When Nixon Met Elvis at the National Archives

The National Archives in Washington DC are currently running an exhibition after our own heart—When Nixon Met Elvis.

In December of 1970, Elvis Presley personally delivered a handwritten letter to White House security guards offering himself as a federal agent in the war against drugs. He also offered President Richard Nixon an antique pistol upon meeting and ranted in his letter about �the drug culture, the hippie elements, the SDS, Black Panthers, etc.�

Shortly afterwards, a meeting was arranged between Presley and Nixon that was summarized in a memorandum that noted �Presley indicated to the President in a very emotional manner that he was �on your side.�� He also mentioned that he is studying Communist brainwashing and the drug culture for over ten years.�

Nixon presented Presley a badge from the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs deputizing him as an honorary federal agent at the meeting�s conclusion.

This meeting took place at the height of Presley�s prescription drug abuse; the National Archives� exhibit includes Elvis� original letter, all 28 photographs of Nixon and Elvis together in the Oval Office and original memoranda and notes from the day. Unfortunately, it doesen�t include the badge.

When Nixon Met Elvis [National Archives]