Secret Service Code Names For The Last 14 U.S. Presidents
It all started with Harry S. Truman in the mid-1940s. Since then, all presidents have been given (or selected) descriptive code names used by the Secret Service to provide a layer of anonymity when discussing the movements of the commander in chief.
The process of selecting these code names is somewhat shrouded in mystery and the agency has never revealed the exact process, but a spokesperson once said the words are usually determined by “sheer whim.” So, who got what moniker?
Harry S. Truman: “General” - though not a military title he ever held, but perhaps reflects his leadership prowess.
Dwight D. Eisenhower: “Providence” - this echoed his reputation for being a guiding force of virtue and purpose for many Americans.
John F. Kennedy: “Lancer” - Lancelot, a legendary knight of King Arthur’s court, was the inspiration for the charismatic president’s code name. Following John F. Kennedy’s assassination, the Kennedy administration’s nickname of “Camelot” was popularized by former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, solidifying this romanticized vision of JFK’s presidency.
Lyndon B. Johnson: “Volunteer” - In 1941, when he was serving as a Texas Democrat in the House of Representatives, the U.S. entered World War II. In a move that likely inspired his nickname, Johnson became the first member of Congress to volunteer for active duty.
Richard Nixon: “Searchlight” - This Secret Service code name took a prophetic turn when an early morning break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters led to the unraveling of the Watergate scandal.
Gerald Ford: "Passkey" - A name that was somewhat prophetic as he locked the door on any possibility of criminal prosecution against his predecessor, Nixon, by granting him “a full, free, and absolute pardon.”
Jimmy Carter: “Deacon” - He was a devout Christian before, during, and after his presidency, making the name “Deacon,” referencing a church official, particularly appropriate.
Ronald Reagan: “Rawhide” - This moniker probably draws from his acting career and his roles not in Hollywood Westerns.
George H.W. Bush: “Timberwolf” - Another code name without any known or particular backstory.
Bill Clinton: “Eagle” - This one is also a bit of a mystery but some think that it had to do with his connection to the Boy Scouts of America.
George W. Bush: "Trailblazer" - His presidential code name was complimentary, but his name while his father was president was less flattering: Tumbler. According to some reports, it was based on his alleged propensity to party.
Barack Obama: "Renegade" - He reportedly picked this moniker from a list of code names that started with R. No word on what the other choices were.
Donald Trump: "Mogul" - While Donald Trump once stated that he would select “Humble” as his code name, the Secret Service opted for something that was…well, a little less humble. He retained this code name during his current second term.
Joe Biden: "Celtic" - Biden’s code name - which was the same one used when he was vice president - is a reference to his Irish heritage.
