Growing up in the White House is basically a recipe for a strange life. You’ve got Secret Service agents watching you eat cereal, and your "rebellious phase" ends up on the evening news. For the four children of Gerald and Betty Ford, that spotlight hit at a particularly weird time in American history—the post-Watergate 1970s.
People often wonder what happened to them after the helicopter took off from the South Lawn for the last time. Are they still involved in politics? Did they vanish into quiet lives? Honestly, the reality of Gerald Ford’s children today is a mix of high-profile advocacy, Hollywood careers, and a very deliberate effort to protect their parents' complicated legacies.
They aren't just names in a history book. They are real people who navigated the transition from "First Kids" to private citizens with a surprising amount of grace—and a few bumps along the way.
Michael Ford: The Minister and the Quiet Life
The oldest, Michael Ford, was always the one who seemed most grounded. While his father was navigating the fallout of the Nixon pardon, Mike was at theological seminary. He didn't want the cameras.
Fast forward to 2026, and Michael has largely stuck to that path of service. For years, he worked at Wake Forest University in student affairs. He’s the one who stays out of the tabloid fray. He’s been married to his wife, Gayle, since before his father even took the oath of office—which is pretty rare in the world of high-profile political families.
You won't find him on reality TV. Instead, he’s spent his later years focusing on his family and his faith. He’s sort of the "anchor" of the siblings. Even as he hits his mid-70s, he remains deeply involved in the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, ensuring the academic and historical side of his father’s work stays accurate.
Jack Ford: The Media Mogul and the Unexpected Loss
Jack was always the "cool" one. He was the son who hung out with Bianca Jagger and famously admitted to smoking pot, which was a huge scandal back in the day. He had a restless energy that led him to start several businesses and even work as a journalist.
However, recent news has been somber for those following the family. John "Jack" Ford passed away on October 17, 2025, at the age of 83.
Before his passing, Jack had built a massive career in media and public relations. He wasn't just "the President's son"—he was a guy who knew how to talk to people. He spent years in Utah, working in television and as a public information officer. He lived a full life that balanced his political heritage with a genuine career of his own. His death marked the first loss among the four siblings, a heavy moment for a family that has always been incredibly tight-knit.
Steven Ford: From The Young and the Restless to the Rodeo
Steve Ford is probably the face you recognize most. He didn't just stay in the White House orbit; he went to Hollywood.
If you were a fan of The Young and the Restless, you know him as Detective Andy Richards. He’s been in huge movies like Black Hawk Down and Transformers. But his life today isn't just about red carpets.
- Rodeo Life: Steve actually left the White House early to join the rodeo circuit. He still ropes today on his ranch in California.
- Motivational Speaking: This is where he spends most of his time now. Steve is incredibly open about his past struggles with alcoholism—a battle he shares with his late mother, Betty.
- Foundation Work: He currently serves as a Trustee and Chairman of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation.
Steve is the guy who bridges the gap between the glamour of Hollywood and the grit of the American West. He’s 70 now, but he’s still actively touring as a speaker, telling stories about his "Secret Service years" and how he found his own identity away from his father's shadow.
Susan Ford Bales: The Keeper of the Legacy
Then there’s Susan. She’s the youngest and arguably the most influential today. She’s the one who had her senior prom in the East Room (talk about a flex).
Today, Susan lives in McKinney, Texas. She has become the primary guardian of her mother’s incredible legacy in addiction recovery. She chaired the Betty Ford Center for years and remains a massive force in the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.
But it’s her recent political moves that have kept her in the headlines. In 2024, despite being a lifelong Republican, Susan endorsed Kamala Harris. She said it was about "integrity" and "character"—values she felt her father championed. It was a bold move that showed the Ford children aren't afraid to step outside the partisan lines if they feel it's the right thing to do.
Why the Ford Family Still Matters
The Fords were often called "the normal family" of the White House. They weren't the Kennedys or the Roosevelts. They were a family from Grand Rapids, Michigan, who got thrust into a chaotic situation.
- They stayed away from scandal. Aside from Jack’s youthful honesty about pot, they’ve lived remarkably scandal-free lives.
- They prioritize the Foundation. All four children have dedicated decades to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation.
- They deal with real issues. Between Steve’s transparency about his recovery and Susan’s work with the Betty Ford Center, they use their platform for health and wellness rather than just political power.
What You Can Do Next
If you’re interested in the deeper history of the family, the best move is to check out the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum online. They’ve digitized a lot of the family’s personal photos and letters recently.
You can also look into the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation if you want to see the practical work Susan is still doing. It’s a rare thing to see a political family stay this relevant without actually running for office themselves, but the Ford kids have managed to do just that by focusing on character over cameras.
