Hillary Rodham Clinton, a prominent figure in American political history, remains active in several public arenas as of 2025. Having served as First Lady, U.S. Senator, Secretary of State, and the Democratic nominee for President in 2016, Clinton has transitioned from electoral politics into a role focused on education, policy advocacy, women’s empowerment, and thought leadership.
Academic Involvement at Columbia University
In early 2023, Columbia University announced that Hillary Clinton had joined the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) as a Professor of Practice. She also serves as a Presidential Fellow with Columbia World Projects, a university initiative that bridges research and real-world challenges.
In this role, Clinton contributes to classroom discussions, public events, and mentorship of students interested in public service, foreign policy, and diplomacy. Her work is part of Columbia’s efforts to prepare the next generation of policy leaders.
This academic position reflects a broader trend among former senior officials to transition into education and institutional advisory roles following long careers in public service.
Advocacy for Women’s Rights and Global Development
Clinton continues to serve as an honorary leader with Vital Voices Global Partnership, a nonprofit she helped establish in the 1990s. Vital Voices focuses on supporting women leaders across sectors such as business, government, human rights, and civil society in over 180 countries.
Her advocacy centers on:
- Supporting women’s participation in politics and leadership roles
- Combating gender-based violence
- Expanding access to economic opportunities for women
- Promoting legal and social protections globally
Clinton frequently speaks at events related to these causes and lends her visibility to amplify the work of grassroots leaders. She also supports broader international development goals through collaborative efforts with multilateral institutions and NGOs.
Commentary on Democracy and Foreign Policy
Although not an elected official, Clinton remains a vocal commentator on political developments in the United States and abroad. She regularly speaks at academic institutions, policy forums, and in media interviews, particularly around issues related to democracy, elections, human rights, and foreign policy.
She has raised concerns about:
- The global rise of authoritarianism
- Political polarization in the U.S.
- Disinformation and the use of technology to undermine democratic discourse
- The future of multilateral cooperation through NATO, the UN, and other alliances
Clinton has also voiced support for continued U.S. aid to Ukraine, international sanctions on aggressive regimes, and upholding the rule of law in international affairs. Her views often reflect those she held as Secretary of State, emphasizing diplomacy, coalition-building, and international norms.
Literary and Media Contributions
Clinton continues to engage the public through writing and media. In 2021, she co-authored the novel State of Terror with Canadian writer Louise Penny. The political thriller, rooted in her experience in diplomacy and national security, became a New York Times bestseller.
In 2022, she and her daughter Chelsea Clinton co-created and hosted Gutsy, a documentary series on Apple TV+. The show profiles influential women from various backgrounds—activists, scientists, artists, and public servants—who have made significant contributions to their fields.
These projects reflect Clinton’s broader commitment to storytelling, public education, and highlighting the achievements of women around the world.
Role within the Democratic Party
Although she has publicly ruled out running for office again, Clinton remains influential within the Democratic Party. She has voiced support for President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign and has participated in fundraising events and policy forums that align with her long-standing priorities.
Her public appearances have included:
- Speaking at national conventions and think tank events
- Supporting female candidates running for office
- Advocating for voting rights and electoral reform
- Promoting policies on reproductive rights and healthcare access
She is also seen as a mentor to a number of younger Democratic leaders and remains in communication with policymakers, advocacy groups, and journalists who follow Democratic party strategy.
Public Image and Reactions
Clinton’s public image remains complex and evolving. To supporters, she is seen as a trailblazer who broke numerous glass ceilings and championed human rights, healthcare, and international diplomacy. Critics continue to focus on long-standing controversies such as her use of a private email server and the 2012 Benghazi attack.
Despite divided opinions, Clinton is frequently cited as one of the most accomplished women in American political history. Her influence is especially notable among young women, public policy students, and professionals in law, international affairs, and nonprofit sectors.
She is also a subject of study and analysis in academia, media, and political science research, underscoring her historical importance in U.S. political development.
Clarification on Recent Rumors
In 2024 and 2025, several unverified stories circulated online claiming Clinton had made a public announcement regarding her health or personal retirement. However, no credible or verifiable sources have confirmed such reports. Major news outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, and Reuters have published no such announcement.
Clinton remains professionally active and regularly appears in public, both in person and online, participating in discussions, academic panels, and interviews.
Summary of Ongoing Activities
As of mid-2025, Hillary Clinton is involved in the following areas:
- Academia: Teaching and mentoring at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.
- Advocacy: Supporting global women’s rights through Vital Voices and other organizations.
- Policy Commentary: Speaking on issues like democracy, elections, and international security.
- Media: Producing public-facing projects such as documentaries and political fiction.
- Democratic Party Engagement: Supporting campaigns, public policy discussions, and civic education.
Clinton’s work is rooted in themes she has long championed: democratic governance, women’s leadership, global cooperation, and public service.
Sources
- Hillary Clinton Joins Columbia University – Columbia News
- Hillary Clinton Post-2016 Activities – Wikipedia
- Vital Voices Global Partnership – Official Site
- Gutsy on Apple TV+
- State of Terror – New York Times Review
- Clinton Interview Archives – MSNBC
- Political Coverage – CNN
- PBS NewsHour – Hillary Clinton