Who answers the White House phone, anyway?

Here’s a look at the legendary White House telephone line:

  1. Who answers when I call the White House? 
    Depends on which number you call. The public comment line (202-456-1111) is manned by volunteers recruited by the current administration. The White House switchboard (202-456-1414) is manned by professional White House operators. Only privileged parties are privy to the “secret number” that reaches the president directly (see below).