The 5 Oldest Living US Presidents

Birthday: November 20, 1942
Age When Elected: 78
Years In Office: January 20, 2021 - January 20, 2025

Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States on January 20, 2021, becoming the oldest individual to assume the presidency at the age of 78. During his tenure, Biden faced scrutiny and discussions about his age and cognitive health. Despite this, he led ambitious domestic agendas, including the American Rescue Plan and efforts to renew infrastructure through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. His presidency has been marked by both significant legislative efforts and controversy, facing challenges such as the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal and ongoing debates about inflation and immigration. Biden initially campaigned for a second term in the 2024 election, before facing pressure to step aside due to concerns over his age. In July 2024, he officially dropped out of the race and endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, in replacing him as the Democratic nominee.

Birthday: June 14, 1946
Age When Elected: 70
Years In Office: January 20, 2017 - January 20, 2021

Donald Trump served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021, entering office at the age of 70, making him the oldest person to assume the presidency at that time until Joe Biden's inauguration in 2021. His presidency was marked by significant policy changes and contentious actions, leading to two impeachments, which sparked widespread debate and division in the country. After losing the 2020 election, Trump announced his bid for the 2024 presidential election, continuing to influence the Republican Party and national discourse. Trump became the oldest presidential nominee in US history at age 78.

Birthday: July 6, 1946
Age When Elected: 54
Years In Office: January 20, 2001 - January 20, 2009

George W. Bush served as the 43rd president of the United States from 2001 to 2009. He assumed office at the age of 54, bringing with him prior experience as the 46th governor of Texas. Bush's presidency was notably shaped by the events of September 11, 2001, which led to the “war on terror,” including the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. Despite initial strong public support, the Bush administration faced significant challenges and criticism over its handling of the Iraq war, as well as major domestic crises like Hurricane Katrina and the 2008 financial crisis.

Since leaving the White House, Bush has focused on a range of post-presidential activities, most notably through the George W. Bush Presidential Center at Southern Methodist University. He has engaged in public speaking, written memoirs and books, including Decision Points and Portraits of Courage, a collection of his paintings of military veterans. Bush has also been involved in humanitarian efforts, such as the Bush Institute's initiatives on global health and economic growth.

Birthday: August 19, 1946
Age When Elected: 46
Years In Office: January 20, 1993 - January 20, 2001

Bill Clinton served as the 42nd president of the United States and entered office at the age of 46, making him the third-youngest president in US history at that time. During his tenure, Clinton presided over the longest period of peacetime economic expansion in the United States and implemented key policies like the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and welfare reform. His presidency was also marked by significant foreign policy efforts, including military interventions in Bosnia and Kosovo and attempts to broker peace in the Middle East. Clinton's second term was marred by the Monica Lewinsky scandal, which led to his impeachment by the House of Representatives; however, he was acquitted by the Senate and completed his term with high approval ratings.

Since leaving office in 2001, Bill Clinton has remained highly active in public life through various initiatives. He founded the Clinton Foundation, which focuses on global issues like health, economic development, and climate change. He has also authored several books and continues to engage in public speaking.

Birthday: August 4, 1961
Age When Elected: 47
Years In Office: January 20, 2009 - January 20, 2017

Barack Obama became the 44th president, taking office at the age of 47. Notably, he was first African-American president and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 for his achievements in international diplomacy. His presidency was marked by significant legislative achievements such as the Affordable Care Act, and his foreign policy endeavors included the operation that killed Osama bin Laden and controversial Iran nuclear deal. Obama’s administration also saw the end of the US military presence in Iraq and took steps towards combating climate change, including signing an international climate agreement.

Since leaving office in January 2017, Barack Obama has remained active in public life through various initiatives and engagements. Along with his wife, Michelle Obama, he established the Obama Foundation, which focuses on inspiring and empowering the next generation of leaders. Obama has also published a memoir titled A Promised Land and has been involved in producing content through a deal with Netflix, resulting in documentaries and series like Our Great National Parks. He has engaged in public speaking, campaigned for Democratic candidates, and launched the podcast Renegades: Born in the USA with Bruce Springsteen.