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The Press Was Not Impressed

President Nixon's Stylish Security Uniforms

Copyright © Fall 2012 White House Historical Association. All rights reserved under international copyright conventions. No part of this article may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Requests for reprint permissions should be addressed to books@whha.org

The appearance of military uniforms on White House staff has seemed too threatening to please the public so except during wartime they are avoided in favor of less fanciful dress, usually either copied from a metropolitan police force or the even simpler uniforms of the Secret Service. From time to time the need has been seen at the White House for distinctive uniforms that simply say “White House” and relate to nothing else. Through the years the embassies had such uniforms, and officials admired the custom in Europe.

Theodore Roosevelt had trouble gaining acceptance for original uniforms. More than half a century later President Richard M. Nixon faced the same objections when he had uniforms designed for White House security. Teased in the press for adopting the costumes of a “banana republic,” the president finally gave up and recalled the uniforms, which were presented for use to the marching band of a local high school.

Nixon White House staff uniform

White House staff uniform jacket and pants instituted by President Nixon.

Division of Political History, National Museum of American History

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Nixon's White House staff uniform hats

Hats from the White House staff uniforms instituted by President Nixon.

Division of Political History, National Museum of American History

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This was originally published in White House History Number 32 on Fall 2012

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