Airing from 2011-2019, Game of Thrones was a cultural phenomenon. Based on George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, the fantasy TV show tells the tale of the Iron Throne and the politics of the medieval-like Westeros. It was praised for its brilliant writing, great characters and amazing action, but was criticised for its gratuitous violence, sex and rape.
Game of Thrones and the presidents of the United States are different in so many ways, but they’re connected by the desire for power. Fresh off my sorting of the presidents into Hogwarts houses, I’m placing them into Game of Thrones. No spoilers ahead, but it is your fault if you’ve not seen it. Also, there’s a house and character guide at the bottom if you’re not familiar with GoT.
Let’s begin!
George Washington: House Arryn
George Washington would be the respected Jon Arryn of the world, an older man who the younger generation look up to. He’d be thrust into leadership but unable to handle the cutthroat court, he’d abdicate the Iron Throne. Everything goes to pot when he dies.
John Adams: House Tarly
John Adams would be from a prominent but not extremely powerful family. Like Samwell Tarly, Adams is an intellectual and interested in the progress of the kingdom. He, like Samwell, was also one of the few in his family not interested in being in the military. His brief reign is interrupted by Thomas Jefferson of House Tully, former friend and ally.
Thomas Jefferson: House Tully
Thomas Jefferson is a redhead just like many from House Tully. The Tullys are related to several of the other wealthy families- the Arryns, Freys and Starks by marriage, similarly to how Jefferson was. Jefferson would be instrumental in building Westeros and would eventually turn on his old friend Adams.
James Madison: House Tyrell
James Madison came from a large and wealthy family, much like the Tyrells. He shows a similar cunning and quiet dignity as they do. Madison would be the right hand of Jefferson for a long time, all whilst plotting to take his place when the time came. He would also always have a maester over for his illnesses and have to flee when forces from Essos burn down the Red Keep.
James Monroe: House Baratheon
James Monroe left his pampered life in order to fight in the Revolution, mirroring Robert Baratheon’s actions during Robert’s Rebellion. He also shares similarities with Renly Baratheon in his peaceable nature and popularity. Monroe would enjoy a peaceful and successful, if not incredible, administration.
John Quincy Adams: House Tarly
John Quincy Adams was somewhat a Samwell Tarly, much like his father, in terms of intellectualism. Quincy Adams would follow his father on the Iron Throne, having been successful as Hand of the King but not very good as leader. He’d be overthrown by Andrew Jackson.
Andrew Jackson: House Targaryen
Andrew Jackson embodies a lot of Targaryen qualities. It’s said that when a Targaryen is born, the Gods flip a coin, one side greatness, the other side madness. Andrew Jackson was seen as a great promoter of democracy, but somewhat mad in personality. As King, Jackson would be beloved by the small folk but hated by the nobles. They’d attempt to displace him, but he only agreed to go peacefully if he could pick his successor.
Martin Van Buren: House Reed
Martin Van Buren was a short fellow, just like the Reeds. He nevertheless proved integral to the story by helping Andrew Jackson, just as the Reed children helped Bran. Martin Van Buren would prove a poor successor to Jackson, and lose to the military might of William Henry Harrison.
William Henry Harrison: House Frey
William Henry Harrison is like a Frey- from an old, important family and had a lot of children. The Freys don’t get much action in Game of Thrones, and whilst Harrison did have a storied army career, he didn’t spend much time in the White House. Harrison would spend a very short time on the Iron Throne before getting plague from a peasant and dying.
John Tyler: House Frey
John Tyler was also like a Frey in that he came from an old family and had a lot of children. Tyler was deeply distrusted by all and was expelled from the Whig Party, similar to how the Freys were seen as a last resort. In Game of Thrones, Tyler would take over from Harrison after he died, but the entire council would resign.
James K. Polk: House Royce
James K. Polk has the military toughness and longevity of the Royce family. Like House Royce, he comes from more humble backgrounds than others and doesn’t have the blue blood pedigree, yet succeeds. Polk would have a prosperous time on the Iron Throne, do everything he set out to do then shock everyone by retiring and dying mysteriously soon after. His wife Sarah would also have a lot of power.
Zachary Taylor: House Clegane
Zachary Taylor mirrors the Cleganes in both his military history and his less than usual upbringing. Taylor initially came from a wealthy planter family in Virginia, but was raised in the rough frontier lands. In Game of Thrones, Taylor would use his military processes to gain the throne, but would be poisoned early on by assassins unknown.
Millard Fillmore: House Mormont
Millard Fillmore came from a poor family and worked his way up through education. Similarly, the Mormonts are a small but incredibly proud house who proved to be valuable allies in Game of Thrones. In the series, Millard Fillmore would be one of the more forgettable holders of the Iron Throne.
Franklin Pierce: House Martell
Franklin Pierce was handsome, young and charismatic, much like the Martell family are known to be. Like them, he hides the pain of the tragedies of his past. On the Iron Throne, Pierce would be liked but not respected. In hindsight, some believe he was part of the split in Westeros. Pierce spent his last days drinking and hallucinating his dead family.
James Buchanan: House Baelish
James Buchanan came from nothing yet somehow seemed to make himself seem important, much like the manipulative Petyr Baelish. Like Baelish, he’s not necessarily trustworthy. In the series, Buchanan would have an unpopular stint on the Iron Throne before being pushed out by Northern forces.
Abraham Lincoln: House Stark
Abraham Lincoln came to embody the upper half of the United States during his time in office, and the Starks are the embodiment of the North in Westeros. Lincoln and the Starks are both honourable but lonely and sad people. A civil war would break out under Lincoln’s time on the Iron Throne, and he would be killed at King’s Landing theatre by a Lannister-supporting actor.
Andrew Johnson: House Bolton
Andrew Johnson was a southerner who allied with the north, and the Boltons are northerners who don’t really work with their kin. If anything, Johnson shares similarities with Roose Bolton, who is ruthless but knows how to rein in the cruelty. Johnson would be an unpopular successor to Lincoln whose help towards the south would see a popular military general overthrow him.
Ulysses S. Grant: House Tarly
Ulysses S. Grant was a military man from a good if not noble family, and that is what the Tarlys also are. They both share a tradition of public service but are used to playing second fiddle to others. Grant would overthrow Johnson to claim the Iron Throne but the corruption of his cabinet would force his resignation.
Rutherford B. Hayes: House Tarly
Rutherford B. Hayes was an honourable man who served in the Civil War with distinction, giving him a Tarly bent. Hayes would take the throne after Grant, but he’d be forced to make an agreement with Samuel J. Tilden from the Dorne region. He’d serve a short period whilst a successor was chosen.
James A. Garfield: House Tyrell
James A. Garfield was renowned for his intelligence, charm and social graces, which is a Tyrell trait. Like the Tyrells, he hides his steel behind that genteel exterior. Garfield would be a widely popular king for his short reign, but would be felled by an unwell peasant who believes he should have got a job for helping Garfield’s ascension.
Chester A. Arthur: House Baelish
Chester A. Arthur was deeply distrusted as an individual due to the circumstances of Garfield’s death. Baelish is similarly distrusted, though lacked Arthur’s genuinely kind nature. Both still managed to find themselves in strong positions in spite of this. Arthur would have a tricky time holding onto his throne and eventually let someone else take power.
Grover Cleveland: House Mormont
Grover Cleveland was from a similarly small, humble place as House Mormont, but his alleged honour helped him secure political prestige. Cleveland would take over from Arthur, but would be usurped by Benjamin Harrison of House Frey. To everyone’s surprise, Cleveland re-takes his throne from Harrison.
Benjamin Harrison: House Frey
Benjamin Harrison has three things in common with Walder Frey: from a large family, is cold, and has a thing for younger women. In Game of Thrones, he’d usurp Cleveland but then lost his throne to him again.
William McKinley: House Tarly
William McKinley was a Civil War vet who also led America through the Spanish-American War. This parallels with the Tarly and their strong army. McKinley would be a popular and resolute ruler on the Iron Throne, known for his devotion to his sickly wife. Unfortunately, an angry peasant would kill him during the opening of a sept.
Theodore Roosevelt: House Targaryen
Theodore Roosevelt was known for his greatness, though one could argue his zeal and ambition showed both sides of the Targaryen coin. Roosevelt was also from a prominent and wealthy family who dominated 20th century politics like the Targaryens did Westeros. He would enjoy his time on the Iron Throne greatly but would lose to Woodrow Wilson, thus sending him on a journey to chart a new river in Essos.
William H. Taft: House Tully
William H. Taft was a man of public service, originating from his family, thus making him a Tully. Like Edmure Tully, he’s perhaps overshadowed by those greater than him, but is still a decent man overall. In Game of Thrones, he’d wish to be Master of Law on the Small Council but would be pushed onto the Iron Throne by his wife. He’d give up the throne peacefully to Wilson before getting his wish.
Woodrow Wilson: House Bolton
Woodrow Wilson is infamous as a President, and no house is probably as infamous as House Bolton. Whilst Wilson lacks their open cruelty, he shares their ambition and Roose Bolton’s tact. He’d be a quiet but cold ruler in Westeros, hiding his stroke until wife Edith’s rule becomes public and they’re forced out.
Warren G. Harding: House Martell
Warren G. Harding’s love of women and parties sticks him firmly in the Martell camp. Whilst Cersei Lannister disapproved of marrying her daughter to a Martell, Harding’s own father-in-law did not want his daughter marrying Harding. Harding would oversee a fun and decadent court, but his sudden death would see fingers pointed at his wife Florence.
Calvin Coolidge: House Tully
Calvin Coolidge is a man that doesn’t say much but had quite the impact- just like the Tullys. Oh, and he had red hair. In Westeros, Coolidge would be forced to take the throne after Harding’s death. Despite his popularity, he’s hands off and emotionally detached following his son’s death. He soon retires back to the Riverlands.
Herbert Hoover: House Tully
Herbert Hoover is regarded as one of the least effective presidents, but still a very good and well-meaning man. He’s similar to Edmure Tully in that he cares for his people but is not very good in times of crisis. Hoover’s policies in Westeros regarding the financial crisis would see him overthrown in favour of FDR.
Franklin D. Roosevelt: House Targaryen
Franklin D. Roosevelt is considered one of the greatest presidents, but there are those who believe that he is a tyrant. He’s of course a Targaryen- even down to the partial incest (though he married a fifth cousin as opposed to a sister). Roosevelt would enjoy a long reign on the Iron Throne as Westeros went to war with Essos. He would shock many by dying suddenly, and it would only later be revealed that he was unwell.
Harry S. Truman: House Karstark
Harry S. Truman was a salt of the earth kind of man, which is what we see from the Karstarks. They are relatively obscure in Westeros, much as Truman was before he became vice president then President. In Westeros, he would take over from Roosevelt in the dying days of the war. He would controversially use wildfire on two cities in Essos.
Dwight D. Eisenhower: House Reed
Dwight D. Eisenhower became a leading figure during WW2, much like how the Reeds became an essential part of helping the main protagonists in Game of Thrones. Eisenhower would lead the war against Essos before being chosen as leader of the Seven Kingdoms.
John F. Kennedy: House Martell
John F. Kennedy had one foot out and one foot in the political world- an insider for his wealth and privilege but an outsider for his Catholic faith. He’s like the Martells in this respect, as they have great power but are somewhat alienated by others. Oh, and Kennedy liked mistresses. Kennedy would be a young and charismatic king along with his popular wife, but his reign would be cut short by an Essos man’s dagger. The agent would then be killed himself by a tavern owner.
Lyndon B. Johnson: House Baratheon
Lyndon B. Johnson was known not only for his large size, but his forceful nature and political skill. This makes him a combination of Robert and Stannis Baratheon. Like Robert, he became portly and unwell in his later years, but had Stannis’ ruthlessness and ‘honour.’ LBJ would struggle following Kennedy’s popularity but would come into his own. Unfortunately, an unpopular war with another land would see him leave office in disgrace.
Richard Nixon: House Baelish
Richard Nixon was a man of great ambition and whose paranoia brought him down to earth. Like Petyr Baelish, Nixon came from humble origins and was desperate to become one of the big boys. In Game of Thrones, Nixon would take over the Iron Throne but his actions against his enemies would be too much even for Westeros.
Gerald Ford: House Reed
Gerald Ford’s loyalty and kindness was integral to his legacy, making him a Reed. In GoT, Ford would choose to forgive Nixon instead of exiling him, turning the small folk against him.
Jimmy Carter: House Reed
Jimmy Carter also showed the loyalty and kindness of House Reed. Carter would be an optimistic ruler of the Iron Throne, but his refusal to work with his council would cause severe problems. When a group of Westeros diplomats are held hostage in Essos, his failure to get them back would lead to his downfall.
Ronald Reagan: House Martell
Ronald Reagan’s sunny and relaxed disposition, as well as his outsider status as an actor, makes him a Martell. Like the Martells, he hides a political and even ruthless streak behind a smile. Reagan would start out as an actor in a troupe before entering the political arena. Despite his popularity, his mind starts to go.
George H. W. Bush: House Tyrell
George H. W. Bush’s patrician heritage links with that of the Tyrells. Despite his wholesome image, Bush managed to climb the political career, much as the Tyrells did. He also had a family image. In GoT, he would be a cautious leader who managed to win a foreign war, but whose tax rises were deeply unpopular.
Bill Clinton: House Baelish
Bill Clinton came from small town Arkansas but managed to get to Ivy League colleges and the presidencies despite his poor background. This parallels the rise of Baelish. Both used their charm and wit, but are seen as somewhat slimy. In GoT, Bill Clinton would be accused of lying under oath about paying off a young maid, but would be acquitted of the charge.
George W. Bush: House Tyrell
George W. Bush’s father was a Tyrell, thus making him one. He has the dispositions of the male Tyrells in that he is less academic and cunning, yet still manages to find success. Bush would bring Westeros together after a tragic attack on King’s Landing, but his war against a foreign enemy would prove to be his undoing.
Barack Obama: House Martell
Barack Obama is seen as a generally relaxed, unflappable presence, thus linking him with House Martell. Like the Martells, he is somewhat of an outsider in politics and had quite the rise. Obama would be known for his legendary charisma, but any reform efforts would be met with a mixed reaction.
Donald Trump: House Lannister
Donald Trump- blonde, ambitious and wealthy. This makes him the only Lannister on the list. The Lannisters unexpectedly entered the royal court through Cersei’s marriage to Robert after the rebellion, whilst Trump unexpectedly entered the presidency despite Hillary Clinton being the favourite. Trump would be very blunt and controversial, but would also inspire great loyalty. He’s currently at war for the throne with Joe Biden.
Joe Biden: House Arryn
Joe Biden has been in the game for a long time, just like House Arryn. Also, he’s old like Jon Arryn. After years on the small council, Biden would wrestle control of the Iron Throne from Trump. He’s currently trying to keep it.
Great Houses of Westeros:
Arryn: Rulers of the Vale of Arryn from The Eyrie. They’re an incredibly old house with links to royalty. They have a strong army that they aren’t afraid to use, depending on the ruler. Their ruling seat of The Eyrie is impregnable due to its location and has never once been breached, thus making it incredibly safe. Prisoners are at risk of falling from their incredibly high cells, and those sentenced to death are pushed out the Moon Door. At the start of Game of Thrones, it is ruled by the wise and respected Jon Arryn. His heir is his sickly young son Robin.
Important characters: Jon Arryn and Robin Arryn
Baratheon: Rulers of the Stormlands from Storm’s End. At the start of Game of Thrones, it’s the ruling house, after Robert Baratheon led the rebellion against the Targaryens. Robert Baratheon is head of the house but as king, he’s given the role to his younger brother Renley. His other brother Stannis also has some responsibilities. Robert’s heir for both the kingdom and the house is his son Joffrey.
Important Characters: Robert Baratheon, Stannis Baratheon Renly Baratheon, Shireen Baratheon, Joffrey Baratheon, Myrcella Baratheon and Tommen Baratheon
Frey: Rulers of the Riverlands from The Twins. It’s a new house, as they betrayed their vassal lords and took over. The Twins is an incredibly important crossing between the two halves of Westeros, making them a necessary ally, despite them being disliked. They have a very large but poorly trained army. The head of the house at the start of Game of Thrones is Walder Frey, an incredibly old man who has had numerous wives and lots of children. His heir is Stevron Frey, his eldest legitimate son.
Important Characters: Walder Frey, Roslin Frey and Walda Frey.
Greyjoy: Rulers of the Iron Islands from Pyke. The Greyjoys and Ironborn are Viking-like people who enjoy pillaging and raping and stealing. They’re more hardy than the other houses and the men have a strong tradition of fighting. It’s also the most difficult area of Westeros to live in, perhaps except the North. The head of the house at the start of Game of Thrones is Balon Greyjoy and the heir, probably his only surviving son, Theon. Unlike most of the other houses, their religion is the Drowned God.
Important Characters: Theon Greyjoy, Yara Greyjoy, Balon Greyjoy and Euron Greyjoy
Lannister: Rulers of the Westerlands from Casterly Rock. They’re the wealthiest house in Westeros but were criticised for sitting out Robert’s Rebellion until the tide turned clearly in Baratheon’s direction. The Lannisters are a very useful ally but not always trusted. The head of the house is the ruthless Tywin Lannister, but the heir is unclear. Son Jaime renounced his claims and embraced celibacy as a Kingsguard. His younger son Tyrion is still alive, but Tywin refuses to accept him as an heir due to his dwarfism. If Tywin didn’t want to make daughter Cersei heiress, he could potentially make her younger son Tommen heir or one of his own brothers. Cersei became Queen after marrying Robert Baratheon.
Important Characters: Tywin Lannister, Tyrion Lannister, Jaime Lannister and Cersei Lannister Baratheon.
Martell: The rulers of Dorne from Sunspear. Due to its relative independence, its rulers are permitted to be called Prince or Princess. This was because they were never conquered by the Targaryens. Even after the Baratheons took over, the Martells remained fairly isolated. They are known for their liberal attitudes- mistresses and lovers are common, illegitimate children are treated relatively equally and women have equal inheritance rights. The head of the house at the start of the series is Doran Martell and his heir is Trystane Martell.
Important Characters: Doran Martell, Trystane Martell and Oberyn Martell.
Stark: The rulers of the North from Winterfell. They also operate with some degree of independence due to being so far from the rest of the population, but do not have as much power as the Martells. The Starks generally believe in the Old Gods as opposed to the widespread Faith of the Seven. They’re known for being hardy and serious. At the start of the series, the head is Ned Stark and the heir is his oldest son, Robb.
Important Characters: Ned Stark, Robb Stark Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark and Rickon Stark
Targaryen: The former rulers of the Seven Kingdoms from the Red Keep in King’s Landing. Their ancestral home is Dragonstone. They had previously ruled the Seven Kingdoms for hundreds of years after Aegon’s Conquest. The Targaryens often married their brothers and sisters, some more than once. This changed when King Aerys was slain by Jaime Lannister, his eldest son Rhaegar was killed by Robert Baratheon and his wife and children murdered. A young Prince Viserys escaped with his pregnant mother, but she died giving birth to Daenerys. At the start of the series, they’re in exile in Essos.
Important Characters: Viserys Targaryen and Daenerys Targaryen
Tully: The rulers of the Riverlands from Riverrun. They are known for their Viking-like funeral customs in which the deceased is set sail on a flaming boat. The central location of Riverrun means that the Tullys are never far from the action. At the start of the series, Hoster Tully is head of the house and his son Edmure is heir.
Important Characters: Hoster Tully, Edmure Tully, Catelyn Tully Stark, and Lysa Tully Arryn.
Tyrell: The rulers of the Reach from Highgarden. They are extremely wealthy, almost as wealthy as the Lannisters, and command a great army. Despite this, they hide their steel behind a good reputation. The head of the house at the start of the series is Mace Tyrell, though his infamous mother Olenna is the true head of the family. The heir is his son Loras Tyrell.
Important Characters: Mace Tyrell, Olenna Redwyne Tyrell, Margaery Tyrell and Loras Tyrell.
Other Houses:
There are plenty of houses in the show, and even more in the books, but some important ones include:
House Baelish- A small house of the Arryns and of no significance beyond Petyr Baelish. Head of house is Petyr Baelish.
House Bolton- A northern vassal house of the Starks, though unreliable, cruel and dangerous. Head of house is Roose Bolton.
House Clegane- A vassal knighted house of the Lannisters, known for their fierce and skilled, but savage, warriors. Head of house is Gregor Clegane.
House Karstark- A loyal cadet branch of the Starks. Head of house is Rickard Karstark.
House Mormont- A small northern vassal house of the Starks. They are incredibly loyal and strong-minded, and are unusual for being run mainly by women. Head of house is Lyanna Mormont.
House Reed- A loyal vassal house of the Starks. They live in the swamps and are known for being unusually small. Head of house is Howland Reed.
House Royce- A loyal vassal house of the Starks. Head of house is Yohn Royce.
House Tarly- A powerful vassal house of the Tyrells. Head of house is Randyll Tarly.
So much for a Lannister always paying his debts.
Nit-pick… Trump’s hair has run the gamut from very dark brown to quite blond over the course of his life, irregularly changing in both directions. Plus the occasional stretches where he was almost a redhead.