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 186 of 211President Nixon met with his personal valet Manolo Sanchez and an unidentified individual to coordinate his immediate professional and personal schedule. The brief discussion primarily concerned the President's upcoming evening bowling plans and arrangements for a meeting with Secretary of State William P. Rogers scheduled for the following afternoon. No significant policy decisions were recorded during this logistics-focused interaction.
On April 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 5:15 pm to 5:16 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 429-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with William P. Rogers, H.R. Haldeman, and John Ehrlichman to discuss the deepening Watergate scandal and potential legal strategies for the administration. The conversation focused on managing the fallout from emerging testimony, the necessity of forcing the resignation of compromised staff members, and the strategic importance of legal representation and public image. The President expressed significant concern regarding the loyalty of his staff and the risk of being implicated in obstruction of justice, ultimately leaning toward a policy of full disclosure and cooperation with investigators to mitigate further political damage.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discussed the strategy and messaging used during Ziegler's recent press briefing regarding the ongoing Watergate investigation. Ziegler confirmed he had contacted John Dean to outline the administration's new position and briefed the press on the President’s recent intensive investigation. They reviewed how Ziegler deflected difficult questions about the timing of the President’s inquiry and his previous, now-contradicted statements defending Dean. Nixon expressed satisfaction with Ziegler's refusal to disclose private discussions with individuals like John Mitchell or specific details of the White House staff investigation.
On April 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:20 pm and 11:45 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-091 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the escalating political crisis surrounding the Watergate scandal, specifically debating the potential resignation or termination of top aides H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and John Dean. Nixon expresses frustration over the situation while emphasizing the need for hard evidence before taking any personnel actions, rejecting advice from Leonard Garment to act prematurely. Additionally, they coordinate strategy for managing bipartisan congressional leaders regarding Soviet Jewish emigration and the importance of maintaining foreign policy initiatives despite the domestic political turmoil.
On April 18, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:04 am and 12:05 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-093 of the White House Tapes.
On April 18, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:04 am and 12:05 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-094 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the escalating legal risks surrounding the Watergate investigation, specifically focusing on the potential testimony of John Dean and the vulnerability of White House staff. They strategize on how to manage the fallout regarding payments made to defendants, the necessity of mapping out personal and professional liabilities, and the potential pressure on John Mitchell to accept responsibility. The conversation emphasizes a need for the President and his team to prepare for future revelations while attempting to protect the institution of the presidency from further damage.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler strategized on the public narrative regarding the Watergate scandal, focusing on the President’s recent discovery of new facts and his subsequent collaboration with Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen. They discussed drafting a formal statement to address the potential involvement of H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman while emphasizing the need for full disclosure. The meeting also included logistical planning for upcoming consultations with staff members and legal counsel regarding the President's handling of the ongoing investigation.
On April 18, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 7:58 am and 8:11 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 900-002 of the White House Tapes.
On April 18, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 7:58 am and 8:11 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 900-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Ronald Ziegler met to discuss the escalating legal and political fallout from the Watergate investigation, specifically focusing on John Dean's role, his demand for immunity, and his threats to implicate the White House. The participants strategized on how to manage media narratives, maintain the President's credibility, and address the potential for damaging testimony from Dean regarding cover-up activities and blackmail demands from E. Howard Hunt. Nixon also directed Haldeman to handle his collection of White House tapes, suggesting that most should be destroyed while preserving only material deemed worth keeping for the library.
President Nixon and an unidentified individual briefly coordinated logistics for an upcoming meeting scheduled in the Roosevelt Room. The discussion focused on confirming that the participants were prepared and ready to convene. Following this short administrative exchange, the President departed the Oval Office to proceed with his scheduled activities.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to review his upcoming daily schedule and manage logistical arrangements for pending appointments. The discussion focused on coordinating the President's interactions with key figures, including H.R. Haldeman, Giulio Andreotti, and John A. Volpe. Nixon provided specific instructions regarding the scheduling of these meetings and clarified his availability for the remainder of the week.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President's daily schedule, focusing on upcoming appointments with James T. Lynn, Giulio Andreotti, and a meeting in the Cabinet Room. The discussion also addressed a scheduled finance-related meeting involving David K. Wilson and George H. Bush. The primary objective was to coordinate logistics and preparations for these administrative and diplomatic engagements.
President Nixon and Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti, joined by Henry Kissinger, held a wide-ranging discussion on international trade, security policy, and geopolitical strategy. The conversation focused on managing trade relations with Japan, mitigating Soviet-led propaganda efforts against Western multinational corporations, and navigating the complexities of European defense burden-sharing and the Mutual and Balanced Force Reductions (MBFR). The participants also discussed the political situation in Argentina and the importance of maintaining strong NATO cohesion in the face of perceived radicalism and global instability.
President Nixon met briefly with an unidentified visitor in the Oval Office to coordinate logistics regarding his upcoming meeting with Dr. Rainer Barzel. The discussion focused specifically on the scheduling and timing of the appointment with the West German political leader. No further substantive matters were recorded during this one-minute encounter.
President Nixon met with Ambassador John A. Volpe to discuss Volpe's diplomatic activities in Italy, specifically regarding the political strength of Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti. The conversation also covered the selection process for a new ambassador to Poland, with Volpe providing recommendations and status updates on potential candidates who had been vetted by the FBI and Catholic leadership. The two also addressed the logistical complexities of appointing a military officer to a civilian diplomatic post.
On April 18, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 12:20 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-096 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Vice President Agnew discussed a contentious meeting with congressional leaders regarding Soviet Jewry and its impact on U.S.-Soviet relations. Agnew expressed shock at the confrontational stance taken by Senators Jackson, Ribicoff, and Javits, arguing that linking Jewish emigration to arms control policy was an unreasonable burden. They collectively agreed that such tactics threatened foreign policy, and Agnew offered to publicly champion the administration’s position should the President choose to take the issue to the American people.
President Nixon and Vice President Agnew discussed the growing domestic political pressure to link U.S. foreign policy toward the Soviet Union with the emigration of Soviet Jews. Agnew expressed frustration over the confrontational attitudes of specific individuals, while the President asserted that the public would not permit a minority to undermine broader national security objectives. The conversation emphasized the administration's determination to resist congressional efforts to use trade and war policy as leverage for Soviet emigration demands.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate their strategy regarding Jewish emigration and relations with the Soviet Union, specifically aiming to address political pressure from figures like Senator Henry Jackson. Concerned about potential confrontations with activists, the President decided to cancel a scheduled meeting with Jewish leaders to avoid hostile criticism. They also discussed managing the schedule of Rainer Barzel to prioritize meetings with Congressional leaders over ceremonial press opportunities.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to discuss public relations strategy regarding the ongoing Watergate scandal, specifically addressing John Dean's recent communications. They debated whether the President should meet with Dean and finalized a plan for how Ziegler should respond to press inquiries about his own prior knowledge of the matter. Ultimately, they decided that Ziegler would adopt a firm stance, refusing to answer detailed questions in order to protect the rights of potential defendants and maintain a neutral posture.
On April 18, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:33 pm and 12:48 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-098 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with German politician Rainer Barzel and Erich Feldweg to discuss the importance of Western unity and the maintenance of NATO forces. The participants emphasized the need for strong spiritual leadership to counter disillusionment among Western youth and the intellectual elite, whom they characterized as being overly soft toward adversaries. Nixon outlined his upcoming working trip to Europe, expressing his intent to move beyond ceremonial gestures and establish a new, robust structure for Western international relations.
On April 18, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Nellie L. Yates met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:33 pm and 12:48 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 900-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull coordinate scheduling priorities for Treasury Secretary George Shultz to discuss the Economic Stabilization Act and an upcoming energy message. Nixon emphasizes the importance of managing the flow of visitors to the Oval Office while authorizing Shultz to proceed with a film clip appearance. The exchange serves as a brief logistical planning session to prepare the President for briefings on legislative and energy policy.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his daily schedule and manage administrative priorities. The discussion centered on adjusting the meeting time for Representative William G. Bray and facilitating communication between the President and Treasury Secretary George P. Shultz regarding congressional matters. These logistical adjustments were part of the administration's ongoing efforts to maintain legislative momentum during the heightened political pressure of the Watergate era.
On April 18, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:33 pm and 12:48 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 900-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and George Shultz discuss the political risks associated with the pending Economic Stabilization Act conference report. While they express frustration over unfavorable provisions like mandatory disclosure of business profits and wage exemptions, they ultimately conclude that the risk of losing the legislation entirely outweighs these concerns. Nixon decides against supporting Gerald Ford’s attempt to defeat the report in the House, directing his team to manage the bill's implementation instead. The conversation also touches on political tensions regarding the emigration of Soviet Jews and the potential impact on upcoming summits.
President Nixon and George Shultz discuss a legislative setback regarding trade and immigration policy, specifically focusing on the political maneuvers of Senator Henry Jackson. The two evaluate the risks of enforcing certain provisions versus finding ways to circumvent them, ultimately deciding to accept the legislative situation as it stands. Nixon expresses deep frustration over the impact of these political obstacles on diplomatic summits and plans to shift the burden of blame for any potential failures onto congressional opponents.
On April 18, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:58 pm and 2:50 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-100 of the White House Tapes.
On April 18, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:58 pm and 1:03 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 900-019 of the White House Tapes.
On April 18, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:58 pm and 1:03 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 900-020 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Congressman William G. Bray and members of Kiwanis International to discuss the organization's community service initiatives and recent global activities. The group briefed the President on their "Share Your Life" program, which focuses on elderly care and volunteerism, and introduced the upcoming "Camelot" program designed to support youth career education. Nixon expressed strong support for service clubs, noting their importance in fostering community spirit and local leadership.
On April 18, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:17 pm and 1:18 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 900-022 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with a film crew in the Oval Office to record his public remarks regarding a new energy policy message being transmitted to Congress. The session involved extensive technical coordination, including adjustments to lighting, audio equipment, and camera positioning to ensure the production met broadcast standards. After encountering technical issues and performance miscues during the initial recording, the President successfully re-filmed the statement in its entirety before concluding the session.
President Nixon and Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen confer to discuss the ongoing status of the Watergate investigation, specifically focusing on grand jury leaks, the legal status of key figures like Jeb Stuart Magruder and John W. Dean, III, and concerns regarding the Ervin Committee's access to FBI interview files. The conversation highlights the administration's efforts to manage public comments via Ron Ziegler while maintaining judicial neutrality, as well as the urgency of securing a commitment from Magruder to prevent premature committee interference. Petersen emphasizes the need to tie down testimony before negotiating with Senator Ervin, while Nixon reaffirms his intent to handle high-profile individuals consistently while avoiding accusations of a cover-up.
On April 18, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:56 pm and 2:57 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-102 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, and Stephen B. Bull met briefly in the Oval Office to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule, specifically regarding a planned trip to Camp David. They discussed the necessity of finalizing an economic message before departing on Friday afternoon. Nixon instructed his daughter to continue with her personal plans while he managed the logistical requirements of his Cabinet and testimony commitments.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, coordinate travel plans and discuss their upcoming personal schedules. Nixon outlines his intent to travel to Key Biscayne on Friday afternoon and mentions a potential trip to Camp David to focus on drafting an economic message. He also encourages Julie to spend time with her mother, Pat Nixon, despite the First Lady's busy agenda.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the presidential schedule, focusing specifically on a proposed meeting with Jewish leaders regarding the status of Soviet Jews. Nixon expressed significant reservations about participating in the meeting personally, fearing it might be unproductive or poorly received. He instructed Bull to consult Henry Kissinger for advice on whether the meeting should proceed without his attendance.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to discuss the growing legal and political risks surrounding the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the recent actions and potential testimony of John Dean. They reviewed their past interactions with Dean, debated his motivations and potential conflict of interest regarding John Mitchell, and examined the vulnerabilities posed by previous meetings. The discussion included strategies for managing the White House response to subpoenas and legal inquiries, as well as the potential application of executive privilege to protect sensitive information.
On April 18, 1973, unknown person(s) and President Richard M. Nixon met in the Oval Office of the White House from 3:23 pm to 3:44 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 900-027 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his economic advisors and cabinet members to discuss how to manage persistent inflation and public frustration with the economy following the recent passage of the Economic Stabilization Act. Arthur Burns and others proposed various policy adjustments, including a potential return to some Phase 2-style controls like pre-notification, while Roy Ash and Herbert Stein argued for staying the course with Phase 3 to avoid further distorting the market. Ultimately, the administration emphasized the importance of fiscal restraint and maintaining a consistent long-term strategy rather than implementing impulsive or overly restrictive controls that could trigger a recession.
President Nixon met with his economic advisors, including George Shultz, Arthur Burns, and Roy Ash, to discuss the administration's ongoing struggle with inflation and the potential implementation of Phase III economic stabilization measures. The participants analyzed the political and psychological impact of price controls, the efficacy of pre-notification requirements for major corporations, and the necessity of maintaining public confidence amid rising prices. Nixon emphasized the importance of fiscal discipline, particularly regarding the federal budget, while rejecting broad, disruptive price freezes in favor of targeted economic management.
On April 18, 1973, unknown person(s) and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:06 pm and 4:50 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-104 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the mounting political pressure from the Watergate scandal and the potential necessity of forcing the resignations of top aides H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. Kissinger advised that the President must proactively and "brutally" distance himself from his staff to preserve the integrity of the presidency and ensure the continued conduct of foreign policy. The two explored potential personnel replacements, such as Kenneth Rush or James T. Lynn, and considered a strategy of suspending lower-level staff to create a framework for the eventual departure of senior officials.
President Nixon and his national security advisor, Henry Kissinger, met with a delegation of American Jewish leaders to discuss the status of Soviet Jewry and the persistent obstacles regarding emigration from the USSR. The President urged the group to avoid public confrontation and support for the Jackson-Vanik Amendment, arguing that legislative mandates would jeopardize his delicate, high-level diplomatic channels with Soviet leadership that had already yielded progress on exit visas. Nixon maintained that his quiet, personal, and direct pressure on the Soviets remained the most effective tool for protecting human rights without triggering a broader geopolitical crisis.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman to discuss White House staff appointments, the ongoing Watergate investigation, and the public relations strategy for addressing the scandal. The participants debated whether to maintain the President's public detachment from the investigation or to proactively frame the administration as victims of subordinates who misled them. Nixon emphasized his desire to insulate the presidency from the unfolding legal crises, while Haldeman and Ehrlichman urged him to project confidence and consider taking a short break from the office to regain his perspective.
On April 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and John D. Ehrlichman talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:36 am and 12:29 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-105 of the White House Tapes.
On April 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at 10:12 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 902-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen to discuss the ongoing Watergate investigation and the challenge of managing leaks from the U.S. Attorney's office. The conversation focused on the credibility of key figures like John Dean, Jeb Stuart Magruder, and Gordon C. Strachan, as well as the legal difficulties of pursuing conspiracy charges against H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. Nixon emphasized that any potential immunity deals or further investigative steps must be grounded in corroborated testimony rather than conflicting accounts, while reinforcing his assertion that the White House had cooperated fully with the investigation.
On April 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger met in the Oval Office of the White House from 11:08 am to 11:09 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 902-004 of the White House Tapes.
Ronald L. Ziegler requested that the White House operator connect him to John W. Dean, III, to facilitate a direct communication between the two men. President Nixon was present in the background during the initiation of this call. The primary action taken was the administrative coordination required to reach Dean via telephone.
President Nixon and Ron Ziegler discussed John Dean's recent public statement and a New York Times article suggesting Dean might implicate others in the Watergate scandal. They strategized on how Ziegler should respond to press inquiries, agreeing to emphasize the administration's commitment to finding the truth rather than scapegoats and to fully cooperate with the grand jury. Nixon authorized Ziegler to state that no one would be made a scapegoat, a message Ziegler relayed to Dean. The conversation also briefly touched on a meeting with Jewish leaders regarding Soviet emigration.
On April 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:48 pm and 1:03 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 902-006 of the White House Tapes.
On April 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:48 pm and 1:03 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 902-007 of the White House Tapes.
On April 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:48 pm and 1:03 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 902-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to discuss legal strategies for defending White House staff members implicated in the developing Watergate scandal. They analyzed the potential for immunity for John Dean, the legal risks regarding campaign funds, and the possibility of separating the legal defense of presidential aides from that of other political figures. The discussion highlighted their concern over how these proceedings might impact the administration's public image and the necessity of managing internal information to protect the President.
On April 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:30 pm and 1:36 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 902-010 of the White House Tapes.
On April 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:36 pm and 1:39 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-108 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler coordinate the administration's public response regarding the President’s ongoing meetings with Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen. They specifically discuss how to address media inquiries concerning Watergate investigations and clarify that the President does not receive reports from the grand jury. Nixon instructs Ziegler to emphasize that while he receives updates on general investigative progress from Petersen, he is not privy to the contents or internal proceedings of the grand jury.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler coordinate the administration's public messaging regarding the Watergate investigation. Nixon instructs Ziegler to emphasize that the President does not receive reports from the Grand Jury to combat rumors of scapegoating and leaks. He directs Ziegler to contact Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen to confirm this official stance.
On April 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:41 pm and 1:45 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-110 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon instructs Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to publicly emphasize that he has explicitly directed Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen to withhold all grand jury proceedings from him. Nixon expresses concern that leaks, particularly those involving columnist Jack Anderson, could taint the investigation and wants to distance himself from the inner workings of the grand jury. The President clarifies that while he continues to receive general investigatory reports, he is consciously avoiding specific grand jury information to maintain procedural integrity.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the need to maintain a clear firewall between the White House and ongoing Grand Jury proceedings to avoid potential legal contamination. Nixon emphasizes that he explicitly instructed officials not to disclose any Grand Jury findings to him to preserve the integrity of both the official investigation and his own internal review. The discussion underscores the administration's strategic effort to distance the President from sensitive information during the escalating Watergate investigation.
On April 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:46 pm and 1:48 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-112 of the White House Tapes.
On April 19, 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 1:46 pm and 1:48 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 429-026 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the status of internal White House investigations into the Watergate scandal. The conversation focuses on whether members of the staff had provided sworn statements regarding their lack of involvement, specifically noting that John Dean had not signed such a statement. They conclude that the effort to secure these affidavits was ultimately abandoned, leaving the administration without formal documentation from all staff members.
On April 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 1:48 pm to 1:49 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 429-006 of the White House Tapes.
On April 19, 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 1:50 pm and 1:57 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 429-007 of the White House Tapes.
On April 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, unknown person(s), and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:50 pm and 1:57 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 429-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, to coordinate logistics for a planned evening outing on the presidential yacht, the Sequoia. They briefly discussed the guest list and the necessary arrangements for the excursion. Nixon provided instructions regarding the expected number of attendees for the trip.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to finalize logistical details regarding Senator John C. Stennis. The President confirmed plans for Stennis and his wife to accompany the Nixons aboard Air Force One and instructed Bull to keep his upcoming schedule clear of all obligations except for a Cabinet meeting. This brief interaction served to manage the President's immediate calendar and facilitate direct engagement with the Senator.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, to coordinate logistics for an upcoming trip to Florida. The discussion focused on travel arrangements involving the First Lady, family pets, and Fina Sanchez. Additionally, the President relayed instructions regarding a message for his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, to be included in his afternoon schedule.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the political fallout regarding Jewish leaders' pressure on U.S.-Soviet relations, specifically concerning the potential cancellation of an upcoming summit. Nixon expresses extreme frustration with the influence of Jewish groups and the Jackson-Vanik Amendment, vowing to publicly blame American Jewish leaders if their advocacy causes the summit to collapse. Both participants agree that the administration must prioritize American national interests over these specific lobbying efforts, even at the risk of inciting antisemitic sentiment.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met briefly in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss concerns regarding the security and integrity of their private communications. The President expressed immediate apprehension about potential surveillance or interference with his ability to hold confidential conversations. No substantive policy decisions were reached during this short interaction, which focused primarily on the vulnerability of the taping environment.
On April 19, 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 2:05 pm and 3:38 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 429-013 of the White House Tapes.
On April 19, 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 2:05 pm and 2:08 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 429-027 of the White House Tapes.
On April 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 3:38 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-115 of the White House Tapes.
On April 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:38 pm and 5:03 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-116 of the White House Tapes.
On April 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 3:38 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 429-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Richard A. Moore met to discuss the escalating Watergate investigation, specifically focusing on the roles of John Dean and John Mitchell. They examined the potential legal liabilities arising from the cover-up, the solicitation of hush money for E. Howard Hunt, and the risk that Dean might turn against the administration to secure immunity. Nixon expressed frustration over the perceived ineptitude of his subordinates and the potential for a damaging narrative regarding obstruction of justice, ultimately emphasizing the need to keep the administration's involvement shielded from the ongoing investigations.
President Nixon, John Ehrlichman, and Stephen Bull meet briefly in the Old Executive Office Building to coordinate a private session. The participants discuss the need for a short break and reference symbolic or metaphorical language regarding seeking energy from a church setting. The meeting serves primarily as a logistical pause in their broader discussions during the height of the Watergate-era legal pressures.
On April 19, 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 5:01 pm and 5:10 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 429-028 of the White House Tapes.
On April 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman talked on the telephone from 5:03 pm to 5:04 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-117 of the White House Tapes.
On April 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:04 pm and 5:10 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-118 of the White House Tapes.
On April 19, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at 5:10 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-119 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman to discuss the ongoing fallout from the Watergate investigation, specifically focusing on the legal exposure of White House staff members and potential strategies for handling prosecutors. They evaluated the political implications of keeping or removing H.R. Haldeman from his post and analyzed the testimony of John Dean. The discussion also addressed reports regarding the secret removal of political files from the White House, with Ehrlichman advising the President to maintain distance from the daily influx of rumors to avoid distraction.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, exchanged brief pleasantries regarding their upcoming personal schedules. The conversation primarily served as a check-in between family members, with Julie expressing her support for her father. The discussion concluded with a brief mention of the President’s impending trip to Florida.
On April 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:45 pm and 5:48 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-121 of the White House Tapes.
On April 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman talked on the telephone from 5:58 pm to 5:59 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-122 of the White House Tapes.
On April 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 5:58 pm to 5:59 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 429-019 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to verify the status of a specific memorandum requiring his signature. The brief discussion confirmed that the President had successfully applied a notation regarding a requested change to the document. This interaction served to finalize administrative processing for the paperwork on the President’s desk.
John Ehrlichman updates President Nixon regarding an ongoing investigation into a mysterious removal of eight boxes of materials from a committee office the day after the Watergate break-in. Ehrlichman reports that Charles Colson, H.R. Haldeman, and others lack knowledge of the event, though they suspect it involved someone with high-level access like Robert C. Odle or Frederick C. LaRue. The President expresses concern over the potential link to Watergate and emphasizes the urgent need to identify the individual who reportedly moved the materials to a private apartment.
President Nixon met with attorneys John J. Wilson and Frank H. Strickler to discuss the evolving Watergate scandal and its potential legal impact on H.R. Haldeman and John D. Ehrlichman. The participants reviewed the status of federal investigations, the handling of secret funds, and the potential for upcoming indictments against White House staff. They also deliberated on the political implications of keeping or removing Haldeman and Ehrlichman from their positions, comparing the situation to historical precedents regarding presidential staff resignations.
President Nixon met with his attorneys, John J. Wilson and Frank H. Strickler, to receive a legal briefing on the ongoing Watergate investigations involving H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. The attorneys detailed their recent discussions with prosecutors Seymour Glanzer and Earl J. Silbert, expressing concern over the prosecutors' aggressive tactics and the potential for indictments despite a perceived lack of clear criminal evidence. The President and his counsel discussed the potential political fallout of suspending or forcing the resignations of his top aides, ultimately deciding to stand firm and await further developments before taking drastic action.
On April 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:32 pm and 9:37 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-124 of the White House Tapes.