15 Writers Who Secretly Wrote for American Presidents

Robert Sherwood: The Pulitzer Winner in the White House

Robert Sherwood, a towering figure in American theater, quietly became Franklin D. Roosevelt’s right-hand wordsmith during World War II. He had already won three Pulitzer Prizes for drama before stepping into the political arena. Sherwood’s scripts for FDR’s fireside chats helped rally a weary nation, weaving everyday language with poetic inspiration. His influence was so profound that many of the President’s most stirring words came directly from his pen. Historians have noted that Sherwood’s ability to blend seriousness with hope changed the way presidential speeches sounded. The public never knew that a Broadway playwright was behind so many iconic wartime addresses. His collaboration with FDR remains one of the best-kept secrets of presidential speechmaking.

Ted Sorensen: JFK’s Voice Behind the Curtain

Many Americans still remember John F. Kennedy’s “Ask not what your country can do for you” speech, but few realize it was crafted by Ted Sorensen. Sorensen, an unassuming Nebraska-born writer, became Kennedy’s closest advisor and principal speechwriter. His meticulous research and crisp, memorable phrasing gave Kennedy’s speeches a unique rhythm and energy. Sorensen’s drafts often included lines that would become etched in American memory. He was so trusted that JFK once called him his “intellectual blood bank.” Sorensen’s influence was so strong that even today, experts analyze his rhetorical fingerprints on Kennedy’s speeches.

Peggy Noonan: The Woman Behind Reagan’s Magic

Ronald Reagan’s presidency is remembered for its optimism and stirring language, much of it penned by Peggy Noonan. Noonan, a former CBS News writer, joined the White House in 1984 and quickly made her mark. She wrote the famous speech after the Challenger disaster, with the line about the astronauts “slipping the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God.” Noonan’s gift was making complicated issues sound deeply personal. Her ability to connect with the American public made her one of the most influential, yet least visible, figures in Reagan’s inner circle. Her words continue to be studied in speechwriting classes across the country.

David Frum: Shaping the Bush Doctrine

George W. Bush’s presidency was shaped in part by the words of David Frum, a Canadian-born journalist and author. Frum is credited with coining the phrase “axis of evil” in Bush’s 2002 State of the Union Address—a line that would define post-9/11 foreign policy. Frum’s background in journalism brought a sharp, direct style to presidential language. He worked behind the scenes, sometimes anonymously, crafting speeches that steered public opinion during turbulent times. His contributions sparked debate among historians about the impact of speechwriters on major policy shifts.

Arthur Schlesinger Jr.: The Historian Who Framed Camelot

Arthur Schlesinger Jr. was a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian who became a key figure in John F. Kennedy’s administration. While he was officially a special assistant, Schlesinger often drafted or edited major addresses, bringing a sense of historical gravitas to Kennedy’s words. He helped craft the narrative of “Camelot,” the idea that JFK’s presidency was a golden era. His influence was subtle yet powerful, shaping how Americans remembered Kennedy long after his death. Schlesinger’s dual role as both advisor and chronicler set a precedent for future White House historians.

William Safire: Nixon’s Unlikely Literary Ally

Before becoming a celebrated New York Times columnist, William Safire worked as a speechwriter for Richard Nixon and Spiro Agnew. He was behind many of Nixon’s most memorable phrases, including the “silent majority.” Safire’s background in advertising gave him a knack for punchy, persuasive language. He also wrote the never-delivered “In Event of Moon Disaster” speech, prepared in case the Apollo 11 astronauts failed to return. Safire’s work revealed the hidden anxieties and hopes of a presidency under constant scrutiny.

Robert Frost: The Poet with Kennedy’s Ear

Robert Frost, one of America’s most beloved poets, played a quiet but pivotal role in John F. Kennedy’s public image. Though never a formal speechwriter, Frost advised Kennedy on the power of plainspoken language and even composed a poem for his inauguration. Kennedy admired Frost’s ability to connect with ordinary people, and often sought his input on major addresses. Frost’s influence was so significant that Kennedy once said, “He has helped me think better, write better, and speak better.” The collaboration between a statesman and a poet remains a unique chapter in presidential history.

Michael Gerson: Faith and Leadership for George W. Bush

Michael Gerson served as George W. Bush’s chief speechwriter, shaping the President’s language on faith, compassion, and national unity. Gerson’s evangelical background brought a moral clarity to Bush’s addresses, especially after September 11, 2001. He crafted the phrase “compassionate conservatism” and played a key role in the President’s efforts to comfort a grieving nation. Gerson’s writing balanced solemnity with hope, helping Americans process the trauma of unprecedented attacks. He later became a columnist, but his work in the White House set a new standard for the role of faith in presidential rhetoric.

Langston Hughes: A Hidden Hand in FDR’s New Deal

Langston Hughes, the legendary Harlem Renaissance poet, advised Franklin D. Roosevelt on connecting with Black Americans during the New Deal era. While not a formal speechwriter, Hughes provided critical feedback and quietly drafted talking points on civil rights and social justice. His understanding of everyday struggles helped FDR craft messages that resonated with working-class Americans. Recent research by presidential historians has highlighted Hughes’s contributions, which were long overshadowed by his literary career. His involvement is a testament to the diverse voices shaping presidential language behind the scenes.

Jon Favreau: The Millennial Wordsmith for Obama

Barack Obama’s eloquence is legendary, and much of it was crafted by Jon Favreau, a young speechwriter who joined the campaign at just 23 years old. Favreau’s ability to capture Obama’s voice and vision helped win over skeptical voters. He wrote key speeches like the 2008 victory address in Chicago, weaving hope and unity into every sentence. Favreau’s collaboration with Obama was so close that the two would edit speeches together late into the night. His influence marked a new era of youthful energy in presidential communications and inspired a wave of new political writers.

Clark Clifford: Truman’s Legal and Literary Counsel

Clark Clifford was not only Harry S. Truman’s legal advisor but also a trusted speechwriter. He helped draft the Truman Doctrine speech, which outlined America’s postwar foreign policy. Clifford’s legal background allowed him to navigate complex issues and translate them into clear, compelling language. His work helped Truman communicate tough decisions, such as the recognition of Israel and the Marshall Plan. Clifford’s dual expertise in law and literature made him an indispensable part of Truman’s inner circle.

Richard Goodwin: LBJ’s Champion for Civil Rights

Richard Goodwin was a key architect of Lyndon B. Johnson’s “Great Society” speeches. He penned the famous “We Shall Overcome” address, which called for sweeping civil rights reforms. Goodwin’s ability to blend passion and policy gave Johnson’s words an emotional punch. He worked tirelessly behind the scenes, crafting messages that aimed to heal a divided nation. Goodwin’s speeches are credited with helping pass landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Jeff Shesol: Clinton’s Historian and Humorist

Jeff Shesol, a former cartoonist and historian, joined Bill Clinton’s speechwriting team in the late 1990s. Shesol brought a sharp sense of humor and historical perspective to Clinton’s addresses. He helped craft the President’s responses during the impeachment crisis, balancing seriousness with levity. Shesol’s unique background allowed him to find the right tone for delicate situations, making Clinton’s speeches memorable even during turbulent times. His work is often cited in studies of political communication and crisis management.

Sam Rosenman: FDR’s Original Ghostwriter

Sam Rosenman was one of the first official “ghostwriters” for a sitting American president. Serving Franklin D. Roosevelt, Rosenman crafted many of the President’s most important speeches, including early fireside chats. He was known for his clear, direct language that made complex policies understandable to ordinary citizens. Rosenman’s collaboration with FDR set the template for modern presidential speechwriting teams. His legacy lives on in the structure and style of today’s presidential communications.

William Inboden: National Security Storyteller for Bush

William Inboden, a historian and policy expert, worked on George W. Bush’s National Security Council and helped craft speeches on foreign policy and terrorism. His background in history allowed him to frame current events within a larger narrative, helping Americans understand the stakes of major decisions. Inboden’s work often went uncredited, but his influence can be seen in key Bush speeches on Iraq, Afghanistan, and the global fight against terror. His approach blended research, storytelling, and strategic messaging, shaping the way America talked about security in the 21st century.