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 190 of 211On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:30 am and 8:33 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 908-006 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:30 am and 8:33 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 908-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Vice President Agnew, Secretary of State Rogers, USAID Administrator John A. Hannah, and a bipartisan group of Congressional leaders to secure support for the administration's foreign aid and security assistance requests. The discussion covered the implementation of the Nixon Doctrine, the strategic importance of military and development aid to maintain stability in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, and the necessity of burden-sharing with allies. Nixon emphasized that maintaining U.S. strength and diplomatic engagement was vital for ongoing negotiations regarding arms reduction and global peace, warning against unilateral reductions that could weaken the U.S. negotiating position.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discussed public and media reactions to the Watergate scandal following the President's recent address. Nixon expressed confidence in his core base of support, citing positive wire service reports and favorable sentiment among middle-class voters. The two emphasized the need to maintain a composed, forward-looking strategy rather than fixating on the ongoing political crisis.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:26 am and 10:27 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 908-009 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:26 am and 10:27 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 908-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Rose Mary Woods discussed the management of his presidential schedule, emphasizing the need for stricter screening of appointments and visitor access to minimize distractions. The conversation further addressed the administration's reaction to Nixon's April 30 Watergate speech, with the two reviewing incoming phone calls and feedback from prominent supporters. Nixon expressed personal frustration regarding Vice President Spiro Agnew's conduct and discussed his reliance on Woods to organize incoming correspondence and messages during this period of political pressure.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate the agenda for an upcoming visit with West German Chancellor Willy Brandt. The discussion centered on discouraging European efforts to weaken defense ties with the United States via the European Security Conference, with Nixon emphasizing the importance of keeping Europe aligned with American security interests. This strategic messaging was intended to bolster Brandt’s domestic political position against leftist factions within his own government.
President Nixon met with West German Chancellor Willy Brandt and Henry Kissinger to discuss a range of topics including the "Year of Europe," Ostpolitik, Mutual and Balanced Force Reductions (MBFR), and the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE). They also addressed US-Europe relations, economic issues like inflation and trade policy, and the ongoing Middle East conflict, with Nixon emphasizing the need for Israel to negotiate a settlement. Nixon expressed concern about rising neo-isolationism in the US and the importance of maintaining strong transatlantic alliances.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:26 pm and 12:27 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 908-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to coordinate the White House's public communications strategy following the President's April 30 speech addressing the Watergate scandal. The discussion focused on maintaining a firm, confident public stance while directing Ziegler to avoid substantive commentary on the ongoing investigation, as advised by Elliot Richardson and Leonard Garment. Nixon emphasized the need to project presidential strength and instructed Ziegler to highlight that the administration is continuing its regular business, including an upcoming Cabinet meeting.
President Nixon and his secretary, Rose Mary Woods, reviewed correspondence and reports concerning the public and political reaction to the President's April 30, 1973, televised address regarding the Watergate scandal. They discussed various supporters and critics, specifically noting concerns about Senator Charles Percy’s advocacy for a special prosecutor and the supportive messages received from family and political allies. The discussion served as an informal status update on the administration's political standing and the incoming volume of communications during the crisis.
President Nixon met with unidentified United States Secret Service agents in the Oval Office to conduct routine administrative matters. The brief interaction included the President greeting the agents and discussing logistical details regarding his schedule, specifically concerning his departure for home and his time spent in the office. No substantive policy decisions were reached during this exchange, which concluded with the agents' departure.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to strategize on limiting the scope of documents provided to FBI agents currently stationed at the White House for the Watergate investigation. Nixon expressed deep frustration with the broad language of proposed document requests, which he deemed overly restrictive regarding his personal papers and presidential staff memoranda. He directed Bull to ensure that all national security files and executive privilege materials remain protected, explicitly ordering that the language of the document releases be narrowed to exclude his private files and sensitive national security records.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:58 pm and 12:59 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-073 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:58 pm and 12:59 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-074 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directed Stephen B. Bull to instruct Leonard Garment to revise a memorandum regarding access to the personal papers of H.R. Haldeman and John D. Ehrlichman. Expressing shock and disappointment at the breadth of the proposal, the President insisted that the documents be protected rather than opened to FBI scrutiny, explicitly stating that his former aides were not defendants. The conversation also touched upon coordinating the President’s concerns with Secretary of State William P. Rogers's schedule.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Dr. Walter R. Tkach met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 12:59 pm to 1:00 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-002 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:00 pm and 1:04 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-076 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 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 1:00 pm and 1:04 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-003 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 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 1:00 pm and 1:04 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-004 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 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 1:00 pm and 1:04 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directs his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to investigate whether Secretary of State William Rogers is hosting a lunch for a foreign chancellor. Simultaneously, the President expresses significant anger regarding an instance of reported fraud, instructing Bull to inform Carmen that such poor judgment is unacceptable. Nixon emphasizes that the individuals involved are not dependents and demands immediate action to address the situation.
On May 1, 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 1:00 pm and 1:04 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-007 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 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 1:00 pm and 1:04 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directs Stephen Bull to instruct Leonard Garment to revise a memorandum regarding access to presidential papers, which Nixon deems overly broad and legally intrusive. Nixon asserts ownership over his personal and national security files, refusing to allow them to be subjected to subpoenas or FBI seizure. Furthermore, Nixon expresses his frustration with Garment's handling of the matter and tasks Bull with pressuring Garment to produce a more appropriate document by his 2:30 p.m. deadline.
President Nixon directed his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to forcefully communicate his refusal to allow personal and national security files to be held or scrutinized by the FBI. Nixon expressed intense frustration over the breadth of requests for his documentation, insisting that such materials are his private property rather than evidence for potential defendants. He instructed Bull to convey this firm stance to legal counsel, demanding the immediate removal of these files from external oversight.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:06 pm and 1:07 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-078 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 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 1:06 pm and 1:07 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon instructed Stephen B. Bull to establish firm control over White House staff files, asserting that all correspondence between himself and his staff—particularly regarding national security—belongs exclusively to the President rather than individual staff members. This directive was intended to clarify ownership protocols in response to a memorandum drafted by Leonard Garment. Bull was tasked with revising the document to reflect the President's position for subsequent review by William P. Rogers.
President Nixon instructed Stephen B. Bull to ensure that all staff correspondence and files, particularly those concerning national security, are categorized as presidential property rather than the personal property of individual staff members. Nixon explicitly distinguished these records from Watergate-related materials, for which he expressed indifference regarding their disposition. Bull was tasked with drafting a memorandum to formalize this policy for review by Rodney Smith.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:08 pm and 1:10 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-080 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 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 1:08 pm and 1:10 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with a White House operator to facilitate personal calls to his daughters. After confirming that both Julie Nixon Eisenhower and Tricia Nixon Cox were currently unavailable due to travel, the President decided to postpone his outreach. No substantive policy or political matters were discussed during this brief exchange.
President Nixon consulted with a White House operator regarding an upcoming communication with an individual identified as Christian. The brief exchange focused on coordinating the logistics of reaching this contact and assessing their likely receptiveness to the call. The President ultimately decided to proceed with the discussion despite uncertainties regarding the contact's potential reaction.
President Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss personal matters and logistical arrangements. The conversation focused on the President's upcoming schedule, specifically coordinating time for a nap. They also briefly touched upon weather conditions in Florida and ocean water temperatures.
On May 1, 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 1:10 pm and 1:18 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-015 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 1:16 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-082 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:16 pm and 1:18 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-083 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Representative Leslie C. Arends discuss the fallout from the recent resignations of H. R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman and the positive congressional reception to the President’s April 30th address regarding the Watergate scandal. Arends reassures the President of continued support among House Republicans while expressing frustration with Senator Charles Percy’s criticism and call for a special prosecutor. The two also touch upon recent legislative discussions regarding Israel, with Arends confirming his intent to offer an amendment to restrict aid.
President Nixon met with Representative Leslie C. Arends to discuss the ongoing political pressure surrounding the Watergate scandal. Comparing his current personnel difficulties to President Eisenhower's dismissal of Sherman Adams, Nixon expressed his resolve in managing the crisis and his administration's staffing changes. The conversation focused on maintaining political support and addressing the contentious push from figures like Senator Charles Percy for the appointment of a special prosecutor.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:20 pm and 1:22 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-085 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 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 1:20 pm and 1:22 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon calls William E. Timmons to reprimand him for his perceived passivity and negative attitude regarding congressional relations. Expressing frustration over criticisms from Representatives Leslie C. Arends and Gerald R. Ford, Nixon demands that Timmons take a more proactive approach in mobilizing congressional support. The conversation concludes with Timmons acknowledging the President's directives and committing to increased efforts in his legislative outreach.
President Nixon rebukes William E. Timmons for his perceived passivity and negative attitude regarding legislative affairs. Nixon explicitly commands Timmons to abandon his lethargy and proactively mobilize supporters to publicly counter negative narratives. This directive reflects the President's urgent need to bolster political messaging amidst the growing pressures of the Watergate scandal.
President Nixon initiated this call to thank Representative Gerald Ford for a supportive note following the difficult resignations of top aides H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. Nixon urged Ford to rally congressional Republicans to counterattack against political critics, specifically disparaging Senator Charles Percy’s call for a special prosecutor. Ford assured the President that he was actively encouraging his colleagues to speak out in defense of the administration, noting that several members had already pledged their public support.
President Nixon met with House Minority Leader Gerald Ford to solicit political support during the escalating Watergate scandal. Nixon expressed deep personal anguish over the forced resignations of H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, while urging Ford to rally Republican members of Congress to defend his administration. He specifically requested that allies push back against critics like Senator Charles Percy and publicly support his leadership during the crisis.
On May 1, 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 1:26 pm and 1:28 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-088 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon initiated this brief call to express his strong dissatisfaction with William J. Baroody Jr.'s performance regarding the administration's 'New Majority' strategy. Criticizing Baroody’s previous comments as inadequate, the President sternly commanded him to increase his efforts and improve his output immediately. Baroody acknowledged the reprimand and committed to taking more assertive action as directed.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and William J. Baroody, Jr. met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 1:28 pm to 1:29 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-020 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower talked on the telephone from 1:30 pm to 1:31 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-089 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:30 pm and 2:51 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-090 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 1:30 pm to 1:31 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-021 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 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 1:31 pm and 2:51 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-022 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 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 1:31 pm and 2:51 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-023 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directs his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to ensure that a memorandum authored by Leonard Garment is revised to explicitly assert the President's personal ownership of presidential papers and national security funds. Expressing intense frustration with Garment’s approach, Nixon dismisses the memorandum's cosmetic focus and demands that his staff not be portrayed as criminals. He threatens to fire his entire staff if these instructions regarding the document's substance and tone are not immediately executed.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to demand immediate progress on the legal assertion that presidential and National Security Council papers remain the property of the President rather than the government archives. Expressing intense frustration with the current staff's pace and efficacy, Nixon insisted that legal counsel Garland finalize this position immediately. He concluded by threatening to terminate the entire staff if his directive regarding the control of these records was not executed.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:54 pm and 2:59 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-092 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 2:54 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-025 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 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 2:54 pm and 2:59 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-026 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the fallout from recent press briefings regarding the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the handling of FBI file processing and the resignations of H. R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. Nixon expresses intense frustration toward Leonard Garment, threatening to fire him for a memorandum that allegedly cast his former aides in a criminal light. Ziegler reports on the press's current disposition and the established communication boundaries regarding the authority of Elliot Richardson. The call concludes with Nixon instructing Ziegler to keep an upcoming Cabinet meeting brief and to frame the proceedings as a standard administrative transition.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discussed the intense scrutiny from the press and ongoing Watergate-related investigations. Ziegler expressed his intention to terminate a subordinate for unauthorized comments that portrayed certain individuals as criminals. Nixon directed Ziegler to brief the Cabinet briefly and strictly, emphasizing that the focus should remain solely on the departure of the two previously implicated men and the administration's established procedural response.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:01 pm and 5:35 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-094 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directed his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to immediately remove FBI agents stationed in White House offices to ensure their presence was less visible. Concerned about the optics and security of these personnel, Nixon ordered that any necessary interactions with the agents occur within their assigned office rather than in public view. Bull acknowledged these instructions, confirming that the agents would be removed from the general office areas.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:07 pm and 3:10 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 908-018 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, Vice President Spiro T. Agnew, and Cabinet officers and staffers, including William P. Rogers, George P. Shultz, Elliot L. Richardson, Rogers C. B. Morton, Frederick B. Dent, Peter J. Brennan, Caspar W. ("Cap") Weinberger, James T. Lynn, Claude S. Brinegar, Roy L. Ash, Anne L. Armstrong, John A. Scali, J. Philip Campbell, Richard G. Kleindienst, William P. Clements, Jr., George H. W. Bush, William E. Timmons, Kenneth R. Cole, Jr., Henry A. Kissinger, Peter M. Flanigan, Ronald L. Ziegler, Kenneth W. Clawson, William J. Baroody, Jr., Richard A. Moore, W. Richard Howard, David R. Gergen, Patrick J. Buchanan, David N. Parker, Frederic V. Malek, Lawrence M. Higby, Bruce A. Kehrli, Stanley S. Scott, Stephen B. Bull, Rose Mary Woods, Arthur J. Sohmer, Lee W. Huebner, Jerry H. Jones, Donald F. Rodgers, Gen. Brent G. Scowcroft, Herbert G. Klein, Thomas C. Korologos, Gerald L. Warren, Andrew T. Falkiewicz, Max L. Friedersdorf, Lyndon K. Allin, Fred F. Fielding, Michael J. Farrell, James H. Falk, Richard M. Fairbanks, III, James H. Cavanaugh, Dana G. Mead, Geoffrey C. Shepard, and C. Gregg Petersmeyer, met in the Cabinet Room of the White House at an unknown time between 3:10 pm and 11:52 pm. The Cabinet Room taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 120-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to discuss strategies for handling legal challenges, specifically regarding the handling of presidential papers and the refusal of a subpoena. Nixon asserted that his records were protected by national security claims and insisted they should be submitted through alternative channels rather than handed over directly. The conversation concluded with Nixon directing Bull to coordinate with William P. Rogers to manage the situation.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss the implementation of attendance limits for White House staff at official social events. The conversation focuses specifically on the guest list for the upcoming state dinner for West German Chancellor Willy Brandt. During the discussion, they evaluate the inclusion of Peter M. Flanigan, noting his involvement in ongoing treaty negotiations.
President Nixon met with Secretary of State William P. Rogers to discuss the handling of sensitive files belonging to departing aides H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman amid the ongoing Watergate investigation. Nixon expressed strong disapproval of the presence of FBI guards outside the aides' offices, characterizing the optics as unprofessional and damaging. The participants discussed ensuring the security and custody of these records to prevent unauthorized access by figures like John Dean, while also touching upon the political silence of Vice President Spiro Agnew.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed concerns regarding the presence and conduct of FBI guards stationed within White House offices, expressing worry that their visibility might invite negative press speculation among the staff. Nixon emphasized the need for better control over the situation to prevent further rumors or internal unrest. Additionally, the pair coordinated logistics for upcoming appointments, including a scheduled meeting with Roy Ash.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:07 pm and 4:16 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 908-023 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Vice President Spiro Agnew to discuss insulating the Vice President from the growing Watergate scandal and to strategically realign his role within the administration. Nixon explicitly instructed Agnew to remain silent regarding the investigation to avoid being ensnared by the press or the special prosecutor. To enhance Agnew's standing and involvement, Nixon decided to appoint him as Vice Chairman of the Domestic Council and include him in 'Quadriad' economic meetings, while tasking Kenneth Cole with facilitating these new intergovernmental responsibilities.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to discuss administrative scheduling, including upcoming meetings with Roy Ash and David K. E. Bruce, and plans for the President’s family trip to Key Biscayne. The conversation shifted toward the Watergate scandal, with Nixon expressing frustration over Vice President Spiro Agnew’s lack of vocal support and the perceived disloyalty and press-leaking within the White House staff and NSC. Nixon also addressed the impending departures of top aides H. R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, emphasizing a need for tighter control and better staff discipline during this period of political turbulence.
On May 1, 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 5:31 pm and 5:35 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-029 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at 5:35 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-095 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 5:35 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-030 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and television producer Paul W. Keyes discuss the logistics for an upcoming musical performance by The Carpenters, focusing on sound quality and their planned German-language greeting for Willy Brandt. The conversation then pivots to the public reception of Nixon's recent Watergate speech, with Keyes reporting positive feedback from the West Coast regarding the President’s acceptance of responsibility. Keyes encourages Nixon to continue incorporating religious and emotional rhetoric in his public messaging, which the President agrees is an effective strategy.
President Nixon consulted with Paul W. Keyes to gauge public reaction to his televised address regarding the Watergate scandal earlier that day. The discussion focused on how the speech was received in various regions, specifically California, as Nixon sought informal feedback on his performance. Keyes encouraged the President, suggesting that he was on the right track while noting that additional public communication might be necessary.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:40 pm and 5:43 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-097 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 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 5:40 pm and 5:43 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-032 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the public reception and internal morale following the President's televised address regarding the Watergate scandal on the previous evening. Haig expresses strong approval of the President's actions, characterizing the speech as a necessary move to clear the air and refocus the administration on its official duties. The conversation concludes with a mutual agreement to maintain high morale and return to standard government business.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig held a brief check-in to gauge the public and internal reaction to Nixon’s televised address regarding the Watergate scandal delivered the previous night. Haig confirmed that the reaction was positive, reassuring the President that the decision to give the speech remained sound despite the political pressure. The exchange concluded with Nixon emphasizing the need for his staff to maintain morale and focus on official business.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:44 pm and 5:53 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-099 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:44 pm and 5:53 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-100 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 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 5:44 pm and 5:53 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-034 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss the recent, forced resignations of key staffers H. R. Haldeman and John D. Ehrlichman amidst the escalating Watergate scandal. The two men reflected on the President’s political opponents, the nature of press relations, and the necessity of the staff departures. During the brief encounter, Nixon requested refreshments and expressed a defiant determination to overcome the mounting political pressure.
On May 1, 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 5:44 pm and 5:53 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-036 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directs his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to communicate to H.R. Haldeman that he has successfully handled concerns regarding FBI involvement during a recent Cabinet meeting. Nixon specifies that he rejected the proposal for a formal memorandum suggested by Secretary of State William P. Rogers. Furthermore, the President authorizes an invitation for Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and their families to utilize Camp David over the upcoming weekend.
President Nixon directs Stephen B. Bull to contact Bob [Haldeman] regarding his recent confrontation with the Cabinet concerning the presence of an FBI agent outside the office. Nixon explicitly rejects the validity of a memorandum on the subject and instructs that no such document be produced. Additionally, Nixon extends an invitation for John and his family to utilize Camp David for the upcoming weekend.
President Nixon met with communications director Herbert G. Klein to discuss the administration's ongoing Watergate crisis and strategies for handling press inquiries. Nixon advised Klein to remain silent regarding specific details of the scandal and to refer all questions to Special Prosecutor Elliot Richardson to avoid self-incrimination or fueling further speculation. They also addressed morale among White House staff following the recent departures of H. R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, with Nixon emphasizing the importance of team loyalty and his own commitment to supporting his staff against external criticism. Additionally, they discussed Klein’s future career prospects and personal transition out of the administration.
President Nixon and Hobart D. Lewis discuss the public reaction to Nixon’s recent televised address regarding the Watergate scandal. Lewis offers encouragement, suggesting that the President’s speech successfully cleared the air and provided a path to move forward. Nixon acknowledges the positive feedback and affirms his commitment to shifting the administration’s focus toward constructive policy initiatives.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 6:24 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-103 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:24 pm and 6:27 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-104 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 6:24 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-039 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 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 6:24 pm and 6:27 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-040 of the White House Tapes.
On May 1, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:27 pm and 6:44 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-105 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to coordinate messaging ahead of Ziegler’s upcoming press briefing and an American Society of Newspaper Editors event. They discussed the status of various White House staff roles, including the permanent and interim appointments of Leonard Garment and Kenneth Cole, as well as the potential replacement for H.R. Haldeman. Additionally, they addressed a sensitive leak involving FBI agents being stationed outside White House offices, reflecting the President's heightened suspicion regarding internal security.
On May 1, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 6:32 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 433-042 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Roy Ash discuss strategies for managing White House staff, reorganizing internal processes, and maintaining administrative control amidst the challenges of the Watergate scandal. Nixon emphasizes the importance of retaining key personnel while tasking Ash with oversight of agency management and ministerial performance. Additionally, they address economic policy concerns, specifically agreeing on an opposition to price freezes, and discuss enhancing the Vice President’s role to boost morale and political support.
President Nixon and Robert Finch discussed public reaction to the recent resignations of H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, as well as the President’s recent televised address regarding the Watergate scandal. Nixon expressed frustration with Senator Charles Percy’s public call for a special prosecutor and emphasized that his administration was committed to a transparent investigation. Additionally, the two discussed personnel management, with Nixon specifically requesting that Herbert Klein delay his departure to avoid the appearance that his exit was linked to the ongoing scandal.