There has been a lot of name calling before and during Trump’s presidency (both coming from, and directed toward the president), but one name he probably won’t mind answering to is his Secret Service code name. Presidents and family members throughout the years have undergone the process of having a secret name bestowed upon them. There was a time when Secret Service members and certain White House staff were the only ones privy to this information, but rules have been relaxed over the years.
Here are Melania and Donald Trump’s Secret Service code names, as well as a few others from the Trump family.
Why Secret Service Code Names?
Secret Service codenames have been around for decades. | Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images
Code names were originally used to identify presidents, their family members, and world leaders, according to the National Park Service. In the past, they were given to offer additional security. However, the Secret Service now has more secure ways to communicate, so these names aren’t as necessary (and therefore, not as much of a secret) today, reports CBS News.
Next: Choosing the “secret” name.
How Secret Service Code Names get chosen
Presidents get to choose their code names. | The White House Historical Association
There seems to be a bit of mystery surrounding how Secret Service code names are chosen. Historian Michael Beschloss explained the process during an interview for NPR. He shared that people who are under Secret Service protection actually get a say in what they’re called. “Usually, a president or anyone else who’s protected gets a list of possible code names, and they get to choose. And if it’s something too awful they can choose something else,” said Beschloss. The list of names are provided by the White House Communications Agency, reports the Chicago Tribune.
Next: The whole family gets to join in on the fun.
Finalizing the code name
Ronald “Rawhide” Reagan? | Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Once a name is chosen, everyone in that person’s family will get a code name that begins with the same letter. Mike Danforth of the NPR podcast “How to Do Everything,” noted Ronald Reagan’s code name was Rawhide. The former president’s children were called Radiance and Riddler. John McCain was given the code name Phoenix and his wife, Cindy, was named Parasol.
Next: This code name won’t surprise you a bit.
Donald Trump
We think Trump must love this code name. | Scott Olson/Getty Images
- Code name: Mogul
Some code names might make you scratch your head, but not this one. When Donald Trump was running for president, he was given the code name Mogul (his code name might have changed since then). He was likely given this name because of his years as a real estate businessman. America also saw Trump play the boss on NBC’s The Apprentice. In addition, he co-authored a New York Times bestseller called The Art of the Deal.
Next: We can see how she got this name.
Melania Trump
Melania Trump’s fashion model past was the inspiration for her code name. | JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images
- Code name: Muse
Melania Trump was given the name Muse because of her past career as a fashion model. Although her career is behind her, the first lady is still fashionable as ever. She can often be seen wearing the latest designs and has received a lot of attention for her shoe choices on several occasions. Melania most recently caused as stir when she was seen wearing stilettos for her trip to Texas after Hurricane Harvey. However, she later changed into a pair of tennis shoes.
Next: This code name is unusual.
Ivanka Trump
Ivanka Trump’s multiple business endeavors inspired her name. | Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images
- Code name: Marvel
According to The Daily Caller, Ivanka Trump’s code name is Marvel. Although it’s unclear why this name was given, perhaps it has something to do with her determination to become a businessperson like her dad, despite being born into wealth. Ivanka sells handbags, footwear, clothing, and jewelry under the Ivanka Trump brand. She also wrote two books titled Women Who Work and The Trump Card.
Next: These names might make you want to take a trip outdoors.
Donald Trump, Jr. and Eric Trump
Trump’s adult sons have rugged code names. | Joe Raedle/Getty Images
- Code names: Mountaineer and Marksman
According to ABC News, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump are called Mountaineer and Marksman, respectively. They were given these names because they are big fans of hunting. They’re also strong supporters of the National Rifle Association. Some of the their hunting trophy photos made their way onto the Internet, much to the dismay of animal rights activists.
Other politicians get code names, too
Presidential candidates, like Al Gore, receive Secret Service protection during the campaign. | NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images
The president and his family aren’t the only high-profile people to get a code name. It’s common to provide names to presidential candidates as well. During the 2000 presidential election, Al Gore was called Sundance and Joe Lieberman was known as Laser, reports The Charlotte Observer. High-level White House members also receive code names. For example, the name Matrix is usually given to the White House press secretary. Barack Obama’s former chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, was called Black Hawk.
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