What happens when the King of Rock 'n' Roll shows up unannounced at the White House gates? On December 21, 1970, Elvis Presley—decked out in purple velvet and gold sunglasses—walked into the Oval Office for one of the most bizarre presidential meetings in American history.

In this episode, we dive into the unlikely encounter between Elvis and Nixon, exploring how celebrity influence and political power collided in 1970s America. From Elvis's handwritten letter requesting federal agent credentials to Nixon's calculated decision to grant the meeting, this story reveals the strange ways culture and politics intersect.

Featured Book: The Day Elvis Met Nixon by Egil "Bud" Krogh—the White House aide who made it all happen.

In This Episode:

• How a restless night in LA led Elvis to the White House
• What Nixon and Elvis actually talked about in the Oval Office
• The famous handshake photo that became the most requested image in National Archives history
• Why this meeting symbolizes the blurred lines between celebrity and political influence

Links: Nixon Library Oral History: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaMyHw6NeXo

The Day Elvis Met Nixon by Egil Bud Krogh

https://tinyurl.com/WhenElvisMetNixon