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 188 of 211On April 25, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:53 pm and 8:20 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-158 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss routine household matters. The conversation focused on logistical arrangements, specifically food orders and cleaning requirements for the President's living quarters. No significant policy decisions were made during this brief administrative interaction.
On April 25, 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 7:53 pm and 8:20 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 430-038 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Attorney General Richard Kleindienst discuss legal tactics regarding the ongoing Daniel Ellsberg trial, specifically focusing on how prosecutor David Nissen should handle Judge William R. Byrne, Jr. The two men strategize on emphasizing the national security implications of the case to the court while pushing for a post-trial hearing to address concerns regarding tainted evidence. Additionally, the conversation briefly touches upon political anxieties regarding the potential for presidential impeachment and the vice presidency of Spiro T. Agnew.
President Nixon and Attorney General Richard Kleindienst held a brief, late-night discussion regarding the status of a national security investigation. They touched upon the complexities of obtaining a judicial decision and the political implications of how the public perceives the case. The exchange concluded with the President dismissing Kleindienst, leaving the specific procedural next steps unresolved.
On April 25, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:23 pm and 9:07 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-160 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss routine personal or household logistics. The conversation, which was limited in scope, touched upon matters related to food and fire safety within the residence. No significant policy decisions or official government business were recorded during this brief exchange.
On April 25, 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 8:23 pm and 8:41 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 430-041 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss media strategy regarding the Watergate scandal, focusing on the importance of conveying that the President is actively seeking the truth and maintaining governmental operations. Ziegler reviews his efforts to counter press rumors about the timing of the President's knowledge of the scandal and explains his strategy to ease tensions with the press corps. Nixon directs that daily staff meetings be resumed to project stability and instructs Ziegler to emphasize that the administration is conducting its own investigation without a cover-up.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:04 am and 8:55 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 905-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to review and adjust the President's upcoming official schedule. The discussion focused on coordinating logistics for various engagements, including a White House reception, a Troika meeting, and a planned trip to Mississippi. Consequently, they reached decisions regarding the timing of these events to ensure they aligned with the President's availability.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:04 am and 8:55 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 905-003 of the White House Tapes.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:04 am and 8:55 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 905-004 of the White House Tapes.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Rose Mary Woods met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:04 am and 8:55 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 905-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with an unknown individual to coordinate the timing of upcoming congressional committee appearances and the review of related briefing materials. The discussion involved scheduling George P. Shultz for testimony and arranging for Richard A. Moore to be contacted while traveling to a wedding in Boston. These logistics were prioritized to ensure the administration's representatives were adequately prepared for their scheduled questioning.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:04 am and 8:55 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 905-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed the ongoing Watergate investigation, including the legal strategies for John Dean, the potential for impeachment, and the handling of press inquiries. They also touched upon the Ellsberg case and the possibility of a photograph being in evidence. Nixon expressed concern about the public perception of the White House and the need to present a unified front.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at 10:24 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 905-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with George Shultz and John Ehrlichman to discuss legislative strategy regarding tax reform and the administration's ongoing economic stabilization efforts. The group focused on maintaining a firm stance against tax increases on capital gains and estates, while delegating the political credit or blame for such controversial measures to Congress. They also analyzed public relations tactics for Phase III wage and price controls, weighing the benefits of a potential confrontation with Congress over the Economic Stabilization Act against the risks of public perception.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to review and coordinate the President's daily schedule. Their brief discussion focused on logistical arrangements for an upcoming meeting with Henry Kissinger and potential travel plans involving Amsterdam. No major policy decisions were reached, as the conversation served primarily as a brief administrative update on the President's calendar.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed strategies for managing the administration's public response to the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on distancing the President from the cover-up and maintaining staff stability. They deliberated on how to address concerns regarding the credibility and potential blackmail threats posed by John Dean, while emphasizing the President's commitment to acting only upon corroborated evidence. The conversation also touched upon the possibility of utilizing Melvin Laird in a Congressional relations capacity and navigating the political fallout from ongoing investigations.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:11 pm and 12:16 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-001 of the White House Tapes.
On April 26, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:11 pm and 12:16 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-002 of the White House Tapes.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:11 pm and 12:16 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 905-013 of the White House Tapes.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:11 pm and 12:16 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 905-014 of the White House Tapes.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:11 pm and 12:16 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 905-015 of the White House Tapes.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:11 pm and 12:16 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 905-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst discussed the status of the ongoing Watergate-related Ellsberg break-in trial, confirming that the prosecution would disclose sensitive information to the judge while attempting to avoid a mistrial. The pair also addressed the escalating Wounded Knee standoff, with Kleindienst expressing concerns over law enforcement risks and potential violence. They agreed to hold a formal meeting the following week with key advisors to decide on a definitive course of action, noting that even Senator George McGovern was now advocating for government intervention.
President Nixon met with Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst to discuss tax policy resolutions and address ongoing legal concerns regarding the Watergate scandal. The two men reviewed the administration's stance on the investigation, emphasizing the need to demonstrate the lack of prior knowledge among senior officials. Additionally, they touched upon personnel matters within the Department of the Interior and coordinated future meetings to resolve pending departmental issues.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:21 pm and 12:23 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-004 of the White House Tapes.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:21 pm and 12:23 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 905-018 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst discuss the evolving legal strategies regarding John W. Dean III and the ongoing Watergate investigations. They focus on the risks of granting Dean immunity, emphasizing that his credibility is already compromised, and agree that the administration must avoid being blackmailed by his potential allegations. Nixon asserts that any criminal activity, such as the break-in related to the Daniel Ellsberg case, was unauthorized and insists that the Justice Department must proceed with gathering facts without appearing to cover up for senior staff.
President Nixon met with Attorney General Richard Kleindienst to strategize on the burgeoning Watergate scandal and manage the legal and political liability posed by White House Counsel John Dean. The discussion focused on the necessity of portraying unauthorized activities—specifically the break-in—as independent actions while expressing deep skepticism regarding Dean's credibility and his potential to use damaging information as leverage against the administration. Nixon emphasized his desire to avoid a cover-up while simultaneously debating how to handle immunity and the risks of Dean testifying before the Senate.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:34 pm and 1:13 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman to coordinate scheduling and ensure the efficient use of Haldeman’s time. The two discussed finalizing an appointment for later that afternoon. This brief exchange served primarily as a logistical check-in regarding the President's upcoming agenda.
On April 26, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at 1:13 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-007 of the White House Tapes.
On April 26, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 1:13 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 431-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, discussed logistics and travel plans for an upcoming weekend trip to Camp David. They coordinated the arrival times for the First Family members, including Julie Nixon Eisenhower and Edward Cox, while expressing concern regarding public scrutiny of the family's activities. Additionally, the President arranged his work schedule at Birch Lodge and finalized movie selections for the visit.
President Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, coordinate family travel plans to Camp David while acknowledging the heightened public scrutiny surrounding their movements. The President weighs the optics of private family trips, ultimately deciding that a collective family excursion is preferable to smaller, isolated visits. He clarifies his own scheduling constraints, noting that his official obligations prevent him from arriving until Saturday noon.
President Nixon met with an unknown staff member to coordinate his afternoon schedule and personal arrangements. During the brief exchange, the President explicitly requested time for a rest and refreshment, instructing the aide not to disturb his nap. The conversation concluded with Nixon emphasizing that he would initiate contact once he was ready to resume his duties.
President Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to conduct a brief check-in regarding the day's operations. The discussion focused on the President's schedule, including the status of pending telephone calls and the provision of refreshments. No significant policy decisions were made during this routine administrative interaction.
On April 26, 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 3:00 pm and 3:35 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 431-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate logistics for an upcoming trip to Mississippi involving Senator John C. Stennis and the dedication of a center in his honor. They also discussed scheduling conflicts regarding a potential meeting with the Chamber of Commerce, with the President ultimately deciding to delay any decision until after a significant congressional vote on the economy. The conversation balanced necessary protocol for the presidential visit with the strategic timing of domestic policy outreach.
On April 26, 1973, H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone from 3:52 pm to 3:54 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-009 of the White House Tapes.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 3:52 pm to 3:54 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 431-008 of the White House Tapes.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:59 pm and 4:50 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-010 of the White House Tapes.
In this extensive series of meetings and phone calls, President Nixon consults with H. R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, Richard Kleindienst, and Henry Petersen to manage the worsening political and legal fallout of the Watergate scandal. The participants deliberate on how to handle the impending revelations concerning the destruction of sensitive documents by FBI Director L. Patrick Gray, which had been previously held in the White House. Faced with intense media scrutiny and the potential for staff resignations, Nixon weighs the risks of maintaining his current team against the necessity of distancing his administration from criminal liability, ultimately deciding to project a posture of responsibility while preparing to weather further disclosures.
President Nixon consulted with Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst regarding the status and procedural developments of the Daniel Ellsberg case on the West Coast. The President expressed urgency in receiving a report on the matter, noting that he needed to be kept informed as the legal situation evolved. Kleindienst agreed to monitor the situation and provide the President with an update later that evening.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:51 pm and 5:53 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst discuss pending legal developments in the Daniel Ellsberg case and the potential resignation of FBI Director L. Patrick Gray. The conversation focuses on a damaging New York Times report regarding Gray's destruction of sensitive documents from E. Howard Hunt’s safe. Nixon emphasizes his commitment to transparency, tasking Kleindienst and Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen with evaluating the political and legal implications of the situation overnight.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:55 pm and 5:56 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Acting Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen discussed the political fallout surrounding FBI Director L. Patrick Gray’s admission that he destroyed documents related to E. Howard Hunt. The two men coordinated the timing of Gray's expected resignation and the subsequent appointment of an interim successor to minimize public damage. Additionally, they reviewed legal strategies regarding John Dean, H.R. Haldeman, and John Ehrlichman, focusing on the necessity of obtaining plea deals to secure evidence and avoid potential blackmail attempts during the ongoing Watergate investigation.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:17 pm and 6:20 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Attorney General Richard Kleindienst discuss the need to address L. Patrick Gray III regarding his conflicting public statements about the destruction of sensitive documents linked to E. Howard Hunt. Nixon insists that Gray’s claim—that he was ordered by John Ehrlichman and John Dean to destroy the files—is untrue and potentially damaging. The President directs Kleindienst to contact Gray immediately to ensure he clarifies the account and avoids appearing as if he were following specific orders to destroy evidence.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:37 pm and 6:49 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-019 of the White House Tapes.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler talked on the telephone from 6:49 pm to 6:50 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-020 of the White House Tapes.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:50 pm and 7:08 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-022 of the White House Tapes.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler talked on the telephone from 7:08 pm to 7:09 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-023 of the White House Tapes.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:08 pm and 7:12 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-024 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen discuss the legal and political implications of testimony regarding L. Patrick Gray III and potential orders to destroy documents. They focus on the fallout surrounding John Ehrlichman and John Dean, specifically addressing the optics of Gray’s possible resignation and the necessity of managing conflicting narratives. Ultimately, they decide to exercise caution and avoid taking immediate action to force Gray out, acknowledging the need to verify details before proceeding.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:14 pm and 7:44 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-026 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with Attorney General Richard Kleindienst and Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen regarding the potential fallout from reports that acting FBI Director L. Patrick Gray destroyed sensitive documents provided to him by John Dean. The group discussed how Gray should handle media inquiries and his upcoming grand jury testimony, ultimately agreeing that Gray should not resign in response to press reports but should instead wait to address the matter before the grand jury. Nixon expressed strong opposition to granting immunity to Dean, whom he blamed for the ongoing leaks and misinformation regarding the administration's involvement in the Watergate cover-up.
President Nixon and his valet, Manolo Sanchez, discuss the specific preparation of an egg for a meal. The brief exchange centers on clarifying a previous instruction regarding the food request to ensure it is served to the President's preference. No broader political or administrative developments occur during this personal interaction.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:47 pm and 9:57 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-028 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman briefly discuss the President's personal health before shifting focus to the political crisis surrounding the Watergate scandal. The two assess the counsel of William P. Rogers and John B. Connally, with Nixon noting Rogers’s inability to make decisive recommendations. Consequently, Nixon instructs Haldeman to consult with Connally regarding the political strategy of a proposed leave of absence, seeking his candid input on the decision.
On April 26, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at 10:02 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-030 of the White House Tapes.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:02 pm and 10:07 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-031 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss potential high-level personnel changes to navigate the escalating political pressures of the Watergate scandal and the Daniel Ellsberg case. They explore the possibility of appointing William D. Ruckelshaus as permanent FBI Director and weigh the viability of John Connally as a replacement for Attorney General. Haldeman is tasked with gauging Connally's interest in the position and assessing the likelihood of his Senate confirmation.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss the evolving Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on damaging media reports regarding L. Patrick Gray and John W. Dean. They addressed allegations concerning the destruction of sensitive documents and scrutinized Dean's motives, particularly the possibility that he recorded his conversations with the President. The two also discussed personnel matters, including potential candidates to replace Gray at the FBI.
On April 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:05 am and 8:30 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 906-002 of the White House Tapes.
On April 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:05 am and 8:30 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 906-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler met to strategize the handling of the escalating Watergate scandal and the required departures of key staff members, H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. Ziegler briefed the President on John Dean's recent assertions, which implicated Haldeman and Ehrlichman in the cover-up while notably excluding the President from personal involvement. Nixon confirmed his intent to demand the resignations of his top aides to project a standard of accountability, though he sought to time these moves carefully to manage political fallout and minimize the impact on the administration's operations. The discussion also touched upon the selection of new leadership for the FBI and the Department of Justice, as well as the timing of a planned public address by the President to take responsibility for cleaning up the administration.
On April 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:35 am and 8:36 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 906-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to review a wide range of foreign policy initiatives and administrative personnel matters. Key topics included the status of upcoming diplomatic efforts with North Vietnam, preparations for Kissinger’s trip to Moscow, and the scheduling of the US-USSR summit. They also discussed logistical arrangements for John Connally’s world tour, concerns regarding federal bureaucracy following H.R. Haldeman’s departure, and the cancellation of Emperor Hirohito’s visit to the United States.
On April 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:46 pm and 3:47 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 906-007 of the White House Tapes.
On April 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:48 pm and 4:10 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-033 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with William D. Ruckelshaus, John D. Ehrlichman, and Ronald L. Ziegler to finalize Ruckelshaus's appointment as Acting Director of the FBI following the resignation of L. Patrick Gray III. The President emphasized the need for a thorough, unbiased investigation into the Watergate scandal and directed Ruckelshaus to reorganize the Bureau and restore its integrity while a permanent director was sought. Ruckelshaus agreed to serve on an interim basis, with the participants coordinating the public announcement and strategy for fielding press inquiries regarding the transition.
President Nixon and Attorney General Richard Kleindienst discuss the selection of a new acting FBI director following the resignation of L. Patrick Gray. Nixon rejects W. Mark Felt as a candidate, opting instead for William D. Ruckelshaus to ensure a clean break from the Bureau's internal conflicts. They finalize a plan for the White House to announce that the President has directed the Attorney General to appoint Ruckelshaus to the position.
On April 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:30 pm and 4:31 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-035 of the White House Tapes.
On April 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:30 pm and 4:31 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 906-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen discuss the escalating legal complications surrounding the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the disclosure of materials related to the Daniel Ellsberg case and the Fielding burglary. Petersen provides updates on the FBI's efforts to interview key figures such as John Dean and John Ehrlichman, while noting the constraints of grand jury secrecy on the information he can share with the President. The conversation highlights the administration's struggle to manage staff departures, the stalled negotiations with John Dean, and the mounting pressure for those involved to cooperate with ongoing investigations.
President Richard Nixon met with Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen to discuss the ongoing investigation into the Watergate scandal and the status of potential evidence. The conversation centers on the President's frustration regarding uncorroborated information and his desire to control the investigative process to avoid political damage. Nixon emphasizes the need to manage the flow of information as the situation escalates, ultimately expressing concern over the implications of incriminating details surfacing.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President’s upcoming schedule to manage his workload and prioritize critical engagements. The discussion focused on streamlining the calendar by postponing various events, including meetings with the Labor-Management Advisory Committee and the National Association of Real Estate Boards. Nixon specifically directed the deferral of diplomatic credential ceremonies and meetings involving Representative Otto E. Passman to ensure his availability for higher-priority matters.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed the escalating Watergate crisis and the necessity of managing the potential departures of key staff members, specifically John Dean, H. R. Haldeman, and John Ehrlichman. Nixon pushed for the resignation or leave of absence of his aides to stabilize his administration and neutralize political threats, while emphasizing the need to maintain control over the narrative regarding their past conversations. They also evaluated internal staff loyalty and debated the content of a potential presidential speech to address the ongoing scandal.
On April 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:00 pm and 5:37 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 906-013 of the White House Tapes.
On April 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, Stephen B. Bull, and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:00 pm and 5:37 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 906-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull and Manolo Sanchez to review and streamline the upcoming presidential schedule, specifically concerning Congressional meetings and the logistics for West German Chancellor Willy Brandt’s state visit. The participants decided to scrub non-essential appointments to focus on key bipartisan leadership meetings and official diplomatic protocol. The discussion also touched on administrative coordination involving Henry E. Petersen and William E. Timmons regarding pending legislative matters.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to discuss alarming rumors circulating via journalists Seymour Hersh and Bob Woodward regarding the Watergate scandal. The reports suggested that John Dean might implicate the President and that Vice President Spiro Agnew was preparing to resign. Ziegler proposed a strategy to mitigate the media fallout by having aide David Gergen contact Woodward to dismiss the rumors as lacking substance and fact.
President Nixon met with Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen to address alarming reports from journalists Seymour Hersh and Bob Woodward that John Dean had implicated the President to Watergate prosecutors. Nixon expressed deep concern over these rumors and pressed Petersen to confirm whether the prosecutors had received such statements, specifically regarding the March 21, 1973, conversation concerning E. Howard Hunt’s demands. Petersen agreed to immediately contact the lead prosecutors to verify the information and reiterated his stance that his office lacked a mandate to investigate the presidency, asserting that such authority resided only with the House of Representatives.
On April 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:43 pm and 6:04 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 906-018 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the strategic handling of Haldeman’s and John Ehrlichman’s potential departures from the White House staff in the wake of the Watergate scandal. Haldeman conveys concerns from his legal counsel that resigning or taking a leave of absence could remove the protective 'mantle' of the White House and potentially influence grand jury decisions regarding future indictments. They weigh the optics of various options, ultimately considering a temporary leave of absence for the month of May to provide distance from the investigation while maintaining their positions.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman convened in the Oval Office to discuss the President's public right to provide an explanation regarding the escalating Watergate crisis. The conversation centered on strategies for managing executive communication and public perception as the administration faced mounting legal and political pressure. This discussion highlights the ongoing efforts by the President and his chief of staff to formulate a defense against the unfolding scandal.
On April 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:43 pm and 6:04 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 906-021 of the White House Tapes.
On April 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:43 pm and 6:04 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 906-022 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen to discuss the ongoing Watergate investigation, specifically focusing on managing the legal fallout regarding White House staffers John Dean, H.R. Haldeman, and John Ehrlichman. Nixon sought to coordinate the investigation's pace to minimize political damage while pressuring Petersen to ensure that prosecutors pursue the truth aggressively without unfairly implicating the presidency. The conversation centered on the potential for staff resignations or leaves of absence, the credibility of witnesses like Dean, and concerns regarding leaks and threats of blackmail involving White House involvement in the cover-up.
On April 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:49 pm and 8:02 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-037 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate their strategy for handling the ongoing Watergate crisis, specifically focusing on the management of John Dean and the timing of their own potential leaves of absence. They discussed the necessity of distancing themselves from Dean, whom they viewed as a liability and a potential source of unpredictable attacks against the presidency. Nixon decided to finalize his own public statement for the following Monday, while instructing that Haldeman and Ehrlichman should take voluntary leaves of absence beforehand to project an image of institutional integrity. They ultimately agreed that Nixon should dismiss Dean from his position rather than allow him to resign or negotiate, aiming to maintain presidential control over the narrative and minimize further damage.
On April 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler talked on the telephone from 8:02 pm to 8:03 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-038 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his staff to coordinate his response to the intensifying Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the drafting of a forthcoming public address and the management of White House personnel. The President discussed the impending forced resignations of H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, the necessity of distancing his administration from John Dean, and the strategy of taking responsibility for staff conduct without engaging in public self-pity. Nixon emphasized the need for a firm tone to preserve the integrity of the presidency and decided to consult with his aides while planning a brief period of isolation to finalize his speech.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler, Manolo Sanchez, and Stephen Bull to discuss the impending resignations of top aides H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman amid the deepening Watergate scandal. The participants deliberated on the strategic timing of these departures to minimize political damage and addressed the President’s need to assert control through a forthcoming televised speech. Nixon emphasized his desire to accept responsibility for his administration while distancing himself from the criminal conduct of his staff, ultimately deciding to position himself as taking proactive, independent action to ensure a full investigation.