Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on Monday, making history as the oldest individual to assume the office.
At 78 years and seven months, Trump surpasses the previous record held by Joe Biden, who was 78 years and two months old at his inauguration in 2021.
This milestone invites a closer look at how age has shaped the presidency throughout US history.
Trump, born on June 14, 1946, had already broken records in 2017 when he became the oldest president at 70 during his first term.
The average age of US presidents at inauguration is 57, a benchmark set by George Washington in 1789.
Theodore Roosevelt remains the youngest president, taking office at 42 following the assassination of William McKinley in 1901.
Lifespans of US Presidents
Jimmy Carter, who passed away in December 2024 at 100, holds the record as the longest-living president, with an unmatched 43 years post-presidency.
John F. Kennedy, assassinated at 46 in 1963, lived the shortest life of all US presidents.
Among the 41 presidents who have passed away, the average age at death is 72, with six living beyond 90.
Longest and shortest terms
Franklin D. Roosevelt served the longest, completing over 12 years in office from 1933 until his death in 1945.
William Henry Harrison’s presidency was the shortest, lasting just one month before his death in 1841.
