Presidents, vice presidents, and first ladies

The president of the United States is the:

• U.S. head of state
• Chief executive of the federal government
• Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces

Current president

The 46th and current president of the United States is Joseph R. Biden, Jr. He was sworn into office on January 20, 2021.

Former U.S. presidents

The United States has had 45 former U.S. presidents. See images of and read about past presidents.

Many former presidents have presidential libraries and museums you can visit to learn about their lives and their time in office. Find presidential libraries and museums.

Requirements to be eligible to become president

According to Article II of the U.S. Constitution, the president must:

• Be a natural-born citizen of the United States
• Be at least 35 years old 
• Have been a resident of the United States for 14 years

Learn about the U.S. presidential election process.

The vice president of the United States presides over the U.S. Senate and takes over the role of president of the United States if the president is unable to perform their duties. If the vice president is not able to fulfill the duties of president, the role is passed to another leader in the order of presidential succession.

Current vice president

The 49th and current vice president of the United States is Kamala Harris. She was sworn in on January 20, 2021.

Former vice presidents

Find a list of former vice presidents and the presidents they served.

The First lady of the United States has traditionally been the wife or other close female relative of the president of the United States. First ladies:

• Host White House events
• Serve as informal advisors to the president
• Often become involved in social issues and causes

Current first lady

The current first lady of the United States is Dr. Jill Biden.

Former first ladies

Find a list of former first ladies and their presidential spouses.

See the Smithsonian Institution's virtual tour of first ladies' inaugural ball gowns and other artifacts.