If you ever wanted to feel like you work for the USSS and have access to top-secret intel, join us as we go through the USSS history books and learn whose code name is “General,” who was referred to as “Mogul” and plenty of more. Let’s turn the history books to number one.
Dwight Eisenhower
This US president was the leader who headed the USA during its post-war days. Eisenhower, however, made a name for himself as a military leader during both World War I and World War Two. It was during the latter that he played a key role in the Storming of Normandy, “Operation Overland.” Interestingly, Eisenhower is one of the few US presidents to have two code names.
During his time in office, he was known by “Providence,” but after he retired, he wished to be known by “Scoreboard.” The former US president chose “Scoreboard” owing to his fondness for the game of golf. Even though “Providence” has a nice ring to it and a majestic quality, we can’t deny that “Scoreboard” rather suited the ex-military leader.
Chelsea Clinton
It can’t be easy to be the first daughter. A couple of movies have used this premise as the storylines of the films, including “Chasing Liberty” and “First Daughter.” We can imagine that Chelsea Clinton has no shortage of stories and interesting scenarios of her time being the first daughter. Interestingly, Chelsea Clinton was given the code name “energy” when her father, Bill Clinton, first took to office.
Perhaps, this first daughter was given this Secret Service code name because she had a lot of energy. And though it is simply a random name, it can be no accident that Clinton inherited it. The former US first daughter puts a lot of “energy” into her writing and into her mother’s US presidential campaigns. They have even released a documentary together.
Richard Nixon
This president probably should have been given the code name “Scandal” or “Rawdeal,” but in fact, Richard M. Nixon was known by the Secret Service code name “Searchlight.” Perhaps, the Secret Service was onto something before the whole Watergate Scandal came to light, but they just hadn’t put the light on it. Who knows?
While the 37th US president might have had the code name “Searchlight,” he became better known in public as “Tricky Dick,” we can say that the latter might have been more appropriate. As said, this president is iconic for the Watergate Scandal and, more interestingly, for making deals with China during the Cold War. Because the Scandal is synonymous with Nixon, most of the public simply knows him as “Tricky Dick.”
Ivanka Trump
This former US first daughter was given the Secret Service code name “Marvel” when her father was first inaugurated in 2017. Trump is best known as the daughter of the former president, Donald Trump. While her father has definitely taken much of the spotlight, her husband, Jared Kushner, has given that a go. Ivanka Trump, a.k.a. “Marvel,” is now a businesswoman and was a senior advisor during her father’s tenure.
Before that, she had roles in TV and did modeling. It was, perhaps, her work as a model that earned her the name “Marvel.” We’re guessing it is not because she was a major fan of the “Marvel” franchise. Since 2009, Trump converted to Judaism and obtained the Hebrew name “Yael.” “Marvel” is much easier to remember.
Michelle Obama
Since her husband’s tenure, this first lady has been making strides. She has become an important speaker and has published two best-sellers, “Becoming” and “The Light That We Carry.” That is why many people believe that this former US first lady is deserving of her Secret Service code name, “Renaissance.” Michelle and Barrack Obama have been just that to US citizens – a renaissance (which means ‘rebirth’).
In all of US history, there have been few first ladies that have made such a mark on American culture and politics. A true rebirth for the American public. We still expect much from “Renaissance” – perhaps, even she will have a go at being president. We can expect a whole new rebirth in the USA.
Jared Kushner
This businessman joined Donald Trump’s family in 2009 after marrying the former US president’s daughter, Ivanka Trump. Before rising to the rank of senior advisor during the former president’s reign, Jared Kushner studied Law and an MBA. He has also proven himself a capable businessman. Kushner is modern-day Orthodox Jewish, and when Ivanka married him, she converted to Judaism. His grandparents came to the USA after surviving the Holocaust.
When Donald Trump was inaugurated president in 2017, the Trump family all received Secret Service code names, including the former president’s son-in-law. Kushner’s code name was “Mechanic.” Quite an appropriate code name, considering Kushner played a crucial role in the Abraham Accords that were eventually ratified in 2020. Perhaps, the Secret Service expressed some foresight by calling Kushner a “Mechanic.”
Harry S. Truman
Many presidents have a dark shadow hanging over their reigns. And Harry S. Truman is no exception. Truman will forever be known as the president who authorized the dropping of the atomic bombs “Little Boy” on Hiroshima and “Fat Man” on Nagasaki in 1945. While it ended World War Two, it is a shadow over Truman’s reign – and one that began as Truman came to power.
The 33rd president only learned of the existence of the two atomic bombs only after becoming president. What is interesting – but less known – about Truman is that the Secret Service code name him was “General.” Truman did have a military career, but he never rose to the rank of general, but colonel, so that is an interesting code name.
Bill Clinton
The Secret Service assigns the presidential family one letter to begin all the code names of the family members. In the case of the Clinton family, it was the letter ‘E.’ Bill Clinton took the presidential office from January 1993 until January 2001, when knowledge of a certain scandal came to light. Of course, that was long after Clinton received the name “Eagle.”
It is unclear why the 42nd president received the code name “Eagle,” but there are speculations saying that the position of “Eagle” is the highest rank in the Boy Scouts organization. That being said, Clinton never reached this rank in the Boy Scouts, but “Eagle” has been stated to be the most patriotic of all code names considering that the US national animal is a bald eagle.
Barack Obama
On January 20th, 2009, Barack Obama became the 44th American president. By gaining office, Obama set some records – the most famous being that he was the first African American president of the USA. On taking office, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. However, Obama faced many initial challenges when first taking office, like dealing with the 2008-2009 recession. The Secret Service code name for Obama was “Renegade.”
And while this code name sounds pretty awesome – and appropriate for the kind of president Obama was – it actually has a pretty boring backstory. Apparently, on taking office, the Secret Service gave Obama a list of words beginning with the letter ‘r,’ and Obama selected “renegade.” Even without the cool backstory, Obama’s cool charisma suits the code name “Renegade.”
Gerald Ford
This president’s reign is a bit before most people remember, but Gerald Ford had his work set out for him when he became the 38th American president in December 1974. As you will have noticed, December is an odd date for a president to start his tenure, but this was only because the former president, Richard Nixon, had resigned. As his vice president, Ford became the next president.
Though he is not very famous in the history books, one thing that made Ford famous was his decision not to proceed with any criminal prosecution against Richard Nixon. To pardon the former president of these charges, the Secret Service gave Ford the code name “Passkey.” The public was not all that impressed with Ford’s pardon as he was not reelected.
George W. Bush
During his father’s time as president, George W. Bush, or George Bush Junior, was known by the Secret Service code name “Tumbler.” Apparently, George Bush Junior was not completely thrilled with this code name because when he came to office on January 20, 2001, he had his code name changed to “Trailblazer.” Definitely, “Trailblazer” has more of an edge to it than “Tumbler.”
And the public will definitely take a president with the code name “Trailblazer” more seriously, but we want to know why the Junior Bush was initially called “Tumbler.” Did he perhaps have a preference for drinking whiskey from a tumbler? Or perhaps, he was a bit shaky on his legs after too many sips of whiskey. We’re sure there is an interesting backstory to this one.
Edith Wilson
We do not know what code name was given to Woodrow Wilson, but we know the code name given to his second wife. Just so we are on the same page, Woodrow Wilson was the 28th US president and the president of America during World War One. During the War, Wilson suffered a personal loss after his first wife, Ellen, was diagnosed with Bright’s disease.
It eventually took her life. Wilson would fall in love again and with the much younger Edith Bolling Galt. The new first lady would be given the code name “Grandma” as the president believed his second marriage would not be welcomed by the public, so he went for the least appealing name possible for his new wife.
Jimmy Carter
On January 20, 1977, James Earl Carter Junior, a.k.a. Jimmy Carter, was inaugurated as the 39th US president following the Watergate scandal propelling the Democratic Party to win against the Republican Party. This Democrat president was first known by the codename “Dasher,” but it was changed to “Deacon” or “Lockmaster.” However, Carter was more known by his Secret Service code name, “Deacon,” which was more than appropriate for this president.
Carter was a devout Baptist, and even during his time in office as president, he still took Sunday mornings off to teach at Sunday School. Surely, as president of the USA, he would have been excused from his church duties, but that was how devout Carter truly was. Thus, he earned the code name “Deacon.”
Dick Cheney
Technically, Cheney has never been president of the USA. Nor has he belonged to a presidential family, but as the 46th vice president of the nation, he earns a spot on this list. Especially because he, too, was given a Secret Service code name. Under former President George Bush, Dick Cheney rose to the position of 46th vice president and has since those days become one of the most famous and powerful vice presidents.
When Cheney was not busy performing political duties, he enjoyed a spot of fishing. In fact, it was Cheney’s passion for fishing that earned him the Secret Service code name “Angler.” This code name may have also been meant tongue-in-cheek as Cheney was definitely known for being one of the most determined vice presidents.
Jackie Kennedy
Life was not kind to this former first lady. For most of her life, the tragedy of her husband’s death became an enduring mystery, initiating a longest-spanning investigation and subsequent conspiracy theories. But for a brief period, Jacqueline Lee Kennedy Onassis, or simply Jackie Kennedy, had been married to JFK for a decade.
In fact, it was her marriage to JFK that later earned her the Secret Service code name “Lace.” The two were married in Rhode Island, and as the bride was donned in lace, Jackie Kennedy seemed destined for the code name. Lace actually was a favorite of the later, former first lady as she was often photographed wearing lace at important events, making it easy for the Secret Service to assign her a code name.
Lyndon B. Johnson
This president is more known by his initials LBJ. If it were not for John F. Kennedy, who is more famously known for his initials JFK, LBJ would be the president most known by three letters. What you probably don’t know about LBJ is that the Secret Service gave him the code name “Volunteer.”
This is one of the stranger code names on this list because there seems to be no real backstory as to why Johnson was called “Volunteer.” We know the rest of the presidential family all had code names beginning with the letter “V,” so it could have simply been chosen from a list of names. The ironic part is that LBJ didn’t volunteer to be president. Following JFK’s assassination, he had to take to office.
Joe Biden
How can we forget the code name of the current US president and one of the most important people on earth right now? Joe Biden has had a long history in politics. Since 1971, Biden has served the American people, meaning his career has spanned five decades. For the most part, Biden worked as a US Senator in the state of Delaware.
But he has also previously acted as Barack Obama’s vice president. Now, as the 46th president of the USA, he was given the Secret Service code name “Celtic,” which makes reference to his Irish ancestry and roots. You’d think he would have earned a code name referring to long service to the USA, but his Irish ancestry had the final say.
Eleanor Roosevelt
What is interesting about Eleanor Roosevelt is that we remember the code name given to her by the Secret Service but not the one given to her husband, F.D Roosevelt. Eleanor Roosevelt was married to one of the most famous 20th-century American presidents. Not only did Roosevelt serve two tenures as president, but he also saw the USA during important events of the 20th century, including the Great Depression and World War Two.
Eleanor Roosevelt was given the code name “Rover.” She officially earned this name after her overseas expedition during the Second World War to England in 1942 to observe women’s participation in the war period. Her officiators were called “Rover’s Rangers,” so that’s how this first lady earned her code name.
Amy Carter
Here we have another first daughter on this list. Amy Carter was nine years old when her father, Jimmy Carter, became the 39th president of the USA. With Jimmy Carter’s inauguration in 1976, the Carters moved to the White House. Amy Carter received much public attention during her stay in the White House.
Young children had not lived in the White House since John F. Kennedy’s presidency and wouldn’t live in the White House again until Bill Clinton’s tenure in the early 1990s. Amy Carter also brought her own change to the White House, mainly in the form of a cat named Misty Malarky Ying Yang. The next cat to live at the White House was Bill Clinton’s Socks. Carter received the code name “Dynamo” when her father was inaugurated.
Susan Ford
This former first daughter, Susan Elizabeth Ford Bales or more commonly known as Susan Ford, is the youngest daughter of the 38th US president, Gerald Ford. During her late teens, her father became president, and the Fords moved their residence to the White House. From a young age, Susan Ford had her share of duties in the White House and took over as White House hostess after her mother, Betty Ford, became seriously ill with breast cancer in 1975.
That same year, the White House hosted a prom known as Panda Prom. Interestingly, Susan Ford was given the Secret Service code name “Panda,” so we’re guessing where the inspiration for the name Panda Prom came from. Some prom it must have been if it was hosted in the White House.
Luci Baines Johnson
What do Lyndon B. Johnson and his wife, Lady Bird Johnson, and their two daughters have in common? They all have the same initials – LBJ. But that is not the only thing they have in common. They also all have Secret Service code names beginning with the letter “V.” The president and members of the first family generally are all assigned code names beginning with the same letter.
But it must have been confusing with all the same initials and letters. Luci Johnson was given the Secret Service code name “Venus” at 19 years old when her father swore an oath to the people of the United States in 1963. Since those days, Luci Baines Johnson Turpin has married and remarried, has four children, and is a businesswoman.
Melania Trump
From 2017 to 2021, Melania Trump, formerly known as Melanija Knavs, was a Yugoslavian-born model who served as the first lady to the American public. Since 2005, Knavs married business mogul Donald Trump, and she is more famously known by the name Melania Trump. Currently, the couple has one child, Barron Trump, together. The former first lady also has left her life of modeling in the past.
Melania Trump spends her time campaigning against anti-bullying, and she is also a savvy businesswoman – her husband’s eye for business must have had some influence over her. When the Trumps moved to the White House, Melania was given the code name “Muse.” One theory is that she was given this name, referring to her days as a model.
Pat Nixon
It can’t have been easy for Pat Nixon to live down her husband’s Watergate Scandal. Even the former first lady admits that the scandal was the only issue in life that really got her down. Despite the scandal and scene, her husband had caused in the late 1970s, we can admire Pat Nixon for sticking by him. Born Thelma Catherine “Pat” Nixon in Nevada, with her husband, Pat rose in the political sphere.
First, she served as the second lady and later as the first lady. Her tenure was cut short when her husband resigned following Watergate. During his presidency, Pat was given the code name “Starlight.” Now, looking back on her steadfastness and loyalty, we admit that Pat’s secret service code name was more than appropriate.
Betty Ford
Every now and then, you have a first lady that is more famous than her presidential husband. You have probably heard of Betty Ford Centers (BFC), a kind of rehabilitation center that offers treatment for individuals suffering from substance addiction; in fact, it was Betty Ford’s own addiction struggles that inspired the former first lady to establish the rehabilitation center.
This was not the only struggle that Ford faced. She also became involved in raising cancer awareness after being diagnosed with breast cancer and having a mastectomy. Ford has also played a major role in advocating women’s rights. During this time, she served as the first lady of the USA. On her husband’s inauguration, the Secret Service gave her the code name “Pinafore.”
Sasha Obama
When John F. Kennedy Jr moved to the White House in 1961, he became the youngest child to live there. His sister was second. Third is Natasha Marian Obama, a.k.a. Sasha Obama, who started living at the White House at eight. Fourth is Amy Carter, who moved to the President’s Palace at nine. In truth, there have not been so many young kids at the White House.
Sasha Obama is no longer a kid but a bright young adult with a very promising future ahead. When her father was inaugurated in January 2009, Sasha Obama was given the Secret Service code name “Rosebud.” Interestingly, she is not the first daughter or first family member to have this name, “Rosebud,” but Maureen Raegan, too, was called by this code name.
Hilary Clinton
This former first lady does not need an introduction. In fact, she came pretty close to becoming the president of the USA in 2017. There was a lot of disappointment when the election results in 2016 showed that America would not have its first female president. That being said, Hilary Clinton has made her mark forever on American politics.
In 1983, Clinton’s career in politics began when she served as first lady to her husband, who was the then-governor of Arkansas. Clinton continued to climb the political landscape, where she would later serve as a US Senator in New York and Secretary of State. And, of course, during the 1990s, she was the US’s, first lady. During this time, Clinton was given the Secret Service code name “Evergreen.”
Mary Geneva “Mamie” Eisenhower
When she was only 20 years old, Mary Geneva Doud married future President Dwight Eisenhower. After their marriage in July 1916, the Eisenhowers relocated often – a total of 33 times. That was not the only challenge they faced, but early on had to deal with the loss of their firstborn son, who died at three. When World War Two broke out, despite being separated from her husband for almost the whole war, Mamie took part in assisting the war effort back home.
She volunteered for the United Service Organizations and American Woman’s Voluntary Service, both of which she did anonymously. When the couple was reunited, and her husband was elected, Mamie was given the Secret Service Code name “Springtime.” Perhaps, this was referring to her preference for wearing pink.
Lynda Bird Johnson
Since she was born in March 1944, this fact makes Lynda Bird Johnson the oldest child of a US president. After John Eisenhower died in 2013, Lynda Bird claimed that title. When Lynda Bird was 19, her father, Lyndon B. Johnson, became the 36th president of the USA. The family subsequently moved to the White House and received their Secret Service code names.
Lynda Bird’s was “Velvet.” It is not exactly clear why the eldest Johnson daughter received that name, but perhaps she had a proclivity to don velvet. In 1966, Lynda began a relationship with the actor George Hamilton. Things did not work out, but Lynda had more luck in politics, following in her father’s footsteps as rose to the role of First Lady of Virginia.
Caroline Kennedy
At three, Caroline Kennedy, the oldest Kennedy child, and her younger infant brother, John, moved to the White House. Most people are familiar with the assassination and tragic death of Caroline Kennedy’s father, John F. Kennedy. Certainly, November 22, 1963, was a very dark day in history, and it was the darkest for the Kennedy family members, including Caroline, who was only five at the time.
Still, the young Kennedy would suffer even more as she would lose her mother in 1995 and her brother in 1999. When she moved to the White House, Caroline Kennedy was given the Secret Service code name “Lyric.” Her father’s assassination did put her off politics because the eldest Kennedy has worked as an ambassador both in Japan and now in Australia.
Patricia Nixon Cox
Fame is not for everyone, and when it comes to Patricia Nixon Cox, we can understand why. Patricia Nixon Cox, more commonly known as Tricia Nixon Cox, is the eldest daughter of Richard and Pat Nixon. She was born in 1946. Even though Watergate Scandal was reason enough for Tricia Nixon to stay out of the public gaze, apparently, even before the Scandal created such hype, Tricia was a reserved and quiet figure.
Her only moment of stepping into the public gaze was her wedding ceremony at the White House Rose Garden when she married Edward F. Cox in 1971. When her father was still posted at the White House, Tricia was given the Secret Service code name “Sugarfoot,” implying that the young lady was rather sweet.
Nancy Reagan
Most people who know a little about the 40th president of America know that he was a former actor. It was through his acting career that he met his second wife, Nancy Reagan. Before Ronald Reagan became president of the USA, he was president of the Screen Actors Guild, and Nancy Reagan – called Nancy Davis then – asked him for help with employment.
Three years later, the two were married. She served as the First Lady of California from 1967 to 1975 and then the First Lady of the USA from 1981 to 1989. When her husband was sworn into office, she received the Secret Service code name “Rainbow.” The Santa Susana High School Choir sang “Over the Rainbow” to bid farewell to Mrs. Reagan at her funeral.
Kamala Harris
This one-time California-based lawyer has climbed the political ranks to the role of 49th vice president of America. Kamala Devi Harris was born in Oakland, California. One of her first positions was working as a Deputy District Attorney (DA) in Almeda County. Still, Harris kept working her way up, landing the role of DA in San Francisco.
There seems to be no glass ceiling for Harris. In 2017, she was elected a US Senator of the State of California, and in the last US election, she was named Joe Biden’s vice president. On receiving this position, Harris was given the Secret Service code name “Pioneer,” which seems an appropriate name for Harris as she has become the highest-ranking woman in US history. Harris certainly embodies the code name “Pioneer.”
Mike Pence
Donald Trump named Mike Pence as his vice president upon being voted president in 2016. Mike Pence became the 48th vice President of America. The two served as a dynamic and rather loud duo from 2017 to 2021. Pence was born in Indiana, studied Law in Indiana, was a US representative for Indiana from 2001 to 2013, then became the Governor of Indiana in 2013 until he was finally made Trump’s vice president.
As you can see, Mike Pence has a lot of loyalty to the state of Indiana. It, thus, makes complete sense that when being sworn into office as vice president, he was given the Secret Service code name “Hoosier,” which is the term for an inhabitant of Indiana. With Pence, state loyalty continued even at the top.
Lady Bird Johnson
The Secret Service must have had a real conundrum on their hands when they had to assign a code name to the wife of the 36th president, Lady Bird Johnson. How is it possible to come up with a unique code name when her first names are “Lady” and “Bird”? The Secret Service chose a name not particularly noteworthy.
As the rest of the family with given code names beginning with the letter ‘V,’ Lady Bird was given the code name “Victoria.” Honestly, it seems more appropriate for the name of a colonial queen – one who lived in the 19th century. That being said, Lady Bird Johnson did have something regal about her. Even more interesting, this former First Lady’s first names were actually “Claudia” and “Alta.”
Karen Pence
What surprises us about Karen Pence – the former American Second Lady – is that she was not born in Indiana. Everything about Mike Pence involves loyalty to his birth state Indiana, but apparently, Karen Pence – formerly Karen Batten and Karen Whitaker – must be something truly special. Before becoming the Second Lady of the USA in 2017, Karen worked as an art teacher.
Interestingly, she had studied to become an educator in science, but her passion and lifelong dedication to watercolor painting made her the perfect art teacher. When her husband became the 48th vice president, Karen Pence was given the Secret Service code name “Hummingbird,” which is rather sweet as she is a honeybee advocate.
Paul Ryan
If you know US Congress very well, then you are probably familiar with Wisconsin-born Paul Ryan. This US House of Representatives was the 54th speaker for this section of Congress and was affiliated with the Republican Party. Of course, being a Republican often entails stereotypes, and we can say that the former speaker for the US House of Representatives was more than obliging.
Republicans are generally pro-guns, and being pro-guns often involves hunting, which is one of Ryan’s favorite past times. In fact, Ryan loved hunting so much that the code name he was given by the Secret Service was “bowhunter.” With Ryan’s love for hunting and expertise with a bow and rifle, we’re not sure he is exactly in need of Secret Service services.
Donald Trump
How can the 45th president of America not make this list? Whether you love him or hate him – and there are plenty of peeps who love and hate him – Donald Trump has been an unforgettable addition to the history of US presidents. It is actually because of Trump’s background and success in business that has caused such a divide.
Trump has both camps – haters and uber-Trump fans. It is also because of his background in business that when Donald Trump was sworn into office on January 20, 2017, he was given the Secret Service code name “mogul” – the man was literally a business mogul. You have to admit the Secret Service chose the perfect name for the former US president.
Mitt Romney
This US Senator was one step away from becoming president of the USA in 2012, but sadly he lost out to Barack Obama. Since then, this Republican accepted his loss and make peace with being a US Senator in the state of Utah. Before the 2012 elections, Mitt Romney served as the Governor of Massachusetts from January 2003 to January 2007.
Though Romney missed his opportunity twice to become US president, he is still an important political person. The Secret Service gave him the code name “Javelin” after a 2002 Olympic Event in which Romney was personally involved, as well as the name of a car model that was produced by American Motors, of which Romney’s father was the CEO. Definitely a suitable name for “Javelin,” a.k.a Romney.
John F. Kennedy
Before we discuss the Secret Service’s code name for this former US president, we need to comment on whether the USSS was effective in carrying out its services. Presidents and world leaders are assassinated. In fact, recently, the former Japanese president, Shinzo Abe, was assassinated. But the death of JFK is something that the world has not gotten over.
There will still be numerous documentaries, articles, and of course, conspiracy theories about that dreaded day – November 22, 1963. On his inauguration, JFK was given the Secret Service code name “Lancer.” Apparently, the story behind this code name was that his wife, Jackie Kennedy, compared JFK to Lancelot of the Camelot legend and the kingdom of America under JFK to the kingdom of Camelot.
Ted Kennedy
It is unsurprising that so many Kennedys are on this list, given that so many of them went into politics. Given the prevalence of the Kennedys going into politics and given that there are so many dead Kennedys – the name of a band – perhaps the Secret Service needs to rethink its services.
Edward Moore Kennedy, more popularly known as Ted Kennedy or the Lion of the Senate, also went into politics. Though this Kennedy was called the Lion of the State, he did not meet the same demise as his older brothers, JFK and Robert Kennedy. Though his brothers are very well-known, Ted Kennedy had had a long history in politics, helping to write over 300 bills. His Secret Service code name was “Sunburn.”
John McCain
Some might remember the Republican candidate who took Barack Obama on in the 2008 elections. While McCain fell short of becoming the 44th US president, the Republican candidate has had a dazzling career in politics. Since 1993, McCain had numerous political offices, including starting out as a US Representative for Arizona’s first district in 1993 to the rank of US Senator for the same state.
Unfortunately, the late US Senator was diagnosed with brain cancer during his time in this position and ultimately succumbed to the disease in 2018. Interestingly, McCain’s nicknames are “Maverick” and “John Wayne” – which are a nod to his days in the military – but the Secret Service gave him the code name “Phoenix.” No surprises there as he was a US Senator for Arizona.
George H.W Bush
It is hard to believe that a president who governed the USA in the late 80s and 90s also served in World War Two. What is more incredible is that that same president also lived 25 years after his last year in office. We are speaking about none other than George H. W. Bush or George Bush Senior. When he was 18 years old, Bush senior enlisted in the US Navy. It was during his military days that Bush earned his nickname “Skin.”
The Secret Service only knew the senior Bush by one name – “Timberwolf.” When Bush was 43 years old, he was elected US Representative for Texas’s 7th District. From there, the senior Bush climbed the political ranks, rising to the roles of vice president and then president.
Elizabeth Cheney
Considering that her father is the legendary – and infamous – Dick Cheney, it is hard not to believe that Elizabeth Cheney would be a firecracker in her own political right. When looking at Elizabeth Cheney’s views and those of her father, it is hard to miss the similarity. And this expression applies to no one better than Elizabeth Cheney, the eldest Cheney daughter.
Elizabeth Cheney studied Law at the University of Chicago Law School, but she also took on studies of Middle Eastern history. Little wonder Cheney became a suitable candidate for the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs and Coordinator for Broader Middle East and North Africa Initiatives. The Secret Service code name for Elizabeth Cheney is “Apollo.”
Queen Elizabeth II
It is only fair to mention the late Queen Elizabeth II on this list. Certainly, she is not a US president or is not connected to any presidential family, but she was the queen of the United Kingdom and a member of the royal family. If anyone needed protection from the Secret Service, it would be the Queen of England. Thus, it only makes sense that Queen Elizabeth II was given the Secret Service code name “Kittyhawk.”
The Kittyhawk or Curtiss P-40 Warhawk (which was its official name) was a fighter airplane that the Royal Australian Airforce used against the Japanese during World War Two. Considering that Queen Elizabeth contributed much to the war effort, it stands to reason that this is the reason she had this code name.
Ronald Reagan
In 1981, Ronald Reagan set a new precedent – an actor became the president of the USA. It truly showed that the USA was a country where anyone could become president and that America was really the country where the sky was the limit. No wonder the national anthem is called “The Star-Sprangled Banner.” Reagan played a crucial role as the president of this nation.
But few can remember this US leader without remembering that he was once an actor, common in Western roles. The Secret Service did not forget this fact as the 40th president of America was given the code name “Rawhide” as a reference to his roles on the silver screen. “Rawhide” was a particular allusion to Ronald Reagan’s performances in Westerns and his passion for ranching.
Karenna Gore
The last person who would probably tell you their Secret Service code name is Karenna Gore. Karenna Aitcheson Gore is the eldest daughter of former vice president Al Gore and former Second Lady Tipper Gore. In many ways, Gore’s eldest daughter has followed in her father’s footsteps. She is a prominent climate activist who got involved in campaigns against the construction of pipelines for fuel and fracking.
Karenna Gore has her father’s passion for climate activism as she was arrested at an anti-fracking demonstration in 2016. As said, Gore would be the last person to tell you her code name, which is “Smurfette.” That’s probably a good thing because it keeps it secret. The reason for the odd code name was Gore was only 19 when she chose it.
Barbara Bush
Not to be confused with Barbara Pierce Bush with two same namesakes, but the original Barbara Bush, who was married to George H.W. Bush before her death in 2018, was known to the Secret Service by the code name “Tranquillity.” Out of all the Secret Service codenames, this one is definitely the most complimentary, and the fact that it was assigned to Barbara Bush by the Secret Service must say something about her character.
What is a testament to this fact – her having a tranquil nature – is that she was married to George H. W. Bush for 73 years. After Jimmy and Roselyn Carter’s marriage, they became the second-longest presidential couple to be married. The couple has six children, 14 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren surviving them.
Donald Trump Jr.
This Trump family member should have been given the Secret Service code name “Hunter.” Unfortunately, all members of a specific presidential family must be given code names starting with the same letter. In the case of the Trump clan, it was the letter “M,” so Donald Trump Jr. was assigned “Mountaineer,” which is not such a stretch from “Hunter.”
As said, “Hunter” would have been a much more appropriate name given Donald Trump’s junior wild and raving love for hunting. Although considering the whole blow-up with Hunter Biden, it might be a good thing that he did not get the code name “Hunter.” Not that things can be any less awkward, as the junior Trump man tends to be outspoken and get himself involved in a couple of controversies.
Barbara Pierce Bush
Bush was named after her grandmother, Barbara Bush, the late wife of George H.W. Bush and mother to George W. Bush. What is interesting about Barbara Bush Junior and her sister Jenna Bush is that only these two out of the whole Bush clan are not members of the Republican party. Barbara Bush Junior is quite a force to be reckoned with.
In 2009, Bush co-founded the non-profit organization Global Health Corps, which aims to provide health equity to all as well as opportunities for people from all backgrounds to work in this area. She is currently the president of this organization. The Secret Service gave Bush the code name “Turquoise,” which is quite odd, but when you look at her dazzling blue eyes, the name makes sense.
Jill Biden
This list will not be complete without the current First Lady of America. On January 20, 2021, Joe Biden was sworn into the presidential office, and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, chose her Secret Service code name, “Capri.” Apparently, the story behind the First Lady’s choice was alluding to capri-pants or Capri-suns. We must say that the name is original and one the USSS will remember.
At the age of 70, Dr. Biden became the First Lady of the USA. Interestingly, Joe and Jill Biden met one another after his brother, Frank, arranged a blind date for the two in March 1975. Almost 50 years and the couple are still going strong. After their marriage, she resumed her studies in English and obtained her Master of Arts in the subject.
Jenna Bush
Apart from being the daughter of the former president, George W. Bush, and former First Lady, Lynda Bush, Jenna Welch Bush Hager, more popularly known as Jenna Bush Hager, has made a name for herself on TV. She, along with the Egyptian-American journalist, Hoda Kotb, co-hosts the daytime show “Today with Hoda & Jenna.”
Considering that the talk show has been nominated for several Emmy Awards, including seasons with Jenna Bush, shows – mind the pun – have been given the thumbs up from audience members. Like her twin sister, Jenna Bush is not affiliated with the Republican Party, but during her youth, when her father was in office, she was given the Secret Service code name “Twinkle.” It is certainly one of the most adorable code names.
Al Gore
Every now and then, you have a US Vice President who is not just a household name but who is known worldwide. Al Gore is one of those vice presidents. What has given Al Gore such international recognition is his bringing awareness of climate change to the public as well as his environmental activism. Though Al Gore narrowly lost the election to become the 43rd president of America, Gore has persisted with his environmental campaigns.
One of Gore’s most famous productions was “An Inconvenient Truth.” Interestingly, the 2017 sequel named “An Inconvenient Truth, An Inconvenient Sequel” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. What is ironic is that this US politician was given the Secret Service code name “Sundance.” Now, puns aside, isn’t that just the most convenient code name?
Eric Trump
One thing you have to admit about the Trumps is that there is no shortage of self-love, and this is clearly embodied in their Secret Service code names. Eric Trump, Donald Trump’s third child, went by the Secret Service code name “Marksman.” A “marksman” is a kind of specialized shooter, a kind of sniper, who always hits their mark. Of course, we know the implications of such a code name, suggesting that Eric Trump does not miss the mark.
Though this Trump has been an effective businessman and has done well for himself, we’re not sure he has always hit the mark with everything. The young businessman has been pushing the investigation of Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden. Perhaps, Eric Trump is on or way off the mark.
Malia Obama
When she was only ten years old, Malia Ann Obama’s father was sworn into the presidential office at the White House. Since that time, the entire Obama brood has captivated the public’s imagination. And we can say that Malia Obama has not let the public down. Like her younger sister, Malia has engaged in numerous hobbies, including playing soccer, dancing, drama, and gymnastics.
Like her mother, Malia has taken an avid interest in activism and has used her position as the First Daughter to raise awareness and fight for the protection and equality of women, like her involvement in the Let Girls Learn Peace initiative campaign. Malia Obama received the Secret Service code name “Radiance.” A different code name could not have been more suitable for this radiant figure.
Tipper Gore
When your husband of 45 years is Al Gore, you are a figure of prominence. While Tipper Gore is not as well-known as her husband (perhaps, soon-to-be ex-husband), she has played a prominent role in various topical issues such as fighting homelessness, creating awareness about mental health, and advocating LGBT, women’s, and child’s rights.
Thus, Tipper Gore has contributed immensely to society. When she was only 17, she met Al Gore on her prom night. Except he was not her date. However, the two started dating afterward and married in 1965. In 2010, the couple announced that they were separating and had started dating other people. During her time as Second Lady from 1993 to 2001, Tipper Gore was given the Secret Service code name “Skylark.”
Laura Bush
From January 2001 to January 2009, Laura Bush served as the First Lady of the USA. Before that, from January 1995 to December 2000, Laura Bush served as the First Lady of Texas. Thus, Bush has been quite a familiar face in American politics. Her meeting with the former US President, George W. Bush, was low-key.
In July 1977, when Laura Bush was 31 years old, the two met at a barbecue of mutual friends. That September, he proposed to her, and in November, they were married and have been married for 45 years. We can guess their marriage’s success. The word “tempo” might give us a clue. It was the code name the Secret Service gave Laura Bush, “Tempo,” when she moved to the White House.
Mary Cheney
Once in a blue moon, even politics can cause a divide among family members. While Elizabeth Cheney takes after her father in almost every manner, Mary Cheney could not be more different from her sister. One key issue that caused this split between the Cheney sisters was that Mary Cheney became an outspoken advocate of same-sex marriage. The passing of the same-sex bill would impact Mary Cheney personally; it is the reason why she didn’t support her sister’s candidacy.
Mary Cheney embodies more progressive views in the Cheney clan. Perhaps, the Secret Service showed some foresight when they gave the younger Cheney daughter the code name “Alpine.” In many ways, Mary Cheney has faced some upward battles. We are glad to report the activist has had much success.
Walter Mondale
This political figure might have come before many of you, but Walter Frederick "Fritz" Mondale, or more commonly known as Walter Mondale, served as the 42nd Vice President of the USA. Mondale studied and trained as a lawyer, but his career soon took him into politics, where he enjoyed much success. His first major political position was in the role of the 23rd Attorney General in Minnesota.
Then he served as an American ambassador in Japan, and he also rose to the position of US Senator in Minnesota. Unfortunately, when he joined the presidential election in 1984, he was the Democratic nominee and lost again to Ronald Reagan. As he was a prominent political figure, he too was on the Secret Service’s radar. They gave him the name “Cavalier.”
Roselyn Carter
There are a few first ladies who have been given two Secret Service code names, and one of them is Roselyn Carter, wife to the 39th president of the USA, Jimmy Carter. The two code names that Roselyn Carter goes by were “Lotus Petal” and “Dancer.” In fact, the code name “Lotus Petal” breaks the tradition of all the presidential family members going by names starting with the same letter – which is “D” in the case of the Carters.
“Lotus Petal” must have been an exception in the eyes of the Secret Service to get two code names and to break the tradition. Roselyn Carter is an exception. Roselyn and Jimmy Carter are currently the presidential couples that have been married for the longest – an amazing 76 years.
Bess Turner
Elizabeth Virginia Truman was the wife of Harry S. Truman. She served for a short while as the Second Lady of the USA for four months in 1945, but following the death of F.D Roosevelt, her husband became the president of the country, and she served as the First Lady from April 1945 to January 1953.
One record which has yet to be broken is that Bess Turner currently is the longest-living First Lady as well as the longest-living Second Lady, as she was 97 years old when she died in 1982. Bess and Harry married in 1918 and had been married for over 50 years until his death eventually in 1972. On his taking to the presidential office in 1945, Bess Turner was given the code name “Sunshine.”
David Eisenhower
The name, Dwight David Eisenhower II, might ring a bell to you but do not confuse it with Dwight David "Ike" Eisenhower, who served as the 34th president of America. More commonly known as David Eisenhower, he is the grandson of the former US president and was named after his grandfather. Eisenhower’s connections to US presidents do not stop there.
He is also the son-in-law of Richard Nixon, as he married the former president’s younger daughter, Julie Nixon. Thus, even though David Eisenhower is not a political figure, he is a person of some prominence, and he too has been given a Secret Service code name, “Sahara.” Even though the junior Dwight Eisenhower is not known in every household, he certainly was assigned one of the coolest USSS code names.
Jeb Bush
Plenty of interesting names have been associated with Jeb Bush, starting with the name he is more popularly known by. Born John Ellis Bush, this political figure took on the nickname “Jeb” as those were the three letters making up his initials. Since childhood, that nickname has stuck. Like other Bush relatives, Jeb soon went into politics.
Interestingly, Jeb took up Latin studies for his Bachelor of Arts degree. His studies paid off, and he soon was offered a job in Caracas, Venezuela. But eventually, this Bush would call Florida his home. From 1999 to 2007, Jeb served as the Governor of Florida. During his father’s presidency, Jeb was given another odd name – the code name “Tripper.” Wonder if Jeb had a habit of tripping others.
Maureen Reagan
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Maureen Elizabeth Reagan is a case in point. In many ways, she took after her father, Ronald Reagan. She, too, became affiliated with the Republican party, and she also became involved in politics, becoming the first child of a president to be elected as the co-chair of the political party’s National Committee. She also took after her father as she was an aspiring actress and landed a film co-starring Elvis Presley.
Maureen Reagan’s success was somewhat limited, but contracting melanoma brought on early death in this aspiring individual. When her father became the 40th president of America, Maureen was given two code names, “Rhyme” and “Rosebud.” Interestingly, “Rosebud” was also the code name given to Sasha Obama.
Chip Carter
It is hard for the family members of the first family to remain out of the public eye. I mean, who doesn’t want to know all the ins and outs and juicy details of the first family? However, there are some political personalities that have managed to keep the public completely out of their business, and Chip Carter is one of those individuals.
In 1950 James Earl "Chip" Carter III was born, but the Carter son is more known as Chip Carter. He is one of the four children that the former president, Jimmy Carter, and former first lady, Roselyn Carter, had together. There were three sons and one daughter. When Jimmy Carter took the office in White House, the Secret Service gave Chip Carter the code name “Diamond.”
Rose Kennedy
Simply because this lady lived to be 104 years old, she deserves a mention. And on top of that, Rose Elizabeth Fitzgerald Kennedy had nine children. Where on earth did this lady get her stamina from? It is a pure mystery, but the Secret Service should have given Rose Kennedy the name “Stamina” because this woman had buckets of it.
Sadly, her stamina and longevity meant that she had to witness tragedy after tragedy, including the assassination of her second eldest, JFK, two of her children dying before the age of 30, and losing yet another child, Robert, to an assassination. Rose Kennedy had witnessed a lot before her passing in 1995. The Secret Service should have rightly called her “Stamina,” but she was given the code name “Coppertone.”
Julie Nixon Eisenhower
If there ever was a more powerful name to introduce yourself, Julie Nixon Eisenhower has it. Honestly, with the surnames of two presidents making up your full name, others must feel extremely intimidated after meeting you and exchanging names. Julie Nixon is the youngest child of Richard Nixon and Pat Nixon. Thanks to the inventions of Mamie Eisenhower, the two started dating in 1966.
Two years later, the power couple married, and Julie Nixon became Julie Nixon Eisenhower. While Julie Nixon Eisenhower was given every opportunity to discard her father’s last name, Nixon, and remove herself from “Watergate,” Julie still kept her father’s old name. However, the youngest Nixon child did not go into politics. Instead, she became an editor, working as an assistant manager of “The Saturday Evening Post.”
Michael Ford
Born Michael Gerald Ford, but more commonly referred to as Mike Ford, the eldest child of the former US President Gerald Ford and former First Lady Betty Ford, has not followed in his father’s footsteps. Perhaps, the Secret Service knew something others didn’t when they assigned Mike Ford the code name “Professor.” Ford was only 24 at the time. Now, he works as an Associate Director at Wake Forest University.
I mean, the Secret Service was not too off with the whole “Professor” code name. Ford is also a lay leader at First Presbyterian Church. The eldest Ford son lives in North Carolina, his home, which is interesting since his father hailed from Nebraska. Sometimes, the apple falls far from the tree, and with Mike Ford, the USSS knew it.
Marvin Bush
When most of your family are involved in politics, including your father, three brothers, and two sisters, it seems destined that you, too, will go into politics. However, that was not the case for Marvin Bush. Born Marvin Pierce Bush, more commonly known as Marvin Bush, in many ways, seems like the typical Bush son. He is a businessman who was the director of a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Yet, when it comes to politics, this Bush steers clear from politics. In fact, during the 2016 presidential election, instead of endorsing the Republican candidate Donald Trump, Marvin Bush showed his support for Libertine candidate Gary Johnson. During his father, George H. W Bush’s time in the White House, Marvin Bush was given the name “Tuner.”
Ron Reagan
Not to be confused with the 40th President of America, Ronald Wilson Reagan, but we are actually speaking about Ronald Prescott Reagan. The former goes by the name Ronald Reagan, while the latter is more commonly known as Ron Reagan. The Secret Service gave Ronald Reagan the code name “Rawhide” and Ron Reagan the code name “Reliant” during the 40th President’s tenure.
Perhaps, the former US President would come to disagree with this name for his son as his son would go on to have very different views from his father. While the former president was known for his neoconservatism, Ron Reagan made a career as a political commentator and expresses rather liberal views. His father might question the validity of the USSS code name “Reliant” in this case.
Edward F. Cox
It is true that Edward F. Cox was not born into a first or presidential family, but he certainly married into one. Following the Watergate Scandal, Cox might be wondering if he had made the right decision to marry the eldest daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox. Considering that the couple has been married for more than half a century, we assume that Edward F. Cox stands true to his original decision.
When his father-in-law was sworn into the presidential office, Edward F. Cox also received a code name from the Secret Service. His code name was Seminole. The term “Seminole” is the native name for a band of people from Florida and Georgia. How Cox, who was born in New York, landed up with this name is quite the mystery.
John F. Kennedy Jr.
It appears as if the name John Fitzgerald Kennedy is a family name, and it might have continued had John F. Kennedy Jr. had had children. It seems very much like a cursed name. John F. Kennedy Jr. was the 3 rd child of JFK, the 35th President of America. Tragedy struck the Kennedy family on November 22, 1963, when gunman Lee Harvey Oswald assassinated the president in Dallas, Texas.
Later, on July 16, 1999, tragedy struck John Fitzgerald Kennedy again – this time John Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr – as he died in a plane crash near Martha’s Vineyard. Oddly, the USSS gave John Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr. the code name “Lark,” which is a type of bird. Perhaps, the Secret Service could foretell the future to an extent.
Bernie Sanders
It is true that this political figure is patiently waiting for his tenure in the White House, but since the 2016 elections, he has been holding out for that moment. That being said, Sanders is still a prominent political figure. He might not have his day in the White House, but he has been the US Senator for Vermont since 2007.
If he continues for another four years, he will have been in that role for 20 years, which is more than many can say. As Sanders is a prominent political figure, the Secret Service gave him the code name “Intrepid.” Since “intrepid” is something akin to “fearless” and “adventurous,” we can definitely use the word to describe Sanders, whose political views certainly shake things up in the USA.
Ann Romney
While her husband is a pretty prominent figure in US politics, Ann Romney has mostly steered clear of politics except when it comes to her husband, Mitt Romney. You could say that Ann Romney is her husband’s number one supporter as it was she who initially encouraged him to get involved in politics and who played an important role in his campaigning both during the 2008 and 2012 elections.
In fact, she was particularly vocal about his political rival, Barack Obama’s policies and political ambitions. Despite her efforts, Mitt Romney was not elected on both occasions. The Secret Service gave Ann Romney the code name “Jockey.” Perhaps, the political candidate’s wife earned this name from her massive interest in the political race between her husband and political rivals.
Sarah Palin
For a long time, it seemed that Sarah Palin was one of the most successful women in Republican politics. In 2008, she was the first female Republican nominee for a presidential election as well as the second female nominee for a vice presidential election. She was also the youngest person to be elected the Governor of Alaska, as she was 42.
She was also the first woman to be elected in this role. Thus, when it comes to Palin, despite not being voted the first female president of the USA, Palin has gone where few others have, and she has become a major contender in politics. Owing particularly to her prominence in the politics of Alaska, the Secret Service gave her code name “Denali” after the state’s famed peak.
John Kerry
You might remember this politician’s name if you followed the 2004 election. For those of you who were still infants during the Noughties, it is unlikely that John Kerry rings a bell. John Kerry was the Democrat candidate who went up against George W. Bush. Sadly, he lost out to Bush, but Kerry still had a stellar career in politics. Born John Forbes Kerry in Aurora, Colorado, this politician is still going strong.
His career in politics truly took off in 1963 when he was elected Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts. Now, he is serving as 1st U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate under President Joe Biden. Owing to his stellar record, it seems more than appropriate that the Secret Service would give Kerry the code name “Minuteman.”
Todd Palin
It is rare that you hear the term “First Gentleman,” but with Todd Palin, you would have often heard him being referred to as “First Gentleman of Wasilla” and “First Gentleman of Alaska.” This is because politics tends to be dominated by men, but one woman defied the odds, namely, Sarah Palin and Todd Palin’s ex-wife. Sadly, the two got divorced in 2020.
When it came to Alaska, Sarah Palin certainly defied the odds. She was born in Idaho but managed to rise to the role of Governor. Todd Palin’s area was not politics. His was business, specifically oil production and the fishing trade. Given his area of expertise, it is little wonder and more than appropriate that the Secret Service gave Palin the code name “Driller.”
Meghan McCain
When her father, John McCain, ran for the 2008 presidential election, he became a political figure of prominence, and so did his family members. Now, you probably know Meghan Marguerite McCain, but she is known more popularly as Meghan McCain for her work on TV and as a columnist. One particular show associated with McCain is “The View.”
When his father joined the political race of 2008, McCain was given a code name by the Secret Service, which was “Peter Sellers.” Truly, it is one of the weirdest code names in Secret Service history since it is the name of a famous actor and contains two words. McCain has been open about how much she dislikes the Secret Service calling them terms such as “glorified mall cops.”
Janna Ryan
Paul Ryan has had an extensive political career spanning at least two decades. While he is a public figure, his wife, Janna Ryan, has remained somewhat of a private figure. Born Janna Christine Little and raised in Oklahoma, Janna Ryan went on to study at Wellesley College and George Washington University Law School. After her tertiary education, Ryan has become a tax attorney, and the Ryan couple have three children. The family currently lives in Wisconsin.
What is interesting about the Ryan pair is that they cannot have more opposite Secret Service code names. Paul Ryan took the code name “Bowhunter,” given his habit of hunting, while Janna Ryan got “Buttercup,” which has to be one of the sweetest code names ever. Wonder if Paul Ryan ever calls Janna “Buttercup”?
Pope John Paul II
After a failed assassination plot in 1981, Pope John Paul II has become one of the most famous Popes in history. While it is true that the Pope was not exactly an American president, his worldwide regard makes him a prominent international figure. Born Karol Józef Wojtyła in 1902, Pope John Paul became the 264th pope in October 1978. As mentioned, there was an attempted assassination of the Pope just three years after his being ordained.
It is probably this assassination plot that put the late Pope in the Secret Service books. The Secret Service gave the Pope the code name “Halo.” Perhaps, this was a reference to him escaping the assassination. Following his death, Pope John Paul II was canonized and made a saint of the Catholic Church.
King Charles III
On May 6, 2023, King Charles III will be crowned King of the United Kingdom. So, if royalty is your thing, keep this date in your diary. Naturally, because this official ceremony will be of major importance, the Secret Service and a whole host of bodyguards will likely be on standby to make sure the new King’s coronation will go smoothly.
Interestingly, we all know King Charles III’s – or Prince Charles III’s – Secret Service code names, which are “Principal” or “Unicorn.” It is not offering the heir to the throne much peace of mind when all of the public knows his code name, but perhaps, on that day, he will receive a new code name. Maybe, being king means you can get more than one code name.