In the world of the United States Secret Service, every member of the First Family is assigned a code name. These monikers serve a practical purpose—originally designed for secure radio communication before the advent of sophisticated encryption—but they often carry a symbolic weight, reflecting the personality or the “public aura” of the individual they protect.
One of the most enduring traditions of these code names is that all members of a family share the same initial letter. For example, if the President is “Renegade,” his family members’ names will also begin with “R.”
Here are the stories behind the code names of eleven notable First Ladies:
1. Jackie Kennedy – “Lace”
Reflecting her elegance, high-fashion sensibilities, and the delicate but strong “Camelot” era she helped define, Jackie Kennedy was aptly named “Lace.” Her husband, John F. Kennedy, was known as “Lancer.”
2. Lady Bird Johnson – “Victoria”
Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson was assigned the name “Victoria.” While some suggest it was a nod to a “Victorian” sense of propriety, it more likely represented the “V” for Victory—a fitting name for a woman who spearheaded the massive “Beautification” project of America’s highways and cities.
3. Pat Nixon – “Starlight”
As the wife of President Richard Nixon (code-named “Searchlight”), Pat Nixon was “Starlight.” The names suggested a pair that illuminated the path of the executive branch, though Pat was often noted for her quiet, steady presence behind the scenes.
4. Betty Ford – “Pinafore”
The Ford family names all started with “P” (Gerald Ford was “Passkey”). Betty Ford was “Pinafore,” a name that sounded traditional, yet she famously broke that mold by being one of the most candid and politically active First Ladies in history regarding social issues and health.
5. Rosalynn Carter – “Dancer”
The Carters were the “D” family. While Jimmy Carter was “Deacon,” reflecting his deep religious roots, Rosalynn was “Dancer.” The name captured her grace and her tireless energy as she traveled the world as a key diplomatic surrogate for her husband.
6. Nancy Reagan – “Rainbow”
The Reagans were the “R” family (Ronald Reagan was “Rawhide”). Nancy was “Rainbow,” a name that many felt reflected her vibrant style and the “sunny” optimism that the Reagan administration sought to project to the American public.
7. Barbara Bush – “Tranquility”
As the matriarch of the “T” family (George H.W. Bush was “Timberwolf”), Barbara Bush was “Tranquility.” Known for her blunt honesty and calming, grandmotherly public persona, the name fit her role as the steady anchor of the Bush political dynasty.
8. Hillary Clinton – “Evergreen”
The Clintons used “E” names (Bill Clinton was “Eagle”). Hillary’s code name, “Evergreen,” has proven remarkably prophetic. Much like the tree that stays green through all seasons, her political career has spanned decades, surviving numerous political “winters” and shifts in the national landscape.
9. Laura Bush – “Libre”
The George W. Bush family used “L” names (the President was “Tumbler,” later changed to “Trailblazer”). Laura Bush was “Libre,” the Spanish word for “free.” This reflected her interest in literacy and global education, as well as the administration’s “freedom” agenda.
10. Michelle Obama – “Renaissance”
Matching President Barack Obama’s “Renegade,” Michelle was “Renaissance.” The name was chosen to signify a new beginning and a cultural shift, reflecting her focus on health, veterans’ families, and her status as a modern style icon.
11. Melania Trump – “Muse”
Following the “M” family designation (Donald Trump is “Mogul”), Melania Trump was assigned the name “Muse.” Drawing from her background in the fashion world and her role as a source of inspiration, the name highlighted her focus on the aesthetic and ceremonial duties of the East Wing.
The Evolution of the Call Sign
Today, while digital encryption has made the “hiding” of identities less critical for radio security, the tradition of code names remains a vital part of Secret Service culture. These names offer a rare, shorthand glimpse into how the most protected women in the world are perceived by the agencies tasked with keeping them safe.