MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — President Donald Trump, known for incorporating Elvis Presley’s music in his rallies and frequently comparing himself to Elvis, announced on Monday his intention to visit Graceland, the renowned home of the King of Rock and Roll, while in Memphis for an official event.
During a Memphis Safe Task Force meeting, Trump declared, “I’m going to see Graceland after this, I think. Is that right? I love Elvis.” This planned visit to a popular tourist destination, often ranked as the second most-visited private residence in the U.S. after the White House, contrasts sharply with the serious domestic and international issues Trump provided updates on earlier in the meeting.
As thousands of Americans face long lines at airport security due to the involvement of federal immigration officers amid a Homeland Security shutdown, Trump mentioned he had ordered a temporary halt to strikes on Iranian power plants, while U.S. forces remain engaged in ongoing regional conflicts.
The iconic Graceland, characterized by its stone facade and white columns, is located just miles from the roundtable meeting attended by notable officials including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Attorney General Pam Bondi. Since its opening as a museum in 1982, Graceland has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
Visitors can explore preserved rooms, including the kitchen and Jungle Room, in the same state as they were at the time of Presley’s death. The venue also features a Presley-themed entertainment complex featuring the artist’s cars and airplanes.
Reflecting on his admiration for Elvis, Trump humorously remarked how he sometimes feels tempted to “tell a little fib” about having met the legendary performer, concluding that his visit to Graceland would be brief but meaningful.
Trump often utilizes Presley’s music in his campaign rally playlists, including hits like “Suspicious Minds” and “I Want You, I Need You, I Love You,” and has shared visually captivating moments of Presley’s performances at these events.
Additionally, Trump has made connections between himself and Elvis on social media, sharing composite images and referencing comments that people have made about their similar looks over the years, particularly joking during rallies in Presley’s hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi.
