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President Nixon Meets with Elvis Presley in the Oval Office

In this photograph taken by Oliver F. Atkins, President Richard M. Nixon admires a gift given to him by American musician Elvis Presley. Presley gave the gift -- a signed photograph of the Presley family -- to President Nixon during a visit to the Oval Office on December 21, 1970. Also visible is Elvis Presley's collection of law enforcement badges, seen in a small pile on the edge of the Resolute Desk. Out of concern for the country, Presley wrote Nixon a letter suggesting he be appointed a Federal Agent at Large and requested a meeting. Nixon agreed to meet Presley and, during the visit, gave him a federal narcotics badge. In turn, Presley gifted the president a pistol and some family photos for hosting the meeting.
Photographer
Oliver F. Atkins
Date of Work
December 21, 1970
Type
Photograph
Credit
Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum/NARA