11 US Presidents and Their Fascinating Secret Service Code Names

Did you know the Secret Service assigns unique code names to U.S. presidents and their families for security reasons? These code names have become a symbolic part of each administration's legacy. Here are some of the most notable presidential and first family code names and what they reveal about the individuals behind them.

1. Franklin D. Roosevelt – Spruce

Franklin D. Roosevelt was known as Spruce, and since he was bound by a wheelchair, the Secret Service also had code names for his mobility aids — ramps that traveled with him — which they called Dayton articles, or "articles from Dayton." His wife, Eleanor Roosevelt, had the code name Rover. Her name became prominent during her trip to England in 1942, where her handlers were called "Rover's Rangers."

2. John F. Kennedy – Lancer

John F. Kennedy's code name, Lancer, was inspired by the legendary Lancelot of King Arthur's court, connecting Kennedy's presidency to the idealized "Camelot" era. His wife, Jacqueline Kennedy, was called Lace, which suited her sophisticated style.

3. Richard Nixon – Searchlight

Nixon's code name, Searchlight, is steeped in irony. Though the name conveys transparency, Nixon's presidency ended in scandal due to the Watergate cover-up.

4. Ronald Reagan – Rawhide

As a former actor in many Western films, Ronald Reagan was known for his love of ranching, making Rawhide a fitting code name. His wife, Nancy Reagan, went by Rainbow, a name highlighting her bright public persona.

5. Jimmy Carter – Deacon

Jimmy Carter's deep religious roots led to the code Deacon, referencing his active involvement in the Baptist church. His daughter, Amy, was given the energetic code Dynamo.

6. George H. W. Bush – Timberwolf

The elder Bush's code name, Timberwolf, had an air of rugged strength, though its origins remain unclear. His wife, Barbara Bush, had two code names: Snowbank and Tranquility, with the latter reflecting her calming presence.

7. Bill Clinton – Eagle

Bill Clinton's code name, Eagle, represented patriotism, though he never achieved the Eagle Scout rank. Hillary Clinton went by Evergreen, perhaps hinting at her enduring presence in American politics in the two decades after Bill's second term ended.

8. George W. Bush – Trailblazer

Initially given the code name Tumbler when his father was president, George W. Bush later became a Trailblazer upon assuming the presidency, signifying his role as a pioneer in a political family. His wife, Laura Bush, was Tempo, and their daughters, Barbara and Jenna, were Turquoise and Twinkle, respectively.

9. Barack Obama – Renegade

Obama's code name, Renegade, aligned with the bold change he promised during his campaign. Michelle Obama was known as Renaissance, while their daughters, Malia and Sasha, were Radiance and Rosebud.

10. Donald Trump – Mogul

Donald Trump's long-standing real estate career earned him the code Mogul, a nod to his business empire. Despite the viral video, his code name was not Humble. Melania Trump's code name, Muse, likely referenced her past as a model.

11. Joe Biden – Celtic

Joe Biden chose the name Celtic, reflecting his Irish heritage. His wife, Jill Biden, took the code name Capri, a nod to her calm and supportive nature.

From symbolic nods to their careers to more profound reflections of their legacies, the code names given to U.S. presidents and their families offer a glimpse into their lives behind the scenes. While rooted in tradition, these names have become an enduring part of presidential history.

References: 15 Secret Service Code Names for Presidents, First Ladies, and First Children — and the Stories Behind Them | A History of the Fascinating First Family Secret Service Code Names | The 11 Most Clever Secret Service Code Names for U.S. Presidents | The Secret is Out: Code Names for FDR's Mobility Aids