By the numbers
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Historical context
The United States has had 47 presidents since George Washington took office on April 30, 1789. The presidency has evolved dramatically over more than two centuries — from Washington's reluctant leadership to the modern media-driven office of the 21st century. Of the 47 presidents, four were assassinated (Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley, Kennedy), four died of natural causes while in office, and one resigned (Nixon).
The Republican Party has produced more presidents than any other party — 19 in total. The Democratic Party has elected 15 presidents. The remaining presidents served under earlier parties: the Federalist Party, Democratic-Republican Party, Whig Party, and others from the early republic era.
Donald Trump holds the unique distinction of being the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms since Grover Cleveland (22nd and 24th president). Trump won the 2016 election, lost in 2020, and won again in 2024 — making him both the 45th and 47th president.
The youngest president to take office was Theodore Roosevelt at 42, following McKinley's assassination. The oldest was Joe Biden at 78 when inaugurated in 2021. The longest-serving was FDR at 12 years and 39 days. The shortest-serving was William Henry Harrison, who died of pneumonia just 31 days into his term.
Frequently asked questions
How many presidents has the United States had?
The United States has had 47 presidencies but 45 individual people. Grover Cleveland and Donald Trump each served two non-consecutive terms, so each is counted twice — Cleveland as the 22nd and 24th president, and Trump as the 45th and 47th.
Who was the first president of the United States?
George Washington was the first U.S. president. He took office on April 30, 1789, served two terms until 1797, and remains the only president elected unanimously by the Electoral College.
Who is the current U.S. president?
Donald Trump is the current, 47th president. His second term began on January 20, 2025, and ends on January 20, 2029. See the exact time left on our live countdown.
Which president served the longest, and which the shortest?
Franklin D. Roosevelt served the longest — 12 years and 39 days across four terms (1933-1945). William Henry Harrison served the shortest, just 31 days in 1841 before dying of pneumonia.
How many presidents have been impeached?
Three presidents have been impeached by the House of Representatives: Andrew Johnson (1868), Bill Clinton (1998), and Donald Trump (twice, in 2019 and 2021). None were removed from office; all were acquitted by the Senate.
How many presidents have died in office?
Eight presidents have died in office. Four were assassinated (Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley, and Kennedy) and four died of natural causes (William Henry Harrison, Zachary Taylor, Warren Harding, and Franklin D. Roosevelt).