What Happened to Hillary Rodham Clinton?
Hillary Rodham Clinton remains a prominent figure in American public life, engaging in global diplomacy, academic pursuits, and advocacy for democratic values and women's rights. Since her 2016 presidential campaign, she has taken on roles as a professor at Columbia University, authored new books, and actively participated in international forums and political events, extending her influence into 2026.
Quick Answer
Hillary Clinton is currently a Professor of Practice at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs and Chair of the Institute of Global Politics. She continues to be an active voice in global affairs, delivering speeches at international conferences like the Munich Security Conference and Mumbai Climate Week in early 2026. Clinton also recently testified before the House Oversight Committee regarding the Jeffrey Epstein investigation in February 2026 and is scheduled to speak at a Democratic dinner in New Hampshire in April 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline17 events
Releases 'What Happened' Memoir
Clinton publishes her memoir 'What Happened,' offering her account of the 2016 presidential election. The book became a #1 New York Times bestseller.
Co-authors 'The Book of Gutsy Women'
Hillary Clinton and her daughter Chelsea Clinton release 'The Book of Gutsy Women: Favorite Stories of Courage and Resilience.'
Joins Columbia University Faculty
Hillary Clinton is appointed as a Professor of Practice at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) and a Presidential Fellow at Columbia World Projects.
Chairs Institute of Global Politics at Columbia
Columbia University launches the Institute of Global Politics (IGP) at SIPA, with Hillary Clinton serving as the Chair of its Faculty Advisory Board. She also begins co-teaching a class.
Comments on 2024 Election and Trump
Clinton states that Donald Trump is likely the GOP 2024 nominee but believes President Biden can defeat him, describing the potential rematch in stark terms.
Becomes Key Biden 2024 Campaign Surrogate
Clinton takes on a significant role as a surrogate for President Joe Biden's 2024 reelection campaign, actively fundraising and defending his policies.
Speaks at Democratic National Convention
Clinton delivers an energetic speech at the DNC, endorsing Kamala Harris for president and emphasizing the importance of breaking glass ceilings.
New Essay Collection 'Something Lost, Something Gained' Released
Her new book, 'Something Lost, Something Gained: Reflections on Life, Love and Liberty,' an essay collection described as her most personal yet, is released.
Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
President Joe Biden awards Hillary Clinton the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.
Hosts Hillary Rodham Clinton Awards
Clinton hosts the annual Hillary Rodham Clinton Awards at Georgetown University, honoring women safeguarding democracy through media and mobilization.
Delivers Ogden Lecture at Brown University
Clinton speaks at Brown University for the 104th Stephen A. Ogden Jr. '60 Memorial Lecture, discussing foreign policy, disinformation, and democracy.
Speaks at Munich Security Conference
Clinton participates in a panel at the Munich Security Conference, discussing the 'West Divide' and challenges to democratic values.
Keynote at World Forum 2026 in Berlin
Clinton delivers a powerful keynote speech at the World Forum 2026 in Berlin, analyzing the global state of democracy and the impact of new technologies.
Addresses Mumbai Climate Week 2026
Clinton attends and addresses the inaugural Mumbai Climate Week, emphasizing Global South-led climate solutions and adaptation efforts.
Testifies on Jeffrey Epstein Probe
Hillary Clinton testifies behind closed doors before the House Oversight Committee regarding the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, denying any knowledge of his crimes.
Visits Humboldt and Del Norte County, CA
Clinton visits Northern California, meeting with Yurok Chief Justice Abby Abinanti and others from the Yurok Tribal Court.
Keynote at NH Democratic Dinner (Upcoming)
Hillary Clinton is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the annual McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner in Nashua, New Hampshire.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Following her historic 2016 presidential campaign, Hillary Rodham Clinton has maintained an active presence in public discourse and global affairs. After the election, she released her memoir, 'What Happened,' in 2017, reflecting on her campaign and the factors contributing to her loss. She also co-authored 'The Book of Gutsy Women' with her daughter Chelsea Clinton in 2019.
In 2023, Clinton embarked on a new chapter in academia, joining Columbia University as a Professor of Practice at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) and a Presidential Fellow at Columbia World Projects. She also chairs the Faculty Advisory Board for Columbia's Institute of Global Politics, which launched in September 2023, and co-teaches a course titled 'Inside the Situation Room.' This role allows her to engage with the next generation of policy leaders and contribute to discussions on pressing global challenges.
Clinton has continued her advocacy through the Clinton Foundation, including the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) and Too Small to Fail, focusing on areas like climate resilience, economic inclusion, health equity, and women and girls' equality. In 2025, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden, recognizing her extensive contributions to public service. She also delivered the 104th Stephen A. Ogden Jr. '60 Memorial Lecture on International Affairs at Brown University in October 2025, where she discussed foreign policy, global affairs, and the importance of upholding democracy.
Her engagement intensified in early 2026. In February, Clinton was a prominent speaker at the Munich Security Conference and the World Forum 2026 in Berlin, addressing the state of global democracy, the rise of techno-authoritarianism, and the challenges of misinformation. She also attended and spoke at the Mumbai Climate Week 2026, advocating for Global South-led climate solutions and highlighting initiatives like a heat insurance model in India. A significant event in February 2026 was her testimony before the House Oversight Committee concerning the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, where she denied any knowledge of Epstein's crimes and called for former President Donald Trump to testify.
Looking ahead, Clinton is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner in New Hampshire in April 2026, a visit that has sparked renewed, though dismissed, speculation about her political future, as she has stated she is not running for president in 2028. Her essay collection, 'Something Lost, Something Gained: Reflections on Life, Love and Liberty,' is set for release in September 2024, offering personal insights into her life and career. Clinton remains a vocal proponent of democratic principles, actively participating in political discourse and supporting Democratic candidates, including her role as a significant surrogate for President Biden's 2024 reelection campaign.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Hillary Rodham Clinton made different choices?