By the numbers
Browse all presidents
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.