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 197 of 211On May 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:38 pm and 2:10 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-056 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the ongoing Watergate investigation, specifically focusing on the recent testimony of Vernon Walters regarding CIA involvement. The conversation centers on managing potential incriminating notes held by John Ehrlichman and the risks posed by John Dean's anticipated testimony, which may implicate Charles Colson. Nixon emphasizes the need for legal counsel J. Fred Buzhardt to consult with Colson immediately to coordinate a strategy for handling these developments.
On May 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:45 pm and 3:36 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-058 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directed his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to reschedule a meeting with John B. Connally from late afternoon to the following morning at 10:00 am. Nixon cited a cold and the need to prepare for an upcoming state dinner honoring Haile Selassie as the reasons for the change. Bull confirmed that he would arrange the adjustment to the President's schedule.
On May 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:37 pm and 3:38 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-060 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and George Shultz discussed adjustments to the administration's minimum wage bill to facilitate progress in congressional committee negotiations. They agreed to drop the proposed youth differential for 18 and 19-year-olds, implement a notification-based policing process for 16 and 17-year-olds, and concede on the coverage of state and local employees. Additionally, they reaffirmed the decision to avoid concessions on common-situs picketing, agreeing that Secretary of Labor Peter Brennan should lead the minimum wage negotiations to allow him to claim a legislative victory.
On May 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:42 pm and 3:44 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-062 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss ongoing Watergate pressures, focusing on the management of sensitive documents, potential witnesses, and the search for a new Special Prosecutor. They review the strategy for Lt. Gen. Vernon Walters’s testimony, emphasizing the assertion of national security privilege to withhold classified intelligence documents. Additionally, Nixon justifies the use of wiretaps to address leaks within the National Security Council and strategizes with Haig on how to maintain administrative operations while navigating these unfolding scandals.
On May 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:51 pm and 4:19 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-064 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the status of materials related to John W. Dean III held in a secure container. The President expresses impatience regarding the delayed inspection of these documents and instructs Ziegler to verify their current accessibility. Ziegler commits to immediately checking the progress of the review and reporting back to the President.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discussed White House media strategy and the ongoing developments regarding Watergate and John W. Dean, III. Ziegler reported that the press was becoming increasingly skeptical of Dean's credibility, and the pair agreed on the need for daily, coordinated briefings among senior staff to present a more proactive, less defensive public posture. They also reviewed the status of sealed documents held by Judge John J. Sirica, with Nixon instructing Ziegler to have J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. meet with him to further coordinate their response.
On May 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:45 pm and 6:57 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-070 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with speechwriter Raymond K. Price, Jr. to refine a draft for an upcoming radio address concerning campaign reform. The President instructed Price to adjust the language regarding constitutional amendments, specifically requesting a more neutral framing for the proposal of a single six-year presidential term while maintaining a firm stance on extending terms for the House of Representatives. These revisions were intended to ensure the speech prioritized clear policy positions while downplaying less feasible constitutional changes.
On May 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:08 pm and 11:37 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-072 of the White House Tapes.
On May 15, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at 11:37 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-073 of the White House Tapes.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:51 am and 9:07 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 919-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with an unknown individual in the Oval Office to facilitate maintenance work on the office clock. The brief encounter focused exclusively on the practical repair of the timepiece. No political or administrative matters were discussed, and the visitor departed shortly after completing the task.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss the mounting political pressures of the Watergate scandal and the administration's ongoing foreign policy objectives. Nixon expressed frustration over the scandal's impact on his staff and presidential authority, while Kissinger urged the President to remain resilient, citing upcoming diplomatic successes such as the Soviet summit and nuclear treaties as the means to shift public focus. They also explored potential strategies for managing the fallout, including the possibility of a political counterattack against the press and Congress once the initial intensity of the crisis subsided.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:25 am and 9:30 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 919-004 of the White House Tapes.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:25 am and 9:30 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 919-005 of the White House Tapes.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:25 am and 9:30 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 919-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to strategize the White House response to intensifying Watergate-related scrutiny, specifically regarding the role and credibility of former counsel John Dean. They focused on clarifying the internal investigation process and justifying previous press statements by emphasizing that Ziegler’s assurances of no White House staff involvement were based on Dean's repeated, deceptive briefings. The pair decided to shift toward an offensive communications strategy, framing the investigation as a standard administrative function performed by the counsel's office rather than a specific, top-down directive from the President.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 9:48 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-074 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt discussed the contents of sensitive documents removed by John Dean, which Buzhardt identified as materials related to the Huston Plan concerning domestic intelligence collection rather than the Watergate scandal. Fearing that these classified records regarding U.S. intelligence capabilities could be leaked if released to the Ervin Committee, they strategized on methods to suppress the documents through the court system. Buzhardt was tasked with finalizing his identification of the materials and briefing Alexander Haig to ensure the administration was prepared for potential disclosure.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at 9:48 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 919-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and White House counsel J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. discuss the contents of a mysterious 43-page document to determine if it involves sensitive national security matters or potential political liabilities. They deliberate on whether the information relates to domestic intelligence gathering and if it is appropriate or necessary to disclose these materials to a judge. Nixon ultimately praises Buzhardt's investigative progress and instructs him to provide a follow-up report on the document's implications.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 9:54 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 919-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Alexander Haig and J. Fred Buzhardt to strategize on the burgeoning Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on John Dean's possession of sensitive documents and the potential for a damaging investigation into domestic intelligence operations. The participants discussed controlling the narrative surrounding CIA and NSA involvement, maintaining the loyalty of White House staff, and managing the political fallout of ongoing testimony. Additionally, Haig briefed the President on his recent discussions with John Connally regarding potential White House personnel changes, the appointment of a special prosecutor, and the necessity of presenting a strong, defiant front against congressional and legal pressures.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:23 am and 10:25 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-076 of the White House Tapes.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:23 am and 10:25 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 919-012 of the White House Tapes.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:23 am and 10:25 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 919-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and White House counsel J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. discussed the identification and control of sensitive internal intelligence documents provided by John W. Dean, III. Buzhardt confirmed that he had secured materials including memos from Dean to John Mitchell and Tom Huston to H.R. Haldeman regarding 1970 intelligence operations. To mitigate potential exposure, the administration moved to secure the documents within the Justice Department and implement strict oversight for their storage.
President Nixon and legal counsel J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. held a brief meeting to verify the status of undisclosed materials or records. Buzhardt confirmed that the requested items had been secured and reviewed, though he noted that the effort yielded unsuccessful or unproductive results. This exchange served as a status update regarding the handling of sensitive documentation amidst the unfolding Watergate investigation.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discuss the political fallout of the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on John Dean’s documents regarding 1970 domestic intelligence coordination and their classification status. They also address John B. Connally’s advocacy for a broad staff "housecleaning" that would remove figures like H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. Nixon rejects the necessity of such drastic personnel changes, particularly regarding the State Department, citing the complexity of upcoming Soviet summit negotiations.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at 10:31 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 919-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John B. Connally met to discuss upcoming administration challenges, specifically focusing on the President's public relations strategy, necessary personnel changes, and impending foreign policy milestones, including the Soviet summit. Nixon expressed his determination to press forward with major international initiatives, such as nuclear non-proliferation and Middle East negotiations, despite the political turmoil caused by the Watergate scandal. Connally advised the President on restructuring White House operations, including potential staffing changes in the press office and cabinet, and recommended that Nixon adopt a more aggressive, resilient posture to regain public confidence.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:35 am and 11:36 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 919-018 of the White House Tapes.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at 11:36 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 919-019 of the White House Tapes.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:36 am and 11:49 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 919-020 of the White House Tapes.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:36 am and 11:49 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 919-036 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to discuss the escalating pressures of the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the resignation of G. Bradford Cook and the potential legal exposure of William J. Casey. The President emphasized his refusal to resign, dismissed impeachment concerns, and stressed the need for the White House staff to remain resilient. They also evaluated potential personnel changes, including roles for Ron Ziegler and John Scali, and monitored Elliot Richardson's progress in selecting a Special Prosecutor.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:49 am and 12:34 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 919-022 of the White House Tapes.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:49 am and 12:34 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 919-023 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, met to discuss the mounting political pressure from the Watergate scandal and strategies for maintaining a strong public image. They strategized on counter-messaging, including encouraging supporters to write letters to editors defending the administration and framing the opposition as McCarthyist. Additionally, they reviewed Nixon’s recent public appearances and discussed the need to project resilience and resolve in the face of calls for the President’s resignation.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President’s upcoming schedule and administrative details regarding social events. The discussion focused on a meeting request from the Council of the Americas’ Board of Trustees, an invitation championed by Henry Kissinger that Nixon criticized for poor planning. They also addressed scheduling arrangements for a meeting with Mustafizur Rahman Siddiqui of Bangladesh, ultimately deciding to delay certain agenda items until 11:00 a.m.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:49 am and 12:34 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 919-026 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed the potential resignation of G. Bradford Cook, the ongoing Watergate investigation including possible replacements for Elliot Richardson, and the impact of Watergate and the economy on public opinion polls. They also covered press relations, potential White House staff changes, and the administration's response to the Watergate scandal.
On May 16, 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 1:25 pm and 1:40 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 437-001 of the White House Tapes.
On May 16, 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 1:25 pm and 1:40 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 437-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Nellie L. Yates to discuss the administrative management of press secretary Ronald L. Ziegler’s schedule and briefing materials. The conversation focused on the excessive length of Ziegler's briefings and the burden of reviewing lengthy, multi-page reports. No formal policy changes were enacted, but the exchange highlighted the President's frustration with the volume of documentation required for upcoming briefings.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:25 pm and 3:02 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 919-029 of the White House Tapes.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:25 pm and 3:02 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 919-030 of the White House Tapes.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:25 pm and 3:02 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 919-031 of the White House Tapes.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:25 pm and 3:02 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 919-035 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to coordinate public relations strategy regarding the evolving Watergate scandal and the implications of John Dean’s testimony. They discussed managing press inquiries, particularly regarding allegations of a CIA cover-up and the administration's internal investigations. Nixon emphasized maintaining a narrative that the White House sought the truth while facing external obstacles, and he directed Ziegler to remain firm in briefings while avoiding direct meetings with specific journalists.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:00 pm and 2:44 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-078 of the White House Tapes.
On May 16, 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 2:00 pm and 2:44 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 437-004 of the White House Tapes.
On May 16, 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 2:00 pm and 2:44 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 437-005 of the White House Tapes.
On May 16, 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 2:00 pm and 2:44 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 437-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss a strategy to address potential inquiries regarding the administration's involvement in the Watergate break-in investigation. Nixon instructs Ziegler to maintain that he directed a comprehensive inquiry into the involvement of various agencies, specifically to determine if the CIA played a role. Additionally, Nixon directs Ziegler to gather data on John W. Dean III's past access to FBI reports and staff briefings to serve as a defensive counter-narrative.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed internal investigations into agency involvement, specifically focusing on the CIA's potential role and the necessity for a thorough, broad-based inquiry. Nixon directed Ziegler to gather specific data regarding FBI reports and the timeline of staff involvement in Los Angeles to clarify administrative oversight. This exchange reflects the White House's attempt to manage and compartmentalize information surrounding ongoing investigations.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:46 pm and 2:51 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-080 of the White House Tapes.
On May 16, 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 2:46 pm and 2:51 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 437-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with White House counsel J. Fred Buzhardt regarding his recent meeting with Charles Colson and the ongoing evaluation of sensitive documents provided by John W. Dean. Buzhardt confirmed that the materials matched the President's description but noted they presented significant legal or political complications. The two agreed that Buzhardt should take the necessary time to complete his assessment and prepare a formal report for the President.
President Nixon met briefly with his counsel, J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr., to coordinate their schedules following an ongoing meeting. The discussion functioned primarily as a brief administrative exchange to ensure they were prepared to convene once Buzhardt became available. No substantive policy or legal strategy decisions were recorded during this brief encounter.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:52 pm and 2:58 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-082 of the White House Tapes.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. talked on the telephone from 2:57 pm to 2:58 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-083 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, J. Fred Buzhardt, and Alexander Haig discussed the implications of the Huston Plan documents and John Dean's papers, which Buzhardt believed could overshadow the Watergate scandal. They debated strategies for responding to potential congressional action, including the use of executive privilege, and considered the timing and method of a public disclosure to frame the issue as a national security concern. Nixon expressed concern about the legality of "surreptitious entry" and the potential for impeachment or resignation, while Buzhardt advised a proactive approach to present the administration's case.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:08 pm and 9:33 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-084 of the White House Tapes.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:08 pm and 9:33 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-085 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with an unknown individual to receive a memorandum regarding a voluntary oil allocation program. The meeting was brief, serving primarily as a delivery point for documentation intended for the library. No further substantive policy discussions occurred during this interaction.
President Nixon and Secretary of the Treasury George Shultz met to coordinate strategy on several administrative and economic issues, including energy policy, the federal budget, and personnel appointments. Shultz briefed the President on potential voluntary allocation plans for energy and strategies for maintaining a balanced budget, while the two also discussed the political impact of the Watergate scandal and the status of ongoing grand jury investigations. Furthermore, they reviewed international development commitments and specific cabinet-level appointments, with Nixon encouraging Shultz to pursue these initiatives despite the prevailing political climate.
President Nixon and Treasury Secretary George Shultz met to discuss the management of the national economy and the public perception of the administration’s Phase III wage and price controls. Shultz argued that Phase III should be viewed as a flexible administrative process rather than a static system, noting that progress was being made in wage bargaining with major unions like the Teamsters. Nixon affirmed his skepticism toward dramatic interventions, such as a price freeze, and emphasized his commitment to achieving a balanced budget for fiscal year 1974 as a key economic priority.
President Nixon held a brief meeting with an unidentified individual to coordinate logistical arrangements for his upcoming schedule. The discussion focused on establishing timing expectations for an appearance or appointment later that evening. The participants concluded the exchange after confirming the President’s anticipated arrival time.
President Nixon met with Alexander Haig and J. Fred Buzhardt to discuss the potential fallout from the 'Huston Plan,' a controversial domestic intelligence program. The participants assessed the extent to which the plan was implemented and whether any illegal activities, such as domestic wiretapping or the break-in of Daniel Ellsberg's psychiatrist's office, could be legally linked to it. Nixon directed his team to gather facts from intelligence agencies while simultaneously attempting to keep the sensitive documents out of the hands of the Ervin Committee, fearing that public exposure would lead to a damaging narrative of a massive government conspiracy.
President Nixon directed Alexander Haig to contact H.R. Haldeman regarding his recent meeting with Richard Helms, Vernon Walters, and John Ehrlichman. Nixon expressed frustration over the perception of a cover-up and instructed Haig to reassure Haldeman that their actions were based on presidential directives to investigate the matter. The discussion highlights Nixon’s effort to manage the fallout of the Watergate scandal by ensuring his staff remained firm in their defense against the ongoing investigation.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:22 pm and 5:25 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 920-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to discuss the potential political damage associated with the disclosure of documents related to the 1970 "Huston Plan" for internal security. Nixon emphasized that the Huston Plan was a distinct interagency effort regarding riot control and should be separated from unrelated controversies like the Watergate break-in, the Plumbers' activities, and FBI wiretapping. They examined the necessity of keeping these operations legally and publically compartmentalized to mitigate potential criticism from civil libertarians and Senator Sam Ervin.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull and an unidentified individual in the Oval Office to discuss administrative logistics and the President's schedule. During the brief encounter, the participants addressed the handling of a briefcase and discussed the health status of the unknown visitor. The exchange concluded with refreshments and arrangements regarding the individual's upcoming schedule.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:31 pm and 5:39 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 920-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt discussed the status of the "Huston Plan," specifically seeking evidence that the controversial intelligence program had been formally rescinded or terminated. They aimed to locate documentation of its termination to distance the White House from the plan and counter potential allegations that it provided a legal "cover" for the Watergate break-in. Nixon and Buzhardt speculated that John W. Dean may have attempted to use the document as a retroactive justification for his actions, and they agreed to coordinate with intelligence agencies to establish a clear record of the plan's cancellation.
President Nixon held an brief, informal meeting in the Oval Office with an unidentified individual regarding his schedule. The conversation centered on logistics concerning Alexander M. Haig, Jr. and Ronald L. Ziegler. No significant policy decisions were recorded during this interaction.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to strategize a defense against potential political damage stemming from the Watergate investigation, specifically focusing on the 1970 Huston Plan. They debated how to frame the plan—which authorized aggressive domestic surveillance tactics like surreptitious entry—as a necessary, albeit unimplemented, contingency response to civil unrest by radical groups. The participants aimed to distance the President from any association between the Huston Plan and the Watergate burglary while planning to utilize J. Fred Buzhardt to coordinate with relevant figures like Robert Mardian and clarify that the program was superseded and never operational.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:40 pm and 8:45 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 920-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, along with Alexander Haig and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr., discussed the Watergate investigation, focusing on the Huston Plan and its termination, executive privilege, and potential indictments. Buzhardt confirmed that the Huston Plan was orally terminated shortly after its approval and that documentation exists to support this. They also discussed the legal strategy regarding executive privilege and the potential impact of upcoming hearings and indictments on the administration.
On May 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:33 pm and 9:53 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-087 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the strategy for countering potential congressional revelations regarding the Huston Plan during the Watergate investigation. Nixon emphasizes the narrative that while he initially approved the plan as a contingency measure, he quickly revoked it at the urging of J. Edgar Hoover and the Attorney General, ensuring no illegal actions were actually implemented. They conclude that if John Dean attempts to use the plan to implicate the White House, they will counter by highlighting its non-implementation and framing the initiative as a brief, discontinued attempt to address civil unrest.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to discuss ongoing Watergate-related pressures, specifically focusing on the handling of the Huston Plan and the potential public release of sensitive national security documents. They strategized on how to frame the history of the Huston Plan—emphasizing that it was a discontinued interagency effort that was never fully implemented—to mitigate political fallout. Additionally, they reviewed tactics for managing the administration's public relations response, including potential testimonies by officials like Vernon Walters, while maintaining a firm stance against prematurely surrendering privileged information.
On May 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:40 am and 8:44 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 921-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. met to coordinate the White House's response to the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the 1970 'Huston Plan' and the potential release of incriminating documents held by John W. Dean III. The President and Buzhardt discussed the history of the intelligence plan's approval and subsequent suspension to ensure that the administration could argue that no illegal domestic surveillance activities were ever actually implemented. Nixon instructed Buzhardt to secure affidavits from relevant intelligence officials to establish the truth and mitigate public fallout, while emphasizing the need to maintain executive privilege regarding presidential conversations.
On May 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:36 am and 9:59 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-089 of the White House Tapes.
On May 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:36 am and 9:58 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 921-004 of the White House Tapes.
On May 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:36 am and 9:58 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 921-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and George P. Shultz discuss growing public concern over inflation and declining confidence in the administration's economic policies, as highlighted by a recent Harris poll. Nixon directs Shultz to convene a meeting with key economic advisors—including John T. Dunlop, Herbert G. Stein, and Roy L. Ash—to re-evaluate the potential for a price freeze. While acknowledging the political pressure to act, Nixon emphasizes that he will not pursue a freeze if it is deemed ineffective or economically damaging.
President Nixon and George P. Shultz met to discuss the urgent need to address economic instability, specifically rising inflation and public concern regarding economic confidence. The President tasked Shultz with convening a group of economic advisors—including Herbert Stein, Roy Ash, and others—to evaluate potential policy responses and determine if they would be politically and practically viable. Nixon emphasized his refusal to pursue any policy measures that he deemed a guaranteed failure, directing the team to rigorously assess whether a new initiative could genuinely restore confidence.
On May 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:05 am and 10:31 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 921-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler, Alexander Haig, and J. Fred Buzhardt to strategize the administration's response to escalating Watergate-related inquiries, specifically regarding CIA involvement, the 'Huston Plan,' and leaked documents. A central focus was managing the upcoming press briefings and public narrative to distance the President from illicit activities by framing actions as legitimate national security initiatives. They also addressed personnel moves, deciding to remove H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman from the White House payroll to mitigate political optics while ensuring they remained restricted from sensitive files.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate the scheduling of a visit from Charles G. “Bebe” Rebozo. The discussion focused on Rebozo’s recent travel between New York and Virginia and determining a suitable time for him to meet with the President for a private, relaxing visit at the White House. The President approved an arrangement for Rebozo to arrive by 5:00 p.m. to ensure they could spend time together away from other staff.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual to discuss scheduling and ceremonial matters, specifically regarding the upcoming visit of Mustafizur Rahman Siddiqui. The conversation addressed the logistics of a congressional chair presentation involving Ralph J. Perk and Donald D. Clancy. The participants reviewed necessary press coverage and photography arrangements for the scheduled event.
On May 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:30 am and 11:45 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 921-011 of the White House Tapes.