MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Recently, President Donald Trump made an unexpected visit to Graceland, the famous home of Elvis Presley, during his time in Memphis. While the world was buzzing about tensions in Iran and long airport lines due to government issues, Trump took a moment to appreciate the legacy of the King of Rock and Roll. He even jokingly questioned whether he could have beaten Elvis in a fight!
Trump has long been a fan of Elvis, often playing his music at campaign rallies and drawing comparisons between himself and the legendary singer. During this visit, he was in Memphis to discuss crime prevention strategies but couldn’t resist the allure of Graceland.
“I’m going to see Graceland after this, I think. Is that right?” Trump remarked during a meeting. “I love Elvis.” His enthusiasm reflects a broader cultural connection that Elvis has maintained, even decades after his passing in 1977.
Graceland is a significant tourist destination, often ranking as the second most-visited private home in the United States, right after the White House. On the day of Trump’s visit, the home briefly closed to allow him to take a private tour. He explored various parts of the estate, including a helmet that Elvis had marked with his initials during his military service and the famous “Jungle Room,” known for its distinctive decor.
During the tour, Trump was intrigued by a gold-plated Social Security card that belonged to Presley, suggesting it might be a good idea for authorities to consider bringing back such a unique item. He also found a gold phone belonging to Elvis and expressed a desire to hear the conversations that took place on it.
While tours of Graceland skip the bathroom where Elvis died, visitors can still connect with the star’s legacy in other ways. A Graceland guide handed Trump a replica guitar used by Presley during his iconic “Aloha From Hawaii” concert. After signing it, Trump mused, “Could I have taken him in a fight?” reflecting on the larger-than-life persona of Elvis, whom he regretted never meeting.
“Who else would be more famous than Elvis?” Trump asked with a smile when considering his own future legacy and the possibility of visitors one day flocking to his Mar-a-Lago estate.
Elvis’s music has been a staple at Trump’s rallies, featuring songs like “Suspicious Minds” and “I Want You, I Need You, I Love You.” Sometimes, large screens during these events showcase clips from Elvis’s historic concerts, creating a bridge between two distinct yet overlapping cultural icons.
Interestingly, Trump has often drawn parallels between himself and Elvis, even sharing images on social media that juxtapose their faces. He once humorously remarked about how people have compared their looks over the years, especially noting their shared blonde hair during his youth.
This visit to Graceland didn’t just serve as a nostalgic trip down memory lane for Trump; it also highlighted the enduring influence of Elvis Presley on American culture and how figures from different eras can still resonate with each other in unique ways.
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AP writer Will Weissert contributed from Washington. Kinnard reported from Chapin, S.C., and can be reached at http://x.com/MegKinnardAP.
