Elvis Presley said he ‘studied brainwashing techniques’ in letter asking President Richard Nixon to make him a ‘secret a

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Elvis Presley said he ‘studied brainwashing techniques’ in letter asking President Richard Nixon to make him a ‘secret agent’


By
Ewan Gleadow
November 1, 2025

In a letter written to the then-President of the United States, Richard Nixon, Elvis Presley asked to be made a “secret agent”.

The Hound Dog hitmaker may have been a natural on stage and in the studio, but he also fancied himself as someone who could be a useful asset for the American government. Not only that but The King listed a handful of credentials which should have had him considered for the role, including an understanding of “Communist brainwashing techniques” and the study of drugs culture. Not only that, but Presley was loved by those who saw the so-called “establishment” as an “enemy”, or at least The King believed this was a case. He would share all of this with President Nixon in a wild letter sent to the Republican party head. The pair would meet in 1970, and it seems Presley was keen on making an impression as a candidate for government operations.

He wrote to Nixon: “The drug culture, the hippie elements, the SDS [the radical organisation Students for a Democratic Society], Black Panthers, etc. do not [underlined] consider me as their enemy or as they call it ‘the establishment’. I call it American and I love it.

“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 is the Federal credentials.

“I have done an in-depth study of drug abuse and Communist brainwashing techniques and I am right in the middle of the whole thing, where I can and will do the most good.” The King would go on to meet with Nixon, with the pair seemingly discussing the “anti-American spirit” which had been conjured up by The Beatles’ touring around the USA.

Egil Krogh was put in charge of the impromptu Presley visit, and seemingly convinced President Nixon to attend a meeting with the music sensation. Presley would reportedly suggest The Beatles had been “a real force for the anti-American spirit,” Krogh would claim.

He would also suggest Presley had said The Beatles “came to this country, made their money, and then returned to England, where they promoted ‘an anti-American theme’.” Krogh would later recall how the meeting came to be, and that it “was fun” to have The King attend the White House.

Whatever the conversation may have been, Presley was there for one clear reason. He wanted to get his hands on the Honorary Agent At Large badge, which he did indeed receive from President Nixon. The King was so excited he is said to have hugged the President. Krogh has also suggested the only reason Presley was in the White House was for the honorary badge.

Krogh said: “Oh man, we were set up! But it was fun. He said all the right words about trying to do the right thing and I took him at his word, but I think he clearly wanted to get a badge and he knew the only way he was going to get it.”

[NinaFromCanadaEh]

https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/nixon ... cript.html

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 Panthers, etc. do not consider me as their enemy or as they call it the establishment. I call it America and

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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 concern 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 is the Federal credentials. I am on this plane with

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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 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

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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, Tennessee. I am sending you the short autobiography about myself so you can better understand this

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approach. I would love to meet you just to say hello if you're not too busy.

Respectfully,

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.

Mr. President

These are all my PVT numbers

Beverly Hills 278-3496
278-9535
Palm Spring’s
Pvt # 325-3241
Memphis
Pvt. # 397-4427
398-4882
398-9722
Col P.S. # 325-4781
Col B.H. # 274-8498
Col. Off M.E.M. 870-0370
WASHINGTON HOTEL PHONE ME 85900
Room 505-506
Under the name of Jon Burrows

PRIVATE
AND CONFIDENTIAL
Attn. President Nixon
via Sen. George Murphy

from

Elvis Presley


https://www.whitehousehistory.org/digit ... the-letter