Richard M. Nixon
Richard M. Nixon served as the 37th President of the United States from January 1969 until his resignation in August 1974. In February 1971, he ordered the installation of a secret voice-activated taping system in the White House to preserve a historical record of his administration. Until the system's existence was revealed and dismantled in July 1973, the tapes captured Nixon directing major foreign policy initiatives, such as the opening to China, as well as his central role in the Watergate cover-up.

What Nixon talks about on the tapes
White House operations 4,654Presidential scheduling 4,037Presidential communication 2,299Public relations 1,746Vietnam War 1,719Logistics 1,631Manolo Sanchez 1,592White House communications 1,427White House administration 1,358Henry Kissinger 1,313Foreign Policy 1,160Camp David 1,101
Conversations (21,010)
— Page 183 of 211On April 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 3:33 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 044-130 of the White House Tapes.
On April 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 3:33 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 044-131 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard Nixon and Representative Joe D. Waggonner, Jr. discussed the administration's recent success in sustaining a presidential veto, with Nixon thanking Waggonner for his legislative support and inviting him to an upcoming White House reception. The conversation touched upon the political necessity of addressing energy policy, inflation, and trade legislation, with both men agreeing on the importance of granting the executive branch more authority in international trade negotiations. Additionally, Nixon reflected on his recent meetings with returning prisoners of war, highlighting their resilience and support for his administration's policies, while the two men briefly strategized on how to manage future potential vetoes regarding veterans' and older Americans' legislation.
On April 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 3:33 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 426-036 of the White House Tapes.
On April 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 3:33 pm and 3:34 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 426-037 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Representative Joe D. Waggonner, Jr. to discuss the necessity of executive authority in international trade negotiations. Nixon argued that he requires broader negotiating power to effectively engage with foreign counterparts like the Japanese and Germans without being hampered by constant congressional oversight. The discussion touched upon the inflationary environment and labor market conditions while emphasizing the need for tools to streamline executive diplomacy.
On April 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:45 pm and 3:46 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 044-133 of the White House Tapes.
On April 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:45 pm and 3:46 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 044-134 of the White House Tapes.
On April 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 3:45 pm and 3:46 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 426-039 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon commends Richard K. Cook and Max Friedersdorf for their successful efforts in securing enough congressional support to sustain a presidential veto, viewing the outcome as a significant victory for the administration's domestic spending policy. The two discuss the effectiveness of key congressional allies and the contributions of Cabinet members Earl Butz, Caspar Weinberger, and James T. Lynn in recent legislative battles. Nixon expresses his intent to acknowledge the Cabinet's role in these legislative efforts during upcoming events.
President Nixon and Richard K. Cook discussed congressional scheduling and legislative coordination efforts, specifically regarding the anticipated return of key individuals including Jerry, Les, and Wagner. The President praised Cook's recent performance and expressed his confidence in Cook and Max Friedersdorf to manage upcoming legislative objectives. They concluded the brief meeting by emphasizing a strategic approach to handling congressional developments while cautioning against seeking out unnecessary political complications.
President Nixon instructed Stephen B. Bull to modify the attendee list for a scheduled Thursday reception by including domestic cabinet members while specifically excluding the Attorney General, the State Department, and the Department of Defense. He directed that key White House staff, including Roy Ash, John Ehrlichman, and H.R. Haldeman, be prioritized for discussions regarding veto strategies. The call concluded with Bull confirming the arrival of two congressmen, prompting the President to head to his next meeting.
President Nixon instructed Stephen B. Bull to modify the attendee list for an upcoming Thursday meeting by adding domestic cabinet members. Nixon specifically excluded the Attorney General from this session, directing Bull to prioritize select officials such as Roy Ash and Caspar Weinberger. The exchange focused on finalizing the guest list composition for these executive deliberations.
On April 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:54 pm and 3:56 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 892-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Congressmen George A. Goodling and Samuel L. Devine to discuss the recent successful efforts to sustain his presidential vetoes in Congress. A significant portion of the conversation focused on Goodling's potential retirement and the prospect of Dwight David Eisenhower II running for his congressional seat in the 1976 election. Nixon advised the congressmen to keep their political plans confidential for the time being, suggested that Eisenhower should avoid officially declaring his candidacy prematurely, and cautioned against public signs of nepotism. The meeting concluded with informal pleasantries and the distribution of White House gifts by Rose Mary Woods.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary Rose Mary Woods, valet Manolo Sanchez, and other individuals to coordinate logistics for his daily schedule and movement between the Oval Office and the Executive Office Building. The brief discussion primarily focused on scheduling appointments, including meetings with Samuel L. Devine and David Eisenhower II. Additionally, the participants touched upon routine administrative matters, including Woods's recent travel to California.
On April 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:45 pm and 5:59 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 044-137 of the White House Tapes.
On April 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:45 pm and 5:59 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 044-138 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Representative Samuel L. Devine and David Eisenhower to discuss potential career paths and a possible congressional candidacy for Eisenhower. The participants explored logistical and political challenges, specifically addressing residency requirements and the optics of Eisenhower’s housing arrangements. Additionally, the group reviewed broader political strategy, including the role of Representative George A. Goodling and the importance of securing Eisenhower's placement in a position that would effectively utilize his skills.
On April 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 4:58 pm and 5:59 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 426-043 of the White House Tapes.
On April 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 5:00 pm and 5:59 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 426-044 of the White House Tapes.
On April 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 5:00 pm and 5:59 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 426-045 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon recorded a memorandum for the file to document his views on ongoing diplomatic and political issues. The dictation addressed the status of the Vietnam settlement, specifically referencing the roles of Anatoliy Dobrynin and Henry Kissinger and the impact of prolonging the war. He also touched upon press relations and his engagements with leaders of the Jewish community.
On April 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 5:00 pm and 5:59 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 426-047 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, David Eisenhower, and Representative Samuel L. Devine met to discuss strategy regarding Eisenhower’s potential run for Congress. The group analyzed campaign logistics, including managing residency requirements and balancing potential political exposure through the Republican Congressional Campaign Committee versus a staff position. Nixon advised Eisenhower to move deliberately, maintain a low profile in the district initially, and focus on developing his knowledge through political research to build his credentials for a future candidacy.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss administrative scheduling and the coordination of economic and legislative strategies. They address the need to unify internal options regarding economic policy before meeting with advisors, while also celebrating recent legislative successes in the House and the growing partisan divide that has energized Republican members. Finally, Nixon provides specific instructions on base closures, directing Ehrlichman to delay announcements until after a scheduled reception and to protect certain political interests, specifically regarding Portsmouth and potential Senate candidate Henry Bellmon in Oklahoma.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual to coordinate adjustments to his upcoming presidential schedule. The discussion focused on securing blocks of time in September and finalizing arrangements for a scheduled dinner. These administrative logistics were prioritized to ensure the President's calendar accurately reflected his strategic planning requirements.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to discuss upcoming economic preparations and strategies for base closures. The President requested materials for study at Camp David and proposed a follow-up meeting for Saturday morning to review economic options. Additionally, they debated the political implications of closing specific military bases, with Nixon explicitly directing that Portsmouth be closed while advising caution regarding Tinker and Belmont to avoid complicating the political standing of David M. Kennedy (referred to as Belmont).
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate logistical arrangements for an upcoming state dinner honoring Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. The discussion focused on establishing precise protocol for the arrival of the color guard and the timing of musical fanfares during the event. Additionally, they reviewed details regarding the guest list, specifically confirming the status of Paul W. Keyes as a new staff member expected to participate in the receiving line.
On April 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:14 pm and 6:17 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 044-140 of the White House Tapes.
On April 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 6:14 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 426-052 of the White House Tapes.
On April 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 6:14 pm and 6:17 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 426-053 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, held a brief personal check-in to discuss recent recreational activities and family matters. Julie reported on her recent bowling sessions at the White House alley, while the President touched upon David Eisenhower's productive meeting with Congressman Samuel L. Devine. The conversation concluded with an optimistic outlook regarding ongoing efforts to resolve unspecified political or personal challenges.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, engaged in a brief, informal conversation regarding Julie's recent bowling activities. The exchange, which included a passing interaction with an unknown individual, focused on personal matters rather than substantive policy or administrative affairs. No significant political decisions or official actions were recorded during this brief encounter.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman met to discuss personal personnel matters regarding David Eisenhower’s future career path and potential relocation. The conversation shifted to address the ongoing Watergate scandal, specifically managing public perception regarding Haldeman's alleged involvement in campaign intelligence operations. They strategized on potential White House counterattacks and communication tactics for upcoming Congressional testimony and investigations.
On April 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Rose Mary Woods met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:40 am and 9:42 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 893-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate administrative and foreign policy matters, including scheduling a meeting with the Spanish representative to accept a letter from Francisco Franco. They discussed ambassadorial appointments in Thailand and Pakistan, emphasizing the need for absolute loyalty to the administration, and reviewed the domestic political situation in Cambodia. Finally, the two assessed upcoming diplomatic engagements, specifically focusing on Lee Kuan Yew’s perspectives on global leadership and the potential for leadership instability within the Soviet Union ahead of a planned summit.
On April 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:50 am and 10:00 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 044-142 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Stephen B. Bull, to review upcoming scheduling logistics and formal event arrangements. The discussion focused on coordinating a variety of engagements, including presidential meetings with political figures, a scheduled Camp David trip, and the logistics for an NSC meeting and entertainment for Vietnam POWs. Additionally, Nixon addressed personal correspondence and criticized the service timing at a recent dinner hosted by his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower.
On April 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and William F. ("Billy") Graham met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:50 am and 10:00 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 893-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon spoke with evangelist Billy Graham to receive personal encouragement and discuss public support for the administration. They covered various topics, including the positive reception of Graham's recent trip to South Africa, preparations for his upcoming visit to Korea, and efforts to bolster the President's image against political opponents and the developing Watergate investigation. Additionally, the two coordinated on prospective staffing recommendations, specifically regarding Marvin Watson, and discussed maintaining a strictly religious focus for an upcoming White House church service led by Edward V. Hill.
President Richard Nixon met with evangelist Billy Graham to discuss personal correspondence and the President's perspective on the political climate. Nixon dismissed recent political opposition and criticism as temporary setbacks, emphasizing his administration's focus on Vietnam and foreign affairs. The President also expressed concerns regarding an upcoming appearance by Dr. Hill, cautioning that religious forums should not be used for political propaganda related to civil rights.
President Nixon met with his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, and her husband, David Eisenhower, in the Oval Office to discuss David's potential political future. The conversation focused heavily on David's plans to run for Congress in Pennsylvania, including strategies for announcing his candidacy, establishing residency, and securing employment. Nixon offered extensive advice on campaign timing, public relations, and political positioning, emphasizing the importance of independence from established party figures and the potential benefits of owning property in the district, such as a farm.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull briefly met to discuss the President's schedule, specifically a photograph involving a foreign aid worker who was also a Prisoner of War (POW) worker. The conversation was short and focused on arranging this photographic opportunity.
President Nixon and Stephen Bull briefly discussed the schedules of H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, specifically regarding upcoming meetings. The conversation was very short and focused on confirming Ehrlichman's presence. No significant decisions or action items were recorded.
On April 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:59 am and 11:05 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 893-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman held an extensive meeting to discuss strategy for managing the ongoing Watergate scandal, including committee witness schedules, executive privilege, and the risks posed by testimony from individuals like James McCord and E. Howard Hunt. They assessed potential legal and political exposure regarding campaign funds and the activities of H.R. Haldeman and John Mitchell. Additionally, the President considered a proposal to appoint Supreme Court Justice Byron White as Director of the FBI and reviewed economic policy recommendations from his advisors to address inflation.
On April 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:50 am and 11:51 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 893-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Spanish Foreign Minister Gregorio Lopez Bravo de Castro, accompanied by Henry Kissinger, met to reaffirm the U.S.-Spain relationship and discuss integrating Spain more fully into the Atlantic community. The conversation focused on establishing a working group to proactively address geopolitical crises and security cooperation, moving beyond historical legacies to recognize Spain's modern economic and political status. Nixon emphasized his desire to facilitate Spain's greater role in European affairs and expressed his personal commitment to maintaining strong bilateral ties.
President Nixon met with Roger E. Shields and Gen. Brent G. Scowcroft to review the successful repatriation of American Prisoners of War (POWs) from North Vietnam. The discussion focused on the readjustment and future career integration of these veterans into the military, emphasizing the President's desire to treat them as vital institutional assets rather than mere media figures. Furthermore, Nixon tasked Shields with maintaining a firm commitment to resolving the status of those still Missing in Action (MIA) by continuing research and communicating clearly with their families.
On April 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Gerald R. Ford talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:29 pm and 12:34 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 044-144 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met briefly in the Oval Office to coordinate administrative logistics and the President's upcoming schedule. The discussion centered on arrangements for a dental appointment and the logistics of personal correspondence and phone calls, including outreach to Gerald R. Ford. They also touched upon matters involving H. R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman regarding the management of presidential communications and scheduling.
On April 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:29 pm and 12:34 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 893-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman to strategize on the administration's response to the escalating Watergate investigation and the upcoming Senate Ervin Committee hearings. They discussed the legal and public relations risks of potential testimony from White House staff, specifically H.R. Haldeman and John Dean, and debated whether to adopt a posture of unified defense or to distance the President from the actions of his subordinates. Additionally, they addressed the need to manage relations with Congressional Republicans and the press to maintain political viability amidst the scandal.
President Richard Nixon and Representative Gerald R. Ford discuss the administration's recent success in sustaining a veto, noting the strong support received from both Republican and Democratic members of the House. Ford suggests that the administration should pursue strategic legislative compromises, specifically regarding the Older Americans Act, rather than maintaining a rigid stance on every issue. Nixon tasks Ford with discussing these potential compromises with John Ehrlichman at an upcoming White House reception to ensure the administration continues to achieve its policy goals without unnecessarily exhausting their legislative allies.
On April 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:20 pm and 1:28 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 044-146 of the White House Tapes.
On April 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at 1:20 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 893-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, engaged in a brief, informal telephone conversation. The recorded segment consists entirely of withdrawn material, preventing any substantive analysis of the topics discussed. Consequently, no specific decisions, actions, or developments can be identified from the available documentation.
On April 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:29 pm and 1:34 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 044-148 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon coordinates the logistics of his upcoming trip to Camp David with his aide, Stephen B. Bull. Nixon expresses a desire for privacy and solitude, explicitly requesting to drive himself without an escort, motorcade, or staff accompaniment. He further instructs Bull on his return schedule by helicopter and notes his intention to use the time away primarily for reading and working on an energy message.
On April 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:59 pm and 3:05 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 893-018 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon hosted professional football player Jack Pardee, representatives from the American Cancer Society, and other guests in the Oval Office to honor Pardee’s recovery from skin cancer and his successful return to athletics. The meeting served as a photo opportunity and an awards presentation, highlighting Pardee's personal resilience and his support for the President’s cancer research initiatives. The group also engaged in casual conversation regarding the Miami Dolphins, football culture, and the general significance of athletic inspiration within the community.
President Nixon held a brief meeting with an unidentified individual in the Oval Office to discuss scheduling matters. The conversation touched upon the President's upcoming agenda, including a scheduled car transit and meetings with key aides H. R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. This brief exchange served to coordinate logistical arrangements for the remainder of the afternoon.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman, H.R. Haldeman, and Ronald Ziegler to strategize the White House response to the escalating Watergate investigation and the upcoming Ervin Committee hearings. The participants discussed the political risks of potential testimony from White House staffers and John Dean, the management of executive privilege, and the need to protect the presidency while appearing forthcoming. They specifically addressed allegations regarding Haldeman's role in the hiring of Donald Segretti and the handling of a $350,000 contingency fund, ultimately deciding to coordinate forthcoming statements and testimony to mitigate political fallout.
On April 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 4:49 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 893-022 of the White House Tapes.
On April 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:57 am and 9:17 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 894-001 of the White House Tapes.
In this meeting, President Nixon and John Ehrlichman coordinate the administration's response to the escalating Watergate crisis, focusing on the potential appointment of a special prosecutor and the necessity of obtaining sworn statements from White House staff to counter the Ervin Committee's investigation. They discuss the strategic timing of releasing these statements to preempt forthcoming testimony and manage political fallout from key Republicans like Barry Goldwater. Additionally, the participants deliberate over the potential political ramifications of base closures in various states and the necessity of securing H.R. Haldeman's cooperation during the unfolding congressional hearings.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed adjustments to the President's upcoming schedule, specifically coordinating meetings with Jewish leaders and congressional representatives around Passover constraints. They also addressed the importance of maintaining an active role in National Security Council briefings and noted progress regarding Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). Kissinger emphasized that these strategic engagements were intended to stabilize foreign policy optics amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.
President Nixon and members of the National Security Council met to discuss the strategic importance of Mutual Balanced Force Reductions (MBFR) amidst growing congressional pressure for unilateral U.S. troop cuts. The discussion focused on maintaining a credible conventional defense posture in Europe to avoid a reliance on "tripwire" nuclear escalation, which Nixon and his advisors agreed would be untenable given the current parity in nuclear capabilities between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Participants ultimately reached a consensus to pursue negotiations that link force improvements with potential reductions while resisting domestic isolationist trends and preserving NATO's operational cohesion.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss strategies to improve the President's public image and manage political perceptions in the face of ongoing challenges. They review analytical memoranda regarding the President's industriousness, his relationship with the business community, and the effectiveness of his public appearance strategy. Additionally, they discuss developments related to the Watergate investigation, specifically focusing on the Grand Jury testimony of Gordon C. Strachan and the potential implications of the Segretti operation for the White House staff.
President Nixon met with NATO Secretary General Joseph M. A. Luns, accompanied by Donald Rumsfeld and Henry Kissinger, to conduct diplomatic discussions regarding the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The meeting commenced with a formal photograph session and included an exchange of gifts, specifically cufflinks. While the majority of the policy discussions remain classified, the interaction served as a high-level engagement to maintain relations with the NATO leadership.
On April 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:28 pm and 12:29 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 894-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler and others to discuss the escalating legal and political risks posed by the Watergate scandal, specifically the potential consequences of White House staff members providing sworn affidavits. Ziegler warned that such statements could invite further, uncontrollable demands for testimony from the President and his senior aides, potentially ensnaring the administration in a wider investigation. The group debated various defensive strategies, including the possibility of issuing 'complete' preemptive statements to control the narrative, the potential resignation of John Dean, and the risks associated with the upcoming Senate committee hearings.
On April 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:06 pm and 1:10 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 894-008 of the White House Tapes.
On April 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:06 pm and 1:10 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 894-009 of the White House Tapes.
On April 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:06 pm and 1:10 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 894-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to finalize the logistics and attendee list for an upcoming bipartisan Congressional leadership meeting, emphasizing the need for a small, focused group rather than a large gathering. They specifically discussed the inclusion of key lawmakers, such as Senators Javits, Ribicoff, and Jackson, to address foreign relations and legislative strategy. Additionally, the President reviewed his broader schedule, including plans for a brief meeting with Jewish leaders and coordination regarding John Ehrlichman's activities.
On April 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:16 pm and 1:19 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 894-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President’s upcoming schedule, specifically focusing on a meeting regarding Soviet Jewry. They discussed the inclusion of Senators Henry Jackson, Abraham Ribicoff, and Jacob Javits as attendees. Nixon instructed Bull to ensure the participants were briefed on the significance of the meeting.
President Nixon consulted with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, regarding the logistics of his transition to his office in the Executive Office Building (EOB). The brief discussion centered on the President's immediate schedule and the arrangement of his lunch. The meeting concluded with Nixon departing for the EOB.
On April 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, Manolo Sanchez, and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:16 pm and 1:19 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 894-015 of the White House Tapes.
On April 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:19 pm and 1:20 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 044-152 of the White House Tapes.
On April 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:19 pm and 1:20 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 428-001 of the White House Tapes.
On April 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:20 pm and 1:21 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 044-153 of the White House Tapes.
On April 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 1:20 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 428-002 of the White House Tapes.
On April 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 1:20 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 428-003 of the White House Tapes.
On April 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 1:20 pm to 1:21 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 428-004 of the White House Tapes.
On April 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:21 pm and 2:23 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 044-154 of the White House Tapes.
On April 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:21 pm and 2:23 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 428-005 of the White House Tapes.
On April 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:21 pm and 2:23 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 428-006 of the White House Tapes.
On April 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:21 pm and 2:23 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 428-007 of the White House Tapes.
On April 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:21 pm and 2:23 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 428-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discussed the logistics of recording the President's upcoming remarks to the press. They weighed the merits of taping the event versus keeping the process informal to allow for spontaneity. Ultimately, they decided to record the remarks discreetly and defer the decision on public release until after the delivery, ensuring the press remained unaware of the taping plan.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the logistics and unpredictability surrounding a potential press briefing or public statement involving Bob Haldeman. The two men weigh the risks of committing to a specific schedule given the fluid nature of the situation. Ultimately, they decide to maintain a flexible approach to avoid unnecessary pressure or formal constraints on the President’s messaging.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to finalize logistical arrangements and speaker lineups for an upcoming Congressional reception. They discussed the format of the event, specifically regarding the participation of Gerald Ford, Hugh Scott, Joe Waggonner, and John McClellan. The President provided instructions on managing the recording of the event and emphasized maintaining control over the release of information to the press.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, discuss her recent trip to Massachusetts where she accepted a peace prize on his behalf at the Middlesex Club. The conversation transitions into a discussion regarding the redecoration of the White House, specifically the selection of a new, vibrant landscape painting to replace the current portrait of Abraham Lincoln. They reach a consensus to wait for the acquisition of a colorful piece, similar to a Jasper Francis Cropsey painting currently displayed in the residence, rather than rushing the selection process.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, engage in a brief, informal exchange following her recent trip. The conversation includes a discussion of her positive reception at a social club and the President's upcoming plans to host a reception for Congress. Nixon briefly shifts his focus to the aesthetic requirements for the event, emphasizing his preference for a vibrant and colorful atmosphere over a conventional, dull setting.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to coordinate the White House's public response to the escalating Watergate investigation, specifically focusing on managing the testimony and legal exposure of staff members like H.R. Haldeman and John Dean. They discussed the tactical merits of having Dean and possibly Haldeman take a leave of absence to provide a sense of accountability and to mitigate negative press. Furthermore, they reviewed internal concerns regarding discrepancies in grand jury testimony involving Gordon Strachan and the handling of intelligence-gathering reports, aiming to minimize the President's personal involvement while attempting to shift the focus of the investigation toward other figures.
On April 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 3:45 pm and 3:57 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 428-013 of the White House Tapes.
On April 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 3:45 pm and 3:57 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 428-014 of the White House Tapes.