Who was youngest and oldest among US presidents
Before Joe Biden, Donald Trump held the title of the oldest US president (photo: Getty Images)
The inauguration of the 47th US President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, has already become one of the most talked about events in modern American history. Trump was 78 years old when he took office. In this context, we recall who was the youngest and oldest president of the United States.
Who was the youngest president of the United States
When we think of the presidents of the United States, we often imagine mature leaders with a wealth of experience. However, there have been many young presidents in US history.
Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt became the youngest president of the United States at the age of 42. He took office in 1901 after the assassination of his predecessor, William McKinley. However, it is worth noting that Roosevelt was not elected by the people to this position, but took it in accordance with the Constitution as vice president. Nevertheless, his presidency was significant, as he initiated many reforms and became known as one of the most charismatic leaders in the country.
The youngest elected president of the United States was John F. Kennedy. He became the 35th president in 1961 when he was 43 years old. Kennedy is remembered for his slogan "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." His youth and energy brought a new wave of hope to Americans.
The list of the youngest heads of the White House also includes Bill Clinton and Ulysses Grant, who were 46 years old at the time of their inauguration. The youngest person to be elected president of the United States in recent history was Barack Obama, who took office at the age of 47.
In general, only nine US presidents (approximately one in five) were under 50. Interestingly, according to a Pew Research Center survey in 2023, about half of Americans said that the best age for their president was 50. This doesn't fit at all with the choice of the same Americans during the last three elections.
Theodore Roosevelt (photo: Wikipedia)
Who is the oldest president of the United States
The oldest president at the time of his inauguration is Joe Biden, who was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on January 20, 2021, at the age of 78 years and 61 days. This is currently an absolute record among American guarantors.
However, an interesting fact is that Biden broke the previous record set by Donald Trump, who was the oldest president at the time of his first inauguration on January 20, 2017, when he was 70 years and 220 days old.
Thus, in American history, only these two leaders have become presidents after the age of 70. Before them, the oldest was Ronald Reagan, known for his charisma and political reforms (he took office at the age of 69 years and 349 days).
The list of the oldest also includes the 9th President of the United States, William Henry Harrison. He headed the White House at the age of 68 years and 23 days, but his term lasted only 32 days - he died prematurely.
The list also includes James Buchanan, who became president at the age of 65, George W. Bush and Zachary Taylor, who were 64 at the time of their inauguration, Dwight Eisenhower, 62, Andrew Jackson, 61, and Harry Truman, 60.
Joe Biden (photo: Wikipedia)
Donald Trump won the regular US presidential election in November 2024.
According to the 20th Amendment to the US Constitution, the terms of office of the president and vice president expire at noon on January 20. On that day, Trump will officially become the 47th president of the United States at 12:00 p.m. EDT (19:00 Kyiv time).
Read also, what Ukraine should expect after Trump's inauguration and whether peace talks will start.
Sources: Pew Research Center, CBS News, Wikipedia.
