The Secret Service Code Names of 10 U.S. Presidents
Ever since Harry S. Truman’s presidential terms, from 1945 until 1953, presidents have been given descriptive code names used by the Secret Service to provide an added layer of anonymity when discussing the movements of the commander in chief. The process of selecting these code names is somewhat shrouded in mystery. Sometimes, the White House Communications Agency (WHCA) comes up with a list of words starting with the same letter, and the president chooses something from the list that resonates with them. Other times, the Secret Service simply assigns one of the WHCA-supplied names to the president.
But how does the WHCA come up with the list to begin with? The agency is tight-lipped about its exact process, but a spokesperson once said the words are usually determined by “sheer whim.” While the code names often reflect something unique about the leader — whether it’s a nod to their personality, principles, or background — other times, the inspiration isn’t entirely clear.
Presidential code names started as an added security measure at a time when it was easier to intercept electronic communications. Yet despite modern advancements in technology, the tradition has endured, and these nicknames have become not-so-secret pieces of presidential lore along the way. Here are some of the U.S. presidents’ Secret Service code names, and the suspected meaning behind them.
Harry S. Truman: “General”
Harry S. Truman was the first U.S. president with a documented Secret Service code name. “General,” though not a military title he ever held, reflects his leadership as a field artillery captain during World War II — as well as his critical, though controversial, decisiveness as president.
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John F. Kennedy: “Lancer”
Lancelot, a legendary knight of King Arthur’s court, was the inspiration for the charismatic president’s code name, “Lancer.” 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 Lyndon B. Johnson 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. He served as a lieutenant commander in the Navy until members of Congress were recalled to Washington in 1942.
Richard Nixon: “Searchlight”
The code name “Searchlight” took a prophetic turn when an early morning break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters led to the unraveling of the Watergate scandal. But the name’s initial link to Richard Nixon may have come from his time as a U.S. representative, when he played a role in — and gained political prominence from — the investigation of a U.S. State Department official who was accused of spying for the Soviet Union.
Jimmy Carter: “Deacon”
Jimmy Carter was a devout Christian before, during, and after his presidency. In the years following his time in the Oval Office, he continued to teach Sunday school, making the name “Deacon,” referencing a church official, particularly apt.
Ronald Reagan: “Rawhide”
The name “Rawhide” drew not only from Ronald Reagan’s role in Hollywood Westerns, but also from the fact that he was a real-life rancher, with a small ranch outside Santa Barbara, California.
Bill Clinton: “Eagle”
Although Bill Clinton’s code name, like most, was never explained, it has been speculated that it has to do with his connection to the Boy Scouts of America. Although he did not achieve Eagle Scout rank (Gerald Ford is the only president to do so), he served as a Cub Scout in his youth, and he spoke at the 1997 National Scout Jamboree.
George H.W. Bush: “Timberwolf”
The reason for George H.W. Bush’s code name, “Timberwolf,” isn’t known, but the 41st U.S. president was an avid outdoorsman who championed environmental protection.
Barack Obama: “Renegade”
Per tradition, Barack Obama reportedly chose his code name, “Renegade,” from a list of “R” words. While the former president’s intentions weren’t stated, the word certainly encapsulated his impact on American politics.
