by Tom Arnold, ©2026
(Jan. 13, 2026) — CONSTITUTION ANNOTATED Art.II.S1.C5.1 Qualifications for the Presidency
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story (associate justice 1811-1845) stated in his Commentaries on the Constitution of the United States, 3:§§ 1472–73, “Considering the nature of the duties, the extent of the information, and the solid wisdom and experience required in the executive department, no one can reasonably doubt the propriety of some qualification of age.”
As such and with the common sense of the framers of our constitution, it was agreed that the age of 35 years (“at least 35 years old”) would be one of the requirements for the presidency and later, the vice-presidency by constitutional amendment. See Article II, Section 1, Clause 5 and also the 12th Amendment.
Forgive me for quoting the result of my Google Search’s AI Overview. In this case, though, what is said appears to be appropriate and true. “This clause ensures that the President possesses sufficient maturity, connection to the nation, and experience to effectively lead the country.”
So, I ask why today isn’t there also a maximum age for the President and Vice President? Doesn’t that make sense, too, as much or maybe even more sense than the required minimum age of 35 years? How does a maximum age of no more than 65 years of age at the time of entering office sound? If a President or Vice President who took office at age 65 completed a four-year term, ran for office again and was re-elected for an additional four years, then it would be possible for him/her to hold office until the age of 73.
In my opinion, it is worth noting that the oldest Presidents have been Ronald Reagan (age 77), Joe Biden (age 78), and Donald Trump (currently age 79).
Note that by law the MANDATORY RETIREMENT AGE for commercial airline pilots in the United States is 65. Hmm!