With the presidency behind him, Joe Biden, the oldest U.S. president at 82, may soon find himself with more time on his hands. Drawing inspiration from his predecessors, here are some ideas for how he could spend his post-White House years.
Securing His Place in History
Unlike his predecessor Donald Trump, who mounted a political comeback, Biden is unlikely to pursue another campaign. Instead, he might focus on shaping his legacy through speaking engagements and public appearances. These could help bolster his popularity, much like George W. Bush’s post-presidency activities improved his reputation after a low point at the end of his term.
Biden told USA Today he wants to be remembered for “restoring the economy and reestablishing America’s leadership in the world.” History shows ex-presidents often enjoy higher approval ratings after leaving office, offering Biden an opportunity to reshape his public image.
Planning a Presidential Library
A major focus could be the development of a presidential library, likely in Delaware, where Biden spent decades as a senator. Early fundraising efforts are already underway, inspired by projects like the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, which began construction in 2020 and is set to open in 2026.
Sorting Through Memorabilia
Known for holding onto keepsakes, Biden might spend time organizing memorabilia from his political career. However, handling documents carefully will be key, given past controversies involving classified material found at his home and office. White House officials have vowed to ensure proper adherence to document retention rules.
Writing a Memoir—With Caution
Though he hasn’t expressed strong interest in another book, Biden could consider penning a third memoir. His previous works, Promises to Keep and Promise Me, Dad, explored his political and personal life. However, any future publication would need to avoid pitfalls, especially after a special counsel investigated mishandling of classified information during his prior collaborations.
Engaging With the Ex-Presidents Club
Biden may embrace the camaraderie of the former presidents club, a tradition where ex-leaders collaborate on humanitarian projects or simply attend key events together. This group has a history of setting aside partisan differences to promote initiatives like disaster relief or vaccine advocacy. Such efforts could also distinguish Biden from Trump, who largely shunned post-presidency traditions.
Exploring Show Business?
Known for his humor, Biden has joked about taking on roles in the entertainment world. At White House events, he has teased celebrities like Robert De Niro and Jessica Alba about helping him find a job. Whether as a joke or a genuine interest, it wouldn’t be the first time an ex-president dabbled in media—Ronald Reagan, for instance, had a successful Hollywood career before his presidency.
A New Chapter Ahead
As Biden prepares to leave office, he has a wealth of opportunities to shape his legacy, contribute to public life, or explore personal passions. Whether focusing on history, charity, or even Hollywood, the coming years could be anything but quiet for the outgoing commander-in-chief.