Secret Service Code Names of US Presidents

The White House Communications Agency assigns Secret Service code names to the first family at the beginning of a presidential campaign. Presidents select their code names from an agency-approved list, while other family members are assigned names starting with the same letter. Although designed for security, these names are among Washington's worst-kept secrets, often becoming public through government filings or when agents are overheard at events.

Recent presidents and their code names include Barack Obama (Renegade), Joe Biden (Celtic), and Donald Trump (Mogul). First ladies also receive distinct names, such as Michelle Obama (Renaissance) and Melania Trump (Muse). The code names often reflect the individual's background, personality, or political image.

Secret Service code names are used by agents to communicate securely about the protection of the first family. The White House Communications Agency is responsible for assigning these names. The process begins early in a presidential campaign, with the president-elect choosing a name from a list provided by the agency.

Other members of the president's family are assigned code names that share the same first letter. Sometimes this letter corresponds to the family's last name, but not always. While the names are intended to be secret, they are frequently leaked to news outlets or become public through government documents. The rise of new surveillance technology has also diminished the secrecy surrounding these designations.

The code names of past presidents often carry significant historical or personal meaning. John F. Kennedy was known as 'Lancer,' a reference to the legendary Knights of the Round Table. His successor, Lyndon B. Johnson, retained the code name 'Volunteer,' which he used as Vice President.

Richard Nixon chose 'Searchlight,' a name that gained ironic notoriety following the Watergate scandal. Gerald Ford also kept his vice-presidential code name, 'Passkey.' Jimmy Carter was assigned 'Deacon,' a fitting title given his open devotion to his Christian faith.

Ronald Reagan selected 'Rawhide,' reflecting his passion for Western culture and his background as an actor who played cowboy roles. George H.W. Bush was known as 'Timberwolf,' a name that resonated with his Secret Service detail, some of whom served as pallbearers at his funeral.

More recent presidents have also selected distinctive code names. Bill Clinton was given the patriotic code name 'Eagle.' George W. Bush initially used 'Tumbler' while his father was president but changed it to 'Trailblazer' upon taking office.

Barack Obama chose 'Renegade' from a list of approved words starting with the letter 'R.' Joe Biden has used 'Celtic' throughout his tenure as both Vice President and President, a tribute to his Irish Catholic heritage. Donald Trump was assigned 'Mogul,' likely inspired by his background in the real estate industry.

First ladies receive code names that often reflect their public personas or interests. Jacqueline Kennedy was known as 'Lace,' fitting for her elegant style. Lady Bird Johnson was assigned 'Victoria,' while Pat Nixon chose 'Starlight' to correspond with her husband's 'Searchlight.' Betty Ford was 'Pinafore,' and Rosalynn Carter was 'Dancer' (she also used 'Lotus Petal').

Nancy Reagan was 'Rainbow,' a nod to her affinity for bright colors. Barbara Bush was 'Tranquility,' described by a former agent as exemplifying her calming demeanor. Hillary Clinton was 'Evergreen,' a name she retained from her time in the White House. Laura Bush was 'Tempo,' and her daughters were 'Turquoise' and 'Twinkle.'

The Obama daughters, Malia and Sasha, were known as 'Radiance' and 'Rosebud.' Jill Biden kept the code name 'Capri' from her time as Second Lady. Melania Trump was 'Muse,' a reference to her modeling career and her production company, Muse Films.