Has an American President Ever Been Called Doctor?

That’s DOCTOR President to you!

When it comes to the American presidency, the title and address of the President take precedence over all other titles, including academic honors such as Doctor. This is a deep-rooted tradition that reflects both the democratization of leadership and the practical importance of formal address.

Woodrow Wilson: The First Ph.D. President

Woodrow Wilson was the first U.S. President to earn a Ph.D. in Political Science, making him the first to be called “Doctor” by convention. However, this title was not consistently used in his political career. During his academic career, he was known as Doctor Wilson, but when he was elected Governor of New Jersey and later President, the title of “Doctor” was not used.

Once a person becomes President, the title of “President” supercedes all others. When addressing the President directly, the form of address is “Mr. President” or, in the case of a female President, “Madame President.” The title “Doctor President” or “Doctor President Wilson” is not an accepted or commonly used form of address.

Franklin Roosevelt: Using President as Title

Although Franklin Roosevelt did not have a Ph.D., he embraced the title “Dr. Win the War” during his presidency. This reflects a different attitude toward such titles, where the President can use personal and campaign-style titles as a form of inspiration and leadership. However, in formal contexts, the title "President" always supersedes any other honorifics.

Official Protocol and Addressing the President

The US State Department's Chief of Protocol plays a critical role in advising on formal protocol. While the State Department’s recommendations are highly respected, the ultimate decision rests with the President. For instance, a President could decide to be called “Dr. President” if they so choose, and this could set a precedent for future presidencies.

The President of the United States is both an ostensibly benevolent dictator within the Executive Office of the President and the CEO of all chartered agencies. This position allows the President to override any recommendations if they believe it is in the best interest of their presidency and the country. Thus, any protocol question regarding title preference ultimately comes down to the personal choice and administrative power of the current President.

Conclusion

The tradition of not referring to the President as “Dr. President” is deeply rooted in American democratic values, which prioritize humility and service to the people over personal accolades. The final word on the matter always rests with the President, who can set a new precedent if they choose to do so.

For those interested in learning more about the history of US presidents and their titles, you can read my PEOPLE'S SPIRAL OF US HISTORY for a comprehensive overview.