official records, biographies, and recent news from reliable outlets. The living former presidents are, in order of most recent term end: Donald Trump (45th, 2017–2021), Barack Obama (44th, 2009–2017), George W. Bush (43rd, 2001–2009), and Bill Clinton (42nd, 1993–2001). Jimmy Carter (39th, 1977–1981) died in December 2024. This page maintains an evergreen status overview and sourcing details for transparency.
Full Verified Status List
The table below presents a concise, verifiable snapshot of recent former presidents who have died and those confirmed alive as of 2025. Dates and statuses are drawn from official biographies, presidential libraries, and reputable news verification.
| President | Term | Status as of 2025 | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bill Clinton | 1993–2001 | Alive | Official biography, news |
| George W. Bush | 2001–2009 | Alive | Official biography, news |
| Barack Obama | 2009–2017 | Alive | Official biography, news |
| Donald Trump | 2017–2021 | Alive | Official biography, news |
| Jimmy Carter | 1977–1981 | Deceased (Dec 2024) | Official statement, news |
Definitions and Scope
In this explainer, "former president" means any person who has completed at least one term as President of the United States or succeeded to the presidency and served as the head of state and government. Living status refers to publicly confirmed, up-to-date information as of mid-2025. Deaths are reported only after verification from authoritative sources.
Methodology and Source Transparency
Status information is compiled from official presidential libraries, biographies, and consistent reporting across multiple reputable news organizations. When possible, status is cross-referenced with public schedules, speech archives, and social media presence maintained by official offices. Disputed or unclear cases are noted; as of this writing, no ambiguity remains among the most recent five former presidents.
Context: Recent Changes
The only status change among recent former presidents in 2024 was the death of Jimmy Carter. All others listed as alive remain active in public life, publishing, or diplomatic engagements. No new deaths have been reported through 2025, keeping the living count at four.
Quick Reference: Living Former Presidents
- Bill Clinton (42nd President, 1993–2001)
- George W. Bush (43rd President, 2001–2009)
- Barack Obama (44th President, 2009–2017)
- Donald Trump (45th President, 2017–2021)
Comparison: Living vs. Deceased Recent Presidents
| Category | Count | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Living (as of mid-2025) | 4 | Clinton, Bush, Obama, Trump |
| Deceased (since 2018) | 1 | Carter |
For the purposes of clarity and accuracy, this article uses the term "former president" to refer to individuals who have held the office of President of the United States and have left that office, whether by term completion, succession, or death. Status is current as of the publication date and is reviewed periodically to remain an evergreen resource.