President of the United States The President of the United States is the chief executive of the United States of America . The office of President was established upon the ratification of the US Constitution in 1789 , and the President serves as chief executive and head of the executive branch of the United States government . The President is also designated as the Commander - in - Chief of the armed forces , and has powers to sign bills into law , grant pardons or reprieves , and appoint officers , ambassadors , and judges , amongst other powers . The White House is the official home and principal workplace of the President . To date , there have been forty - five Presidents of the United States ; the current president , businessman Donald Trump , took office on January 20 , 2017 . Muppet Candidacy . The post of President has been a highly sought one since its inception . Candidates , in addition to politicians , generals , businessmen , lawyers , and other real - world figures , have included several fictional personages . From Pogo to Winnie the Pooh , colorful icons have tossed their hats into the rings , and the Muppets are no exception . The most notable candidates have been Big Bird and Miss Piggy . Big Bird . Big Bird , average resident of " Sesame Street " , first ran for President in Episode 0797 , and learned that being President is a big responsibility . The story was the kickoff for the show ' s Bicentennial celebration . Big Bird lost in that episode , despite having an elaborate campaign and even a presidential seal . However , Big Bird ' s ambitions to become President were eventually fulfilled , albeit on a much smaller scale . In 1988 , special elections were held for President of Sesame Place , with no age restrictions or pre - registration required . Big Bird was a leading candidate , with the slogan " Birds of a feather flock together . " He faced stiff competition from Cookie Monster , Grover , Ernie , Bert , Prairie Dawn , and in an unprecedented attempt to launch a collective into office instead of an individual , the Honkers . Big Bird won , carrying 24 % of the vote . Details of his administration and subsequent activities , and how much executive government a children ' s theme park would need anyway , remain undocumented . Back on the street , Big Bird later became an outspoken supporter of H . Ross Parrot . Miss Piggy . In contrast to the unprepossessing , modest Big Bird , Miss Piggy has been far more open about her ambitions . In 1980 , she graced the cover of " LIFE " magazine , openly announcing her intentions . Buttons were also distributed . Not long thereafter , a running storyline in the Muppet comic strip covered her campaign in great detail ; Scooter served as manager . Though that bid was less than successful , Miss Piggy remained dedicated . In 1992 , she again made a bid , facing off against Gonzo in a televised debate on " Good Morning America " . It ' s possible that these ambitions may have occurred to Piggy in her formative years . The " Muppet Babies " episode " , " in a fantasy song sequence , depicted Baby Piggy as President ( introduced by Baby Rowlf in Uncle Sam garb ) . Many years later , appearing on " The Last Leg " in 2018 , Piggy was asked if she was considering a run for the Presidency now that Oprah Winfrey was out . She responded , " Oh , no . No no no no . Politics is for people who are not good - looking or talented enough to make it in showbusiness . " Other Aspirants . The Bird and the Pig have not been alone in their politicking , however . List of Individual Presidents . Of the forty - three people who have served as Presidents to date , 19 have either been depicted , referenced , or in some cases , personally interacted or collaborated in Muppet projects . These office - holders are listed below , with the dates of their terms . For a complete roster , see First Ladies . The First Lady of the United States is the unofficial title of the hostess of the White House . The following First Ladies have worked with the Muppets . Presidential Candidates . Several politicians who have announced their candidacies for president have also appeared with or been referenced by Muppets . Connections . The figure of President of the United States , whether a portrayal of a historical president or a wholly fictional creation , has been prominently featured in countless film and television productions over the decades . Several Presidential portrayers have also worked in Muppet / Henson productions . As real presidents : As fictional presidents :