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The President of the United States Meets the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll: The Letter

This exhibit looks behind the scenes at Elvis Presley’s December 21, 1970, visit to Richard Nixon’s White House through the examination of White House memos, documents, firsthand accounts, and photographs. This exhibit was curated by White House Historical Association historian Lina Mann.

Around 6:30 a.m. on December 21, 1970, after taking a red eye flight from Los Angeles, Elvis Presley appeared at the northwest gate of the White House with a six-page letter, written on American Airlines stationary. He handed the letter to a guard, requesting a short meeting with the president to deliver a “personal gift.” Presley instructed the White House to contact him at The Washington Hotel, where he was staying under the name Jon Burrows. His letter included several unusual requests. He wanted to be made a “Federal Agent at Large” and to help curb American drug abuse and other problems.

Below is the transcription of Presley’s letter to President Nixon.

Gallery

  • "Dear Mr. President:

    First I would like to introduce myself. I am Elvis Presley and admire you and Have Great Respect for your office. I talked to Vice President Agnew in Palm Springs three weeks ago and expressed my concern for our country. The Drug Culture, The Hippie Elements, the SDS, Black Panther, etc do not consider me as their enemy or as they call it the Establishment. I call it America and..."

    Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum/NARA

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  • "...I love it. Sir I can and will be of any service that I can to help the country out. I have no concerns or motives other than helping the country out. So I wish not to be given a title or an appointed position. I can and will do more good if I were made a Federal Agent at Large and I will help out by doing it my way through my communications with people of all ages. First and foremost, I am an entertainer, but all I need are federal credentials. I am on this plane with..."

    Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum/NARA

    2 of 6

  • "...Senator George Murphy and we have been discussing the problems that our country is faced with.

    Sir I am staying at the Washington Hotel, Room 505-506-507 - I have two men who work with me by the name of Jerry Schilling and Sonny West. I am registered under the name of Jon Burrows. I will be here for as long as it takes to get the credentials of a Federal Agent. I have done an in-depth study of drug abuse and Communist Brainwashing..."

    Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum/NARA

    3 of 6

  • "...techniques and I am right in the middle of the whole thing, where I can and will do the most good

    I am Glad to help just so long as it is kept very Private. You can have your staff or whomever call me anytime today, tonight, or tomorrow. I was nominated this coming year one of America’s Ten Most Outstanding Young Men. That will be in January 18 in my Home Town of Memphis, Tenn. I am sending you the short autobiography about myself so you can better understand this..."

    Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum/NARA

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  • "...approach. I would Love to meet you just to say hello if you’re not to Busy.

    Respectfully,

    [signed] Elvis Presley

    P.S. I believe that you, Sir were one of the Top Ten Outstanding Men of America also.

    I have a personal gift for you which I would like to present to you and you can accept it or I will keep it for you until you can take it."

    Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum/NARA

    5 of 6

  • The final page of the letter included Presley's contact information, including information about his hotel stay and how to reach him by phone.

    Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum/NARA

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