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 196 of 211On May 14, 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 3:10 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 436-008 of the White House Tapes.
On May 14, 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 2:45 pm and 3:36 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 435-024 of the White House Tapes.
On May 14, 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 2:45 pm and 3:36 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 435-025 of the White House Tapes.
On May 14, 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 2:45 pm and 3:36 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 435-026 of the White House Tapes.
On May 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:10 pm and 3:51 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-028 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to discuss managing the ongoing Watergate crisis, focusing on the legal strategy surrounding pending grand jury testimony and the handling of sensitive White House documents. They reviewed the status of former officials and aides—including John Dean, H.R. Haldeman, and John Ehrlichman—while coordinating how to address potential leaks and FBI files related to national security wiretaps. The conversation emphasized maintaining a strong defense, asserting executive privilege over specific records, and preparing for the impact of forthcoming indictments on the administration's political standing.
President Nixon and aide Stephen B. Bull briefly conferred regarding the identity of an individual, likely named Mark, who had been observed in the vicinity. The brief exchange focused on verifying this person's presence before Nixon subsequently met with an unidentified man to discuss the removal of specific materials. The conversation serves primarily as a logistical check preceding a sensitive, short-duration meeting.
On May 14, 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 3:37 pm and 3:38 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 435-028 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and George Shultz met briefly to coordinate on an ongoing project or initiative, emphasizing the strategic value of the effort. The discussion focused on evaluating personnel or logistical arrangements, with Shultz confirming his role in executing the next steps. They concluded by agreeing to monitor the situation closely to capitalize on the potential for a significant success.
On May 14, 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 3:42 pm and 3:44 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 435-030 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig held a brief, informal meeting in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss administrative strategy and personnel considerations. Their conversation touched on the potential involvement of John Connally and the management of federal programs to ensure effective executive control. The discussion primarily focused on navigating internal political maneuvers and reinforcing the administration's authority in the wake of ongoing institutional pressures.
President Nixon consulted with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to adjust his late-afternoon schedule regarding an upcoming meeting with Nelson Rockefeller. To accommodate additional administrative tasks, the President pushed the start time of the meeting back to 4:15 p.m. in the Oval Office. Nixon also confirmed that Rockefeller would be accompanied by former Delaware Governor Russell W. Peterson.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the handling of sensitive White House memoranda and internal records in the context of the unfolding Watergate investigation. They specifically evaluate the potential risks associated with releasing these documents, comparing them to personal diaries, and assess the implications of testimony involving John Dean and the FBI. The discussion reflects the administration's strategic efforts to manage the disclosure of internal materials while anticipating the legal and political fallout of the scandal.
On May 14, 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 3:51 pm and 4:19 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 435-033 of the White House Tapes.
On May 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 3:51 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 436-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to reschedule a pending afternoon meeting. Nixon requested that his appointment be moved from 4:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. to allow him more time to complete ongoing tasks. Bull confirmed the new time, and the meeting concluded with the adjustment of the President's daily schedule.
On May 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:52 pm and 4:00 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-030 of the White House Tapes.
On May 14, 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 3:52 pm and 4:00 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 436-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the public reception of William D. Ruckelshaus's statement regarding FBI files recovered from John Ehrlichman's safe. They aim to frame the narrative to demonstrate that the White House was transparent rather than obstructive in handling these documents. Additionally, they monitor developments regarding John Dean's files currently under judicial review and prepare for upcoming testimony from General Vernon A. Walters.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler briefly discussed the progress of a court proceeding involving a judge reviewing documentation. The conversation reflects the administration's defensive posture regarding legal challenges and the need to maintain a composed public stance. No specific directives were issued, but the exchange underscores the mounting pressure from ongoing investigations during this period.
President Nixon met with Nelson Rockefeller, Russell Peterson, and Kenneth Cole to discuss the progress of Rockefeller’s Commission on Critical Choices for Americans, emphasizing the need for bipartisanship and the selection of high-profile contributors. During the discussion, Nixon and Rockefeller pivoted to the Watergate scandal, with Nixon dismissing the involvement of his inner circle as the actions of "cheap crooks" while expressing frustration over the press's focus on the scandal over his 1972 foreign policy achievements. Nixon asserted his innocence regarding the break-in, framing his administration’s prior efforts as necessary measures to stop damaging national security leaks.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler held a brief meeting to address immediate administrative or public relations concerns following the mounting pressures of the Watergate scandal. The discussion served as a logistical coordination point between the President and his primary spokesperson. No definitive policy shifts were established during this one-minute exchange, which functioned primarily as a status update.
On May 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:36 pm and 5:10 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 917-034 of the White House Tapes.
On May 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:36 pm and 5:10 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 917-035 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to review logistical preparations for upcoming administrative activities and diplomatic engagements. The discussion focused on scheduling details for a visit by Emperor Haile Selassie and administrative arrangements for a meeting with bipartisan congressional leaders. Nixon also provided instructions regarding the handling of official gifts and briefed Bull on document editing procedures.
On May 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:36 pm and 5:10 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 917-037 of the White House Tapes.
On May 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:36 pm and 5:10 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 917-038 of the White House Tapes.
On May 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:36 pm and 5:10 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 917-039 of the White House Tapes.
On May 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:36 pm and 5:10 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 917-046 of the White House Tapes.
Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met with President Nixon to discuss administrative or political strategy, utilizing metaphorical language regarding the challenges of initiating a new project or initiative. The conversation focused on the difficulties of early implementation, specifically characterizing the task as comparable to starting with a single horse. No specific policy decisions were finalized during this brief exchange.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President’s upcoming schedule, specifically focusing on the sixth draft of an election reform speech and the arrangements for recording a message on the topic. They further coordinated appointments involving J. Fred Buzhardt, potential meetings with Bangladesh envoys based on Henry Kissinger’s recommendations, and matters regarding the FBI. This discussion served to organize the President’s administrative priorities and logistical preparations for diplomatic and legislative engagements.
On May 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 5:08 pm and 5:15 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 435-037 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to strategize a response to a damaging news report from the Santa Ana Register, which falsely alleged that Nixon used campaign funds to purchase his San Clemente estate. Nixon vehemently denied the claims, explaining that the property was held in a trust involving associates Robert Abplanalp and Bebe Rebozo for the Nixon Foundation. The two men coordinated an immediate public rebuttal to discredit the report and discussed concerns regarding potentially leaked documents related to E. Howard Hunt.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to finalize the logistics and guest list for an upcoming dinner honoring returned Prisoners of War (POWs). They discussed specific Congressional invitees recommended by William E. Timmons, as well as the event's arrangements, including tent requirements, security, and press coverage. Nixon provided input on the program format, ultimately deciding to keep his remarks brief and requesting coordination with Lucy Winchester and other staff members to ensure the event's success.
On May 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and United States Secret Service agents met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:17 pm and 6:16 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 917-042 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Lawrence Higby discussed the ongoing Watergate crisis, specifically focusing on rebutting false allegations regarding the President's personal finances and the San Clemente property. They evaluated the hostile actions of John W. Dean III, analyzed the legal implications of grand jury testimony for former aides H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, and brainstormed public relations strategies to defend the presidency. The conversation emphasized a commitment to fighting these accusations through a more proactive and organized White House communications approach.
On May 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 5:21 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 435-039 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr., to coordinate defense strategies and assess legal risks regarding the growing Watergate scandal and the impending Ervin Committee hearings. They discussed the potential legal implications of John Dean’s documents, the handling of White House records, and the broader fallout concerning national security wiretaps. The President emphasized the need for a rigorous, fact-based response while cautioning against any actions that could be perceived as an excessive use of executive power.
On May 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 6:16 pm and 6:28 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 917-043 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler, Alexander Haig, and Leonard Garment to manage the administration's defensive response to ongoing Watergate investigations and emerging media scrutiny regarding the President's personal finances. The group discussed the legal and political implications of recent testimony from Lt. Gen. Vernon Walters, concerns regarding potential indictments of senior staff, and the management of sensitive documents related to the Huston Plan. Nixon emphasized maintaining a strategy of resilience, rejecting the idea of constant public rebuttals, while coordinating efforts to handle inquiries from the Ervin Committee and prosecutors without further damaging the presidency.
On May 14, 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 6:45 pm and 6:57 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 435-041 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. to provide final revisions for an upcoming address regarding presidential and congressional term limits. Nixon directed Price to advocate for a single six-year presidential term while deliberately omitting specific proposals for the Senate to avoid political controversy. The President emphasized adjusting the draft's language to ensure the messaging remained focused on the executive office and the House of Representatives.
On May 14, 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 7:01 pm and 7:06 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 435-043 of the White House Tapes.
Alexander Haig briefed President Nixon on the handling of sensitive documents and the impending testimony of Lieutenant General Vernon Walters regarding the Watergate scandal. Haig coordinated a meeting with J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. to prepare for Walters’s appearance before the Senate Armed Services Committee, aiming to manage the committee’s growing desire to distance themselves from the controversy. The participants agreed to discuss further details in person to avoid continued exposure over the telephone.
President Nixon and Leonard Garment, coordinated by Ronald Ziegler, discuss the administration's frustration with the Senate Watergate Committee's delay in addressing false allegations that the President stole $1 million in campaign funds. Garment reports on his unsuccessful efforts to reach Senators Sam Ervin and Howard Baker, while Nixon aggressively instructs him to pressure Fred Thompson for swifter action. They conclude that the committee's inability to promptly deny these claims provides the White House with a strategic political advantage.
On May 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:27 pm and 8:15 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-038 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, Ron Ziegler, and Leonard Garment coordinate a confrontational strategy to force the Ervin Committee to issue a public retraction regarding unsubstantiated allegations against the President. Nixon expresses significant frustration with the perceived lack of aggression from his legal team, specifically criticizing Howard Baker's response to the committee's reporting. The President directs Garment to demand an immediate apology and threaten the committee's overall credibility to ensure they do not successfully propagate false charges.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler, Leonard Garment, and Lawrence Higby to strategize the White House response to recent press allegations regarding the funding of the President's San Clemente property. The group discussed mounting a public counter-offensive, including demanding a retraction and formal apology from the Ervin Committee and considering a libel lawsuit against the Associated Press. Nixon emphasized the necessity of fighting these charges vigorously to protect his credibility and shift the focus away from the ongoing Watergate scandal.
President Nixon held a brief, informal meeting with unidentified individuals characterized by fragmented dialogue and extraneous remarks. The exchange lacks coherent policy substance or actionable intelligence, consisting largely of colloquialisms and non-sequiturs in multiple languages. No significant administrative decisions or developments resulted from this interaction.
On May 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 8:15 pm and 8:20 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 436-016 of the White House Tapes.
On May 14, 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 8:15 pm and 8:20 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 436-017 of the White House Tapes.
On May 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:20 pm and 9:01 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-040 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Alexander Haig and later Ronald Ziegler to coordinate the administration’s defensive strategy regarding the Watergate scandal, specifically targeting allegations concerning his San Clemente property and the conduct of John Dean. Nixon emphasized the need for a combative public response, directing Ziegler to demand a formal apology and retraction from the Ervin Committee for the circulation of libelous claims. Throughout the discussion, Nixon underscored his desire to maintain executive privilege for his aides while expressing distrust of various administration officials and confirming his use of a White House taping system.
President Nixon directs Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to launch a public offensive against the Senate Watergate Committee, specifically targeting Senators Sam Ervin and Howard Baker. Nixon instructs Ziegler to denounce the committee for its failure to formally repudiate a recent Santa Ana Register story, arguing that the committee has essentially 'indicted itself' through its inaction. He mandates that Ziegler use his upcoming press briefing to demand a formal retraction, an apology, and the firing of the responsible committee staffer.
On May 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:12 pm and 9:15 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-042 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discussed the White House's strategy to discredit the Ervin Committee regarding recent leaked reports about presidential finances. Nixon instructed Ziegler to adopt an aggressive, televised stance during his upcoming press briefing, demanding that the committee retract their statements, apologize, and initiate an internal investigation leading to the firing of the responsible staff members. By painting the committee as irresponsible and biased, the President aimed to force the Senate investigators into a defensive position before their scheduled hearings began.
On May 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:22 pm and 9:32 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-044 of the White House Tapes.
On May 14, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at 9:32 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-045 of the White House Tapes.
On May 14, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at 9:33 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-046 of the White House Tapes.
On May 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:33 pm and 9:40 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-047 of the White House Tapes.
On May 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:33 pm and 9:40 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-048 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Leonard Garment discussed the upcoming Federal Election Reform speech, specifically focusing on how to frame campaign finance proposals and secure bipartisan support. They debated the merits of including specific policy suggestions, such as limits on cash contributions, versus delegating those tasks to a reform commission. Additionally, Nixon directed Garment to ensure Press Secretary Ron Ziegler took a aggressive public stance against the Ervin Committee regarding ongoing financial allegations, aiming to discredit the committee's credibility.
President Nixon and aide Lawrence Higby discuss the need for H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman to publicly refute any implication that their past actions involving the CIA and national security matters constituted a Watergate cover-up. The President emphasizes that his top advisors must be assertive and non-apologetic regarding their efforts to investigate leaks, specifically concerning the 'Plumbers' operation and Daniel Ellsberg. Additionally, they discuss strategy for addressing negative stories regarding the President's finances, emphasizing a planned aggressive pushback against the Ervin Committee.
President Nixon and Herbert G. Klein discuss a defamatory Associated Press story falsely alleging that campaign funds were used to purchase property in San Clemente. Nixon expresses outrage at the report, emphasizing that it is libelous and demanding a retraction while strictly advising Klein against disclosing additional details that might invite further press scrutiny. They agree that Klein will confront the reporter, James W. Gallagher, and use his upcoming speech to criticize the press and the Ervin Committee for their role in circulating irresponsible allegations.
On May 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 7:50 am and 8:10 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 918-001 of the White House Tapes.
On May 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 7:50 am and 8:10 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 918-002 of the White House Tapes.
On May 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 7:50 am and 8:10 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 918-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon held a brief morning meeting in the Oval Office with an unidentified woman to handle routine administrative matters. The discussion centered on the delivery of a specific item and the review of scheduling details for Stephen B. Bull and Thomas Hart. No major policy decisions were recorded during this short interaction.
On May 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Nellie L. Yates met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 7:50 am and 8:10 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 918-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler met to strategize on managing the public perception of the ongoing Watergate scandal, emphasizing the need to focus on substantive executive actions rather than reacting to individual news leaks. The discussion covered the upcoming release of documentation regarding the President's San Clemente property, potential responses to the Ervin Committee, and the need to streamline White House staff and communications. Nixon also expressed a desire to maintain a rigorous daily schedule of formal meetings to project strength and stability amidst political pressure.
On May 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler met in the Oval Office of the White House from 8:36 am to 8:37 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 918-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed the scheduling and parameters of an upcoming meeting with Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen. The President emphasized his desire to hear a personal message from Petersen, while noting that the conversation should remain distinct from ongoing grand jury matters. This exchange served to facilitate the logistics and communication protocols for the President's engagement with the Justice Department official.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate a forthcoming discussion with Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen regarding the ongoing Watergate investigation. The two discussed logistical delays caused by inclement weather and the necessity of ensuring privacy for the meeting. The conversation focused on managing the interaction to avoid premature or public association with grand jury proceedings.
President Nixon, Nellie L. Yates, and several unknown individuals met briefly in the Oval Office to discuss technical equipment and its operation. The participants coordinated the timing and functionality of a device, specifically focusing on the necessity of an external switch. This discussion also touched upon administrative personnel and arrangements regarding escort duties.
President Nixon met with individuals, potentially including General Brent Scowcroft, to coordinate the logistics and formal arrangements for the upcoming state visit of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie. The discussion focused on essential protocol and security preparations required for the diplomatic event. The conversation concluded abruptly before further substantive policy matters could be addressed.
President Nixon met with a broad group of Republican Congressional leaders to propose the creation of a bipartisan, independent commission on federal election reform. The President outlined the commission's broad mandate to study and recommend improvements to campaign financing, ethics, disclosure rules, and potentially the length of election campaigns. Nixon emphasized that the commission, which would include both public members and Congressional representatives, should serve as a catalyst for practical reform and generate public support for legislative action without preempting the authority of existing Congressional committees. The meeting focused on establishing a non-partisan framework to address the inefficiencies and technical challenges identified in previous election laws.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President’s schedule, focusing specifically on logistics for an upcoming meeting with John B. Connally. Nixon directed Bull to coordinate a series of preliminary briefings for Connally with administration officials including George P. Shultz, Charles J. DiBona, Roy L. Ash, and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. to discuss economic, energy, and White House policy issues. The President emphasized the need for these meetings to occur before his private consultation with Connally to ensure an productive exchange regarding potential assignments.
On May 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:38 am and 9:59 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 918-011 of the White House Tapes.
On May 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:38 am and 9:59 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 918-012 of the White House Tapes.
On May 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:38 am and 9:59 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 918-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Henry E. Petersen to discuss the ongoing Watergate investigation, the appointment of a special prosecutor, and the administration's continued cooperation with the Justice Department. Nixon emphasized his desire for transparency and his frustration with the perceived leaks and the handling of the Daniel Ellsberg case, specifically regarding the unauthorized entry into his psychiatrist's office. The two also addressed concerns about the impact of the Ervin Committee's televised hearings on the ability of key figures like John Mitchell to receive a fair trial.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to discuss the urgent need to appoint a Special Prosecutor for the Watergate investigation, specifically focusing on the confirmation process for Elliot Richardson and the potential risks of selecting an independent candidate. The President expressed frustration with current legal strategies and directed Haig to coordinate with J. Fred Buzhardt to develop a new "game plan" to regain political initiative. Additionally, they reviewed scheduling logistics for John Connally and Henry Kissinger, as well as preparations for an upcoming presidential address regarding Vietnam and national economic policies.
On May 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:45 am and 11:07 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 918-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, accompanied by Minassie Haile and General Brent Scowcroft, to discuss the deteriorating security situation in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. Selassie expressed grave concern over the rapid military buildup in Somalia, fueled by Soviet arms and advisors, and urged the United States to provide emergency military assistance to maintain regional stability. Nixon acknowledged these concerns, affirming the vital importance of Ethiopia's integrity to U.S. interests, and tasked General Scowcroft with reviewing the Emperor's specific requests for hardware and economic aid to navigate the challenges of Congressional funding constraints.
On May 15, 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 12:13 pm and 12:19 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 918-018 of the White House Tapes.
On May 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:13 pm and 12:19 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 918-019 of the White House Tapes.
On May 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:13 pm and 12:19 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 918-020 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Congressman Stanford E. Parris and a group of Virginia representatives to commemorate the centennial anniversary of Manassas, Virginia. The participants discussed the history of the Manassas battlefield and exchanged ceremonial gifts, including commemorative coins for the presidential library and presidential cuff links. The meeting served as a brief formal engagement to acknowledge the delegation's support for the administration.
On May 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:21 pm and 12:24 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 918-022 of the White House Tapes.
On May 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:21 pm and 12:24 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 918-023 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss the logistics and morale surrounding Kissinger’s upcoming diplomatic trip to Paris. The President reflected on his recent meeting with Haile Selassie and offered encouragement to Kissinger, emphasizing the significance of his mission despite the administration's broader political stresses. The exchange served primarily to bolster Kissinger’s confidence and confirm the scheduling for his departure.
On May 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:24 pm and 1:00 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-052 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to strategize on the mounting pressures of the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the necessity of appointing an independent prosecutor to restore administrative control and credibility. They discussed managing Henry Kissinger’s volatile psychological state and potential future roles, as well as the ongoing fallout from the FBI wiretap revelations. The two also coordinated upcoming public statements, legislative messaging, and internal staff realignments to stabilize the administration amidst the crisis.
On May 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:24 pm and 1:00 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 918-026 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to have Secretary of the Treasury George P. Shultz return his call. The President emphasized that while the matter was not urgent, the conversation needed to occur before 1:30 p.m. This brief exchange served as a logistical coordination to facilitate direct communication between the two officials.
On May 15, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon met in the Oval Office of the White House at 1:00 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 918-027 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met briefly with an unidentified individual to discuss scheduling arrangements regarding Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler’s ongoing press briefing. The conversation centers on logistical coordination between the Oval Office and the Executive Office Building, specifically regarding the timing of the briefing and the President's subsequent movements. No substantive policy decisions were reached during this short interaction.
On May 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:04 pm and 1:07 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-054 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Secret Service agents in the Oval Office to coordinate logistics for the upcoming state visit of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie. The discussion centered on managing the President’s schedule, specifically regarding the timing for press photography sessions and the rotation of security personnel. The agents also reviewed security protocols, including checking the physical locks in the area, to ensure the venue was properly prepared for the dignitary's arrival.
On May 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. talked on the telephone from 1:07 pm to 1:08 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-055 of the White House Tapes.