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The Wildest Stories from Inside the White House

Rick Bitz
Updated October 29, 2020 215.1K views 16 items
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18.3K votes
3.4K voters
Voting Rules
Vote up the wildest and most shocking stories from inside the White House throughout American history.

The White House is also known as "The People's House." Over the years, the "people" have taken full advantage of their special access by engaging in some wild White House stories. These bizarre and downright crazy antics all took place at one of the most iconic buildings in the United States. President John Adams was the first commander in chief to hang his hat in the White House back in 1800. Since then, thousands of dignitaries, politicians, lobbyists, military personal, staffers, interns, and random visitors have made their way through its hallowed halls. Many of those folks left their mark, both literally and figuratively.

You would think that with all the Secret Service agents lurking around there would be no room for White House shenanigans. You would be wrong. Along with the occasional ghost sightings, there have been plenty of parties, fights, affairs, and clandestine coming and goings. Pulled together here are some of the most outrageous and true stories from the White House that have ever gone down. Which of wild White House stories are indeed the wildest? Was it when Elvis dropped by to visit Nixon? Was it when Willie Nelson lit up the roof? Was it Big Block of Cheese Day? You be the judge and vote on what you think of these funny stories from the White House.
  • 1

    Black Copter Down

    Black Copter Down

    Usually the airspace over the White House is considered restricted, but with the advent of drones, the small crafts have been dropping in on the First Family more and more. Drones are easy to deal with but what about a helicopter?

    That was the situation facing the Secret Service back in 1974 when 20-year-old Robert Preston stole a helicopter from an Army base and took it for a wild joy ride that ended on the White House front lawn. Ironically, Preston flunked helicopter school.
    896 votes
    Is this wild?
  • 2

    Willie Nelson Lit Up on the Roof

    Willie Nelson Lit Up on the Roof
    If there is one musician who knows his way around weed, it is country music legend Willie Nelson. He's also not shy about his marijuana use. When President Jimmy Carter invited Nelson to spend the night after a concert, he found his way up on the roof with what Nelson described in his autobiography as a "fat Austin torpedo." Party on, Willie.
    1,085 votes
    Is this wild?
  • 3

    Andrew Jackson's Inaugural Was a Huge Blow Out Bash

    Andrew Jackson's Inaugural Was a Huge Blow Out Bash
    Every president gets to throw an inaugural ball to celebrate their swearing in. When President Andrew Jackson took the oath on March, 4, 1829, he invited a few friends back to the White House to honor the occasion. Before long those few friends swelled into a drunken mob that wrecked furniture and broke dishes. Jackson snuck out the back door to avoid the mayhem.
    898 votes
    Is this wild?
  • 4

    Lincoln's Ghost Stops By to Say "Boo"

    Lincoln's Ghost Stops By to Say "Boo"
    What do Winston Churchill, Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, and Maureen Reagan have in common? They all claimed to have seen the ghost of Abraham Lincoln in the White House. Apparently, of all the ghosts who supposedly haunting the White House, Lincoln's is the most popular.
    1,019 votes
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  • 5

    Mr. T Plays Santa For Nancy Reagan

    Mr. T Plays Santa For Nancy Reagan
    In the early '80s, Mr. T was all the rage. It stands to reason he would be invited to play Santa Claus at the annual White House Christmas Party. First Lady Nancy Reagan was so caught up in the spirit of things, she sat on Mr. T's lap to tell him what she wanted for Christmas. Pity the fool who doesn't find that totally bizarre. 
    843 votes
    Is this wild?
  • 6

    Clinton Staffers Trash West Wing for Incoming Bush Staffers

    Clinton Staffers Trash West Wing for Incoming Bush Staffers
    The much contested 2000 election between George W. Bush and Al Gore left a bitter taste in the mouths of outgoing Clinton West Wing staffers. That is probably why they trashed the place to the tune of $14,000 in damages, including $4,850 spent to replace all the computer keyboards missing the "W" key.
    901 votes
    Is this wild?