Bill Clinton is an American politician, lawyer, author, speaker and philanthropist who served as the 42nd president of the United States from 1993 to 2001. A Democrat from Arkansas, Clinton rose from a difficult childhood in a small Southern town to become one of the most prominent political figures of the late 20th century.

During his presidency, Clinton presided over a period of strong economic growth, falling unemployment and four consecutive federal budget surpluses. His administration also passed legislation including the Family and Medical Leave Act and played a major role in expanding health insurance for children. At the same time, his presidency was marked by intense political battles, investigations and the Monica Lewinsky scandal, which ultimately resulted in his impeachment by the House of Representatives. He was acquitted by the Senate and completed his second term.

After leaving the White House, Clinton remained highly active through the Clinton Foundation, international humanitarian initiatives, books and public speaking. His post-presidential career has also made him considerably wealthier than he was when he left office.

As of August 2026, Bill Clinton is 80 years old, having celebrated his 80th birthday on August 19, 2026. Recent coverage of his milestone birthday shows that he remains publicly active alongside his wife, Hillary Clinton, and their daughter, Chelsea.

Who Is Bill Clinton?

Bill Clinton is the former governor of Arkansas and the 42nd president of the United States. Born in Hope, Arkansas, in 1946, Clinton entered politics after studying international affairs and law. He became Arkansas attorney general at 30 and governor at 32, eventually becoming a national Democratic figure.

His political career was built around a combination of centrist economic policies, government reform, education, healthcare and an emphasis on helping working families. Clinton won the presidency in 1992, defeating Republican incumbent George H. W. Bush and independent candidate Ross Perot. He was reelected in 1996, defeating Republican nominee Bob Dole.

His eight years in the White House were economically successful by many measures, but they were also among the most politically controversial presidential terms in modern American history.

Bill Clinton Age

Bill Clinton was born William Jefferson Blythe III on August 19, 1946, in Hope, Arkansas. He was born three months after his biological father, William Jefferson Blythe Jr., died in a car accident. His mother, Virginia Cassidy Blythe, temporarily moved to New Orleans to study nursing, leaving young Bill in the care of his maternal grandparents, Eldridge and Edith Cassidy, in Hope.

His grandparents played an important role in his childhood. They operated a small grocery store and taught Clinton values involving education, hard work and treating people equally. The National Park Service notes that this early upbringing in Hope helped shape the person who would eventually become president.

When Clinton was four years old, his mother married Roger Clinton, an automobile salesman from Hot Springs, Arkansas. Bill eventually adopted his stepfather’s surname, becoming Bill Clinton while he was still in high school.

Clinton’s childhood was not always easy. His stepfather struggled with alcoholism, and Clinton later spoke publicly about the difficulties his family experienced as a result. Despite those challenges, he excelled academically and developed an early interest in politics and public service.

Bill Clinton Family and Parents

Clinton’s biological father was William Jefferson Blythe Jr., a traveling salesman who died before his son was born. His mother, Virginia Cassidy Blythe, later married Roger Clinton, whose surname Bill eventually adopted. Clinton grew up in Arkansas and remained strongly connected to the state throughout his political career.

His upbringing in the segregated South also influenced his political outlook. His grandparents operated their grocery store during a period of racial segregation but allowed customers of different races to purchase goods on credit. The experience contributed to Clinton’s early understanding of economic hardship and racial inequality.

Clinton later discovered that his biological father had other children from previous relationships, giving him half-siblings he had not known while growing up.

Bill Clinton Education

Clinton attended Hot Springs High School, where he was an excellent student and talented saxophone player. One of the most important experiences of his youth came in 1963 when he attended Boys Nation in Washington, D.C. There he met President John F. Kennedy at the White House.

The meeting left a lasting impression on Clinton and strengthened his interest in public service. Official presidential biographies describe the encounter as an important influence on his decision to pursue a political career.

Clinton attended Georgetown University, graduating in 1968 with a degree in foreign service. He then won a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship and studied at the University of Oxford. After Oxford, he attended Yale Law School, earning his law degree in 1973. At Yale, he met Hillary Rodham, who would eventually become his wife and one of the most influential political figures in the United States.

Bill Clinton Early Political Career

After graduating from Yale, Clinton returned to Arkansas and became a law professor at the University of Arkansas. His first major political campaign came in 1974, when he ran for the U.S. House of Representatives. He lost the election by a narrow margin. The defeat did not end his political ambitions.

In 1976, Clinton won election as Arkansas attorney general. Two years later, he was elected governor at only 32 years old, making him the youngest governor in the United States at the time. His political career would soon experience both rapid success and a major setback.

Bill Clinton as Governor of Arkansas

Clinton first became governor of Arkansas in 1978. However, his first term was difficult. He lost his reelection campaign in 1980, partly because of political backlash over issues including automobile taxes and other unpopular decisions. Rather than leaving politics, Clinton rebuilt his political career.

He won the governorship again in 1982 and remained in office until he became president in 1993. During his 12 years as governor, he became known nationally for his interest in education reform and economic development. Clinton’s Arkansas record eventually helped establish the political identity that he carried into the 1992 presidential campaign.

He presented himself as a Democrat who could support traditional Democratic priorities while also embracing fiscal discipline, business and market-oriented policies.

Bill Clinton Presidential Campaign

Clinton announced his presidential campaign for the 1992 election and quickly emerged as the leading Democratic candidate. His campaign presented him as a younger generation of Democratic leadership. At the time, President George H. W. Bush was politically vulnerable because of a recession and concerns about the economy.

Clinton’s campaign famously emphasized economic issues and positioned itself around the concerns of middle-class Americans. He ultimately won the 1992 election and became the 42nd president of the United States on January 20, 1993. At 46, Clinton became one of the youngest people ever elected president. He won reelection in 1996, defeating Republican Bob Dole.

Bill Clinton as President

Clinton served two terms in the White House from 1993 to 2001. His presidency coincided with major technological, economic and social changes in the United States. The economy expanded significantly during the 1990s. Unemployment and inflation declined, while the federal government moved from large deficits to budget surpluses.

The White House Historical Association notes that Clinton’s presidency included economic expansion, declining unemployment and inflation, and the achievement of federal budget surpluses. Clinton also worked on healthcare reform, education, crime, environmental protection and family policy.

His administration passed the Family and Medical Leave Act, which gave eligible workers job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons. He also signed legislation establishing the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which expanded health coverage for children from families who earned too much to qualify for traditional Medicaid but could not easily afford private insurance.

Bill Clinton Accomplishments

Clinton’s presidency remains closely associated with the strong economic conditions of the 1990s. One of the most important accomplishments was the move toward federal budget surpluses. His administration worked with Congress on tax increases and spending reductions, while economic growth increased government revenues.

According to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas, Clinton’s administration achieved four consecutive federal budget surpluses, something that had not occurred for decades. His administration also supported education initiatives, environmental regulations and crime legislation.

Clinton was involved in international diplomacy as well, including peace efforts in the Middle East, negotiations involving Northern Ireland and U.S. involvement in the Balkans. His presidency was therefore defined by both domestic economic policy and an active role in international affairs.

Bill Clinton Impeachment and Monica Lewinsky Scandal

Clinton’s presidency was severely damaged by the Monica Lewinsky scandal. In 1998, allegations emerged concerning an inappropriate relationship between Clinton and Monica Lewinsky, a White House intern. The controversy expanded into a broader investigation into whether Clinton had lied under oath and obstructed justice.

The House of Representatives ultimately impeached Clinton in December 1998, making him only the second U.S. president to be impeached at the time. However, the Senate did not convict him. Clinton therefore remained in office and completed his second term, leaving the White House in January 2001.

The scandal remains one of the most discussed aspects of his presidency and significantly affected his historical reputation.

Bill Clinton Wife

Bill Clinton has been married to Hillary Rodham Clinton since October 11, 1975. The couple met while both were students at Yale Law School. Hillary later moved to Arkansas, where they began their political and professional lives together.

Hillary became an attorney and later served as Arkansas first lady, first lady of the United States, U.S. senator from New York and U.S. secretary of state. She also became the Democratic presidential nominee in 2016. Bill and Hillary Clinton have remained married for more than five decades, despite the intense public scrutiny surrounding their relationship.

Bill Clinton Children and Family

Bill and Hillary Clinton have one child, Chelsea Clinton, who was born in 1980 while Bill was governor of Arkansas. Chelsea grew up in the public eye, spending part of her childhood in the Arkansas governor’s mansion before moving into the White House when her father became president.

As an adult, Chelsea became an author, public health advocate and philanthropist. She is married to Marc Mezvinsky, and the couple have three children: Charlotte, Aidan and Jasper. Hillary Clinton’s official biography confirms that the Clintons are grandparents to the three children. Family remains an important part of Clinton’s post-presidential life.

Bill Clinton Height

Bill Clinton stands at approximately 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall. His height has remained a recognizable physical feature throughout his political career.

Bill Clinton Net Worth

Bill Clinton has an estimated combined net worth of approximately $120 million, shared with his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Bill Clinton Salary

During Clinton’s presidency, the official presidential salary was $200,000 per year. The salary increased to $400,000 beginning January 20, 2001, after Congress passed legislation raising the presidential compensation. That increase therefore took effect just as Clinton was leaving office and did not apply to his eight-year presidency.

Today, Clinton no longer receives a presidential salary because he is a former president. However, former presidents can receive government benefits and allowances under federal law. Much of Clinton’s post-presidential income has instead come from private activities, particularly speaking engagements and book royalties.

Forbes reported that Clinton’s speaking fees often averaged around $225,000 per engagement during the years immediately following his presidency, with some engagements paying considerably more.

Bill Clinton Books

Clinton has written several books throughout his post-presidential career. His most famous memoir is My Life, published in 2004. The book became a major commercial success and provided Clinton with an opportunity to describe his childhood, political career and presidency in his own words.

He has also written children’s books and collaborated on political and thriller projects. His books have become an important source of post-presidential income. Forbes estimated that Clinton earned tens of millions of dollars from writing and publishing during the years following his presidency.

Bill Clinton After the Presidency

After leaving the White House in 2001, Clinton established himself as an influential former president. Through the Clinton Foundation, he became involved in global initiatives addressing HIV/AIDS, climate change, economic development, poverty and public health.

He also established the Clinton Global Initiative, which brought together governments, corporations, nonprofit organizations and other leaders to develop commitments addressing major global challenges. His post-presidential career has been unusually active for a former president.

He has also campaigned for Democratic candidates, including Hillary Clinton during her presidential campaigns, and has remained involved in international humanitarian efforts. At the same time, his post-presidential career has continued to attract scrutiny because of his political relationships, business connections and public activities.

Bill Clinton Current Activities

As of 2026, Bill Clinton remains involved in public life despite being several decades removed from the presidency. His official website describes him as continuing work related to global progress, democracy and human rights through his post-presidential activities.

He and Hillary Clinton continue to spend time with their daughter and grandchildren and appear at major public and cultural events. In 2026, Clinton also attracted significant media attention because of congressional scrutiny concerning his past association with Jeffrey Epstein. Forbes reported that Clinton testified before the House Oversight Committee in 2026 as part of that investigation.

That development is part of the former president’s current public profile, but it should be distinguished from established findings about his own conduct. After more than three decades in national politics, Clinton remains a consequential figure in American public life. His legacy combines economic achievements, international diplomacy, political controversy, personal scandal and an extensive post-presidential philanthropic career.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Bill Clinton?

Bill Clinton was born on August 19, 1946, in Hope, Arkansas. He turned 80 years old on August 19, 2026.

Who is Bill Clinton’s wife?

Bill Clinton’s wife is Hillary Rodham Clinton. They married on October 11, 1975, after meeting at Yale Law School.

How many children does Bill Clinton have?

Bill and Hillary Clinton have one daughter, Chelsea Clinton, born in 1980. Chelsea has three children, making Bill Clinton a grandfather of three.

What is Bill Clinton’s net worth?

Bill Clinton’s exact net worth is not publicly verified. A reasonable 2026 estimate is approximately $50 million. Forbes has previously estimated his wealth at $45 million or more.

How tall is Bill Clinton?

Bill Clinton is generally estimated to be 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall.

When was Bill Clinton president?

Bill Clinton served as the 42nd president of the United States from January 20, 1993, to January 20, 2001.

Why was Bill Clinton impeached?

Clinton was impeached by the House of Representatives in 1998 following the investigation into his relationship with Monica Lewinsky and allegations involving perjury and obstruction of justice. The Senate acquitted him in 1999, allowing him to remain president and complete his second term.

Where was Bill Clinton born?

Bill Clinton was born in Hope, Arkansas, on August 19, 1946. His birthplace is now part of the President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site.

What was Bill Clinton’s presidential salary?

Clinton received a presidential salary of $200,000 per year during his presidency. Congress subsequently doubled the presidential salary to $400,000 beginning January 20, 2001, after Clinton’s term ended.