The Cowboy Who Traded the West Wing for a Badge (and Transformers)
Steven Ford (Son of Gerald Ford): You might recognize him as the son of the 38th President, but movie buffs know him as a character actor with over 25 years in the business. Before he was appearing in blockbusters like Black Hawk Down and Transformers, Steve Ford lived a life far removed from the Ivy League path expected of political scions. He spent years on the professional rodeo circuit as a team roper.
Today, he balances his time between his California ranch and his role as a motivational speaker, openly sharing his 30-plus-year journey of sobriety.
The Secret Service Agent Who... Wasn't?
Susan Ford Bales (Daughter of Gerald Ford): Susan Ford made history by hosting her high school senior prom in the East Room of the White House, but her post-Washington life took a creative turn. She became a professional photojournalist, even getting hired to shoot publicity stills for the movie Jaws 2. Most surprisingly, she turned her "First Daughter" experience into fiction, authoring a series of White House-based mystery novels like Double Exposure.
When she isn't writing whodunnits, she carries on her mother’s legacy as a leader in the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.
The "Atheist for Reagan"
Ron Reagan Jr. (Son of Ronald Reagan): Perhaps the most ideologically "surprising" of the bunch, Ron Reagan Jr. took a path that often put him at odds with his father's conservative base. A former professional ballet dancer with the Joffrey Ballet, Ron eventually became a prominent political commentator and a vocal advocate for stem cell research. He famously identified himself in a 2014 ad as an "unabashed atheist, not afraid of burning in hell."
That's a bold stance for the son of the man who became a hero to the Religious Right.
The Diplomat Who Survived the "Camelot" Curse
Caroline Kennedy (Daughter of John F. Kennedy): The world remembers her as the little girl riding her pony, "Macaroni," on the White House lawn. Decades after the tragedy that defined her childhood, Caroline Kennedy has emerged as the most successful political heir of her generation. Eschewing the elective office many expected her to seek, she carved out a heavyweight career in diplomacy. After serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, she moved to Canberra to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Australia until late 2024.
She proved that the Kennedy legacy is still alive and well in the 21st century.
The Rebel Activist Who Disappeared (On Purpose)
Amy Carter (Daughter of Jimmy Carter): In the late 70s, Amy Carter was the darling of the media, often seen reading at state dinners. By the 80s, she was a firebrand activist, getting arrested at anti-apartheid protests. However, in a world where "First Kids" often lean into their fame, Amy did the most shocking thing possible: she vanished. Opting for a life of total privacy, she became a dedicated mother and illustrator (she illustrated her father's children's book!).
She remains one of the few presidential children to successfully step entirely out of the spotlight.
The "Other" Eisenhower Marriage
Tricia Nixon Cox (Daughter of Richard Nixon): Tricia Nixon’s Rose Garden wedding was the social event of 1971, but her life since her father’s resignation has been a masterclass in quiet loyalty. While her sister Julie married into the Eisenhower family, Tricia stayed in New York, largely avoiding the talk-show circuit. She has spent decades working behind the scenes on medical research boards and the Richard Nixon Foundation.
She's maintained a private life that is a stark contrast to the chaotic headlines of her youth.
The Singing Sensation Who Almost Topped the Charts
Margaret Truman (Daughter of Harry S. Truman): Before she was a best-selling mystery novelist, Margaret Truman wanted to be a diva—literally. She launched a professional career as a coloratura soprano while her father was in office, performing on national radio and at Carnegie Hall. She even sparked a minor constitutional crisis when her father, President Truman, famously wrote a scathing letter to a music critic who gave her a bad review, threatening to give him a "black eye."
She later pivoted from high notes to high stakes, writing 25 "Capital Crimes" mystery novels set in D.C.
The Secret Weapon of the "Southern Dynasty"
Lynda Bird Johnson Robb (Daughter of Lyndon B. Johnson): While her sister Luci was the "rebel" who converted to Catholicism, Lynda was the intellectual powerhouse. She dated Hollywood actor George Hamilton (bringing him to the White House for dinners!) before marrying Charles Robb in a massive East Room wedding. While she didn't run for office herself, she became a formidable "Second Lady" of Virginia.
And she became a high-level magazine editor for Ladies' Home Journal, proving that a First Daughter could be both a socialite and a serious media executive.
The Business Maverick Who Dodged the Family "G"
Neil Bush (Son of George H.W. Bush): While his brothers George and Jeb were busy running states (and the country), Neil Bush took a path that was... a bit more chaotic. He became a businessman who found himself at the center of the 1980s Savings and Loan scandal, which was a massive headache for his father’s administration. Rather than retreating, Neil pivoted to the international stage.
He became a major bridge for U.S.-China business relations and chairing the "Points of Light" foundation to keep his father’s volunteerism legacy alive.
The Adopted Advocate Who Forged His Own Path
Michael Reagan (Son of Ronald Reagan): Adopted by Ronald Reagan and his first wife, Jane Wyman, Michael Reagan’s life has been a fascinating mix of Hollywood and hard-right politics. He spent years as a professional powerboat racer (breaking several world speed records) before becoming one of the most popular conservative talk radio hosts in America. He recently passed away in early 2026.
He left behind a legacy as the "guardian" of the Reagan Ranch and a vocal advocate for adoption and foster care.
The Tech Investor Who Chose "Venture" Over "Voters"
Marvin Bush (Son of George H.W. Bush): If you were looking for the "quietest" member of the Bush dynasty, it’s Marvin. He completely skipped the political arena to become a venture capitalist. Interestingly, he worked for the firm that provided security for the World Trade Center up until 2001. Today, he lives a relatively low-profile life in Virginia.
He serves on the boards of various investment firms—the rare Bush who preferred the boardroom to the campaign trail.
The Undercover Ranger in the Wild West
Jack Ford (Son of Gerald Ford): While his brother Steve was hitting the rodeo circuit, Jack Ford spent his father’s presidency doing something equally rugged: working as a forest ranger at Yellowstone National Park. He didn't just pose for photos; he fought forest fires and patrolled the back country, often with Secret Service agents trailing him in hiking boots. After his time in the woods, he co-founded Outside magazine.
And he moved into the tech and branding world, proving he was just as comfortable in a boardroom as he was in a sleeping bag.
The Brigadier General Who Forged a New "Ike" Legacy
John Eisenhower (Son of Dwight D. Eisenhower): Following in the footsteps of a Supreme Allied Commander is no easy feat, but John Eisenhower didn’t just follow—he thrived. He graduated from West Point on D-Day (the very day his father was overseeing the invasion of Normandy). He went on to become a Brigadier General and a world-class military historian, writing definitive books on the Battle of the Bulge.
He even served as Ambassador to Belgium under Richard Nixon, showing that the Eisenhower-Nixon alliance was a multi-generational affair.
The Rebel Who Found Her Faith (and a Business Empire)
Luci Baines Johnson (Daughter of Lyndon B. Johnson): As a teenager, Luci was the "wilder" Johnson sister, famously converting to Roman Catholicism at age 18 (a move that shocked her Southern Baptist father). She made headlines with a massive White House wedding at just 19 years old. However, the "rebel" grew into a powerhouse businesswoman. She co-founded BusinesSuites, a pioneer in the executive suite industry.
And today she manages the LBJ family's massive wealth advisory firm in Austin, proving she inherited her father’s legendary "LBJ" drive for results.
The Professional Speedboat Racer and Radio Titan
Michael Reagan (Son of Ronald Reagan): Long before he was a fixture on conservative radio, Michael Reagan was a literal speed demon. He spent much of the 1970s and 80s as a professional powerboat racer, setting world records and winning championships while his father was in the White House. He later traded the helm for the microphone in the world of radio - and he became quite successful.
He became one of the most syndicated talk radio hosts in the country. He remained the primary protector of the Reagan legacy until his passing in early 2026.
The First Kid Who Became a "Doctor of Democracy"
John Ellis "Jeb" Bush (Son of George H.W. Bush): In the 1980s, Jeb was seen as the "quiet" son compared to his brother George W., but his trajectory was anything but low-key. He moved to Florida and became a real estate mogul before serving two terms as Governor. What’s surprising isn't just his political career, but his post-politics life: he became a leading national voice on education reform.
And he became a professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania. He effectively became the "intellectual architect" of the modern Bush family brand.
The Navy Chaplain Who Chose the Pulpit Over the Podium
Michael Ford (Son of Gerald Ford): The eldest Ford son completely bypassed the political and entertainment industries. Instead, he answered a higher calling. Michael became a minister and a long-serving university chaplain at Wake Forest University. For decades, he focused on student life and religious leadership rather than campaign trails. He famously remained the "moral anchor" of the family.
He was often the one his siblings turned to for guidance during their father’s high-pressure presidency and post-presidency.
The "Environmental Architect" of the Bush Legacy
Dorothy "Doro" Bush Koch (Daughter of George H.W. Bush): As the youngest child and only living daughter of the Bush 41 family, Doro has always been the family’s bridge-builder. While her brothers were in the political trenches, she became an author and a champion for literacy and mindfulness. She famously wrote a poignant, behind-the-scenes biography of her father and co-founded BB&R Wellness Consulting.
She’s the one who kept the family’s "Points of Light" spirit alive through quiet, non-partisan advocacy, proving you don’t need an elective office to lead.
The Carter Son Who Ran the "Family Business" (The Other One)
John William "Jack" Carter (Son of Jimmy Carter): Jack Carter served in the Navy during the Vietnam War before joining his father on the peanut farm, but he eventually tried to bring the Carter name back to the Senate. In 2006, he ran for a U.S. Senate seat in Nevada. Though he didn't win, he spent the rest of his career as a successful investment manager and international businessman.
He is often cited as the sibling who most shares Jimmy Carter’s trademark tenacity and disciplined work ethic.
The "First Artist" Who Painted the Presidency
Luci Baines Johnson (Daughter of Lyndon B. Johnson): Wait—we've talked about Luci the businesswoman, but did you know she was almost a professional nurse? During the height of the Vietnam War, Luci was enrolled in nursing school at Georgetown, driven by a desire to serve. While she eventually pivoted to business, she remained a lifelong patron of the arts and history.
She famously spearheaded the massive renovation of the LBJ Presidential Library, essentially acting as the chief curator of her father’s complicated legacy.
The Scholar Who Outpaced the Politicians
Julie Nixon Eisenhower (Daughter of Richard Nixon): While many presidential kids write a single memoir, Julie became a formidable historian and editor. She spent years as an editor for The Saturday Evening Post and wrote several acclaimed books, including a deep-dive biography of her mother, Pat Nixon. By marrying David Eisenhower (the grandson of Ike), she became the ultimate living link between two 20th-century dynasties.
She used her intellect to protect and contextualize the history she lived through from the inside.
The "Crown Prince" Who Watched Three Assassinations
Robert Todd Lincoln (Son of Abraham Lincoln): If history were a movie, Robert Todd Lincoln’s life would be called The Curse of the Presidency. Not only was he at his father’s deathbed, but he was also physically present at the assassinations of President Garfield and President McKinley. Haunted by this "coincidence," he stopped attending presidential events. He eventually became a powerhouse lawyer and the President of the Pullman Palace Car Company.
He lived long enough to see the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial in 1922.
The Civil War General Who Became a "Gatsby" Figure
George Washington Custis Lee (Step-Grandson of George Washington / Son of Robert E. Lee): Though technically the "First Step-Grandson," he grew up in the shadow of the Washington legacy. During the Civil War, he rose to the rank of Major General in the Confederate Army. After the war, he succeeded his father as the President of Washington and Lee University. He lived out his days as a wealthy, prestigious bachelor on a massive estate.
He essentially served as the "keeper of the flame" for two of the most famous families in American history.
The First Daughter Who Ruled Washington Like a Queen
Alice Roosevelt Longworth (Daughter of Theodore Roosevelt): Technically 1901, but a true product of the Victorian era, "Princess Alice" was the original wild child. She famously smoked on the roof of the White House and carried a pet snake named Emily Spinach in her purse. When her father threatened to send her away, she became a political kingmaker in D.C. for the next 70 years.
She was known for her "voodoo doll" of enemies and a pillow in her house that said, "If you can't say something good about someone, sit right here by me."
The Son Who Died of a Blister (and Changed Medicine)
Calvin Coolidge Jr. (Son of Calvin Coolidge): In one of the most tragic and "butterfly effect" moments in White House history, young Calvin Jr. was playing tennis on the White House courts when he developed a small blister on his toe. In an era before widely available antibiotics, the blister became infected, and he died of sepsis at age 16. His father later wrote that when his son died, "the power and glory of the Presidency went with him."
This tragedy led to a massive push for medical advancements in the treatment of infections.
The "White House Baby" Who Became a Suffragette
Esther Cleveland (Daughter of Grover Cleveland): Esther holds the unique title of being the only child of a president ever born in the White House. Because of her "celebrity birth," she was the most famous child in America. She didn't just sit on her laurels, though; she moved to England, married a Captain in the British Army, and became a vocal advocate for women's rights and social reform during WWI.
She lived a grand, international life that proved she was far more than just a "White House baby."
The Boy Who Ran a "Zoo" in the White House
Quentin Roosevelt (Son of Theodore Roosevelt): The youngest of the "Roosevelt Gang," Quentin once famously led a pony into the White House elevator to cheer up his sick brother. He was the family favorite—the "fine, gay, and high-spirited" one. Tragically, he became a hero of a different sort; he joined the Air Service in WWI and was shot down in a dogfight over France.
He is the only child of a U.S. President to die in combat, and his death famously broke his father's "Bully" spirit.
The Director Who Dropped the Most Famous Last Name in the World
Malia Ann (Daughter of Barack Obama): When Malia Obama decided to pursue a career in film, she made a move that shocked Hollywood: she dropped "Obama." Now credited professionally as Malia Ann, she is carving out a reputation as a serious filmmaker. After a stint in the writers' room for Donald Glover’s series Swarm, she made her directorial debut at the Sundance Film Festival with her short film The Heart.
By ditching her surname, she’s signaled to the world that she wants her work—not her pedigree—to be the star of the show.
The Morning Show Star With a $24 Million "Billionaire Bunker"
Jenna Bush Hager & Ivanka Trump (Daughters of George W. Bush & Donald Trump): While they come from different ends of the political spectrum, these two have both redefined what "post-White House life" looks like in the 2020s. Jenna Bush Hager has become a fixture of American mornings as the co-host of TODAY with Jenna & Friends, while Ivanka Trump has pivoted from Senior Advisor to a Miami socialite and major real estate investor.
In 2025, Ivanka made headlines for her $1.4 billion plan to transform a former Soviet base in Albania into a luxury resort, proving that the Trump business instinct is alive and well in the next generation.
The "Quiet" Graduate in the Middle of Manhattan
Barron Trump (Son of Donald Trump): For years, Barron was the mystery of the White House, rarely seen and never heard in public. Today, the youngest Trump is a student at NYU’s Stern School of Business. Despite his father’s return to the presidency in 2025, Barron has maintained a surprisingly low profile in New York City, choosing to focus on his studies rather than the political spotlight.
He’s often credited as the "tech-savvy" advisor who nudged his father to engage with the world of podcasters and influencers.
The Social Worker With a "Livelihood" in Fashion
Ashley Biden (Daughter of Joe Biden): Ashley Biden has spent her life balancing the gritty reality of social work with the glamour of the fashion world. As a dedicated social justice activist, she spent years working in Delaware’s juvenile justice system. However, she famously merged her two worlds by founding Livelihood, an ethical "social-business" apparel brand. In 2025, she made headlines for a more personal reason—her separation from husband Howard Krein.
But she remains a deeply private advocate for criminal justice reform, usually appearing only at her father's most significant state events.
The Global Health Academic Who Out-Earned Most CEOs
Chelsea Clinton (Daughter of Bill Clinton): Chelsea didn't just stay in the family foundation; she became a powerhouse in her own right across multiple industries. After a famously high-paying stint as an NBC correspondent, she earned a Doctorate in International Relations from Oxford and became an adjunct professor at Columbia University. Now the Vice Chair of the Clinton Foundation, she has focused her 2026 efforts on combating digital misinformation and global health policy.
She is often cited as the most "prepared" First Kid for a political run, though she continues to favor the boardroom and the lecture hall over the ballot box.
The Parrot Who Knew Too Many "Sailor Words"
Poll (Andrew Jackson’s Parrot): Andrew Jackson was known for his fiery temper and colorful vocabulary, and apparently, his pet African Grey parrot, Poll, was an attentive student. The bird became a legend at Jackson’s funeral in 1845. According to eyewitness accounts, Poll began screaming such a steady stream of profanities at the mourners that the bird had to be physically removed from the service.
Even in death, Jackson managed to shock the crowd through his "spokes-bird."
The Raccoon Who Was Almost Dinner
Rebecca (Calvin Coolidge’s Raccoon): In 1926, a live raccoon was sent to the White House to be served for Thanksgiving dinner. Horrified by the idea, the Coolidges instead granted her a "presidential pardon" and kept her as a pet. Rebecca became a D.C. socialite, walking on a leash and attending the White House Easter Egg Roll.
She even had her own decorated Christmas tree and was known to enjoy playing in the White House bathtubs.
The Alligator in the East Room
Lafayette’s Alligator (John Quincy Adams’ Pet): While historians debate the finer details, the story goes that the Marquis de Lafayette gifted John Quincy Adams an alligator during his 1825 tour of America. Not knowing what else to do with it, Adams allegedly kept the reptile in a bathtub in the unfinished East Room.
He reportedly enjoyed leading unsuspecting guests into the room just to watch them jump in terror when they spotted the scaly "First Pet."
The Dog Who Saved an Election
Fala (Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Scottish Terrier): Fala wasn't just a pet; he was a political powerhouse. During the 1944 campaign, rumors spread that FDR had accidentally left Fala on the Aleutian Islands and spent thousands in taxpayer money to send a destroyer back for him. Roosevelt turned the attack into the famous "Fala Speech," defending his dog’s "Scottish soul" against the accusations.
The speech was a hit, proving that in American politics, you can attack the candidate, but you never attack the dog.
The $24 Million Author
Millie (George H.W. Bush’s Springer Spaniel): Millie holds a record that no human First Kid has yet topped: she is the author of a #1 New York Times bestseller. Millie's Book, "dictated" to Barbara Bush, gave a dog’s-eye view of the presidency and actually out-earned the President’s own autobiography that year. The proceeds (over $1 million) went to literacy charities.
This makes Millie arguably the most financially successful resident of the 1990s White House.
The Teenager's Snake With a Shady Name
Emily Spinach (Alice Roosevelt’s Snake): As mentioned earlier, Alice Roosevelt was the ultimate 19th-century rebel. Her pet of choice was a bright green garter snake she named Emily Spinach. The name was a double-insult: it was green like spinach and "as thin as my Aunt Emily." Alice was known to keep the snake in her purse and pull it out during boring social functions.
She effectively cleared the room every time, perfectly embodying the Roosevelt family's "wild" energy.