William Jefferson Clinton, born August 19, 1946, in Hope, Arkansas, served as the 42nd president of the United States from 1993 to 2001. A Democrat and prominent “Third Way” centrist, Clinton oversaw historic economic growth, budget surpluses, and key legislation including NAFTA and welfare reform. He was impeached in 1998 but acquitted. Previously, Clinton was Arkansas’s attorney general and governor, championing education reform. Since leaving office, he founded the Clinton Foundation, led humanitarian initiatives such as Haiti earthquake relief, and remains active in Democratic politics. Following Jimmy Carter’s death in 2024, Clinton is now the earliest-serving living former U.S. president.

Current Role:
Public Speaker, Humanitarian, Founder of Clinton Foundation (2001–present)

Previous roles:
President of United States (1993–2001)
Governor of Arkansas (1979–1981, 1983–1992)
Attorney General of Arkansas (1977–1979)

Education:
Georgetown University, B.S. in Foreign Service, 1968
Rhodes Scholar, University College, Oxford (no degree), 1968–1970
Yale Law School, J.D., 1973

Background:
Born 1946, Hope, Arkansas
Lost father before birth; raised by mother and stepfather
Married Hillary Rodham in 1975; daughter Chelsea born in 1980

Career:
Lawyer at Wright, Lindsey & Jennings
Faculty, University of Arkansas Law School
Political consultant, Democratic Leadership Council

Political positions:
Democrat
Centrist “Third Way” philosophy
Supported welfare reform, education reform, crime legislation, and fiscal discipline

Legislative achievements:
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act
Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act
State Children's Health Insurance Program
Budget surpluses (1998–2001)

Controversies:
Clinton–Lewinsky scandal; impeachment (1998–1999), acquitted
Scrutiny over personal conduct and allegations
Financial deregulation measures debated