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 199 of 211On May 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 5:30 pm and 7:08 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 167-001 of the White House Tapes.
On May 19, 1973, Camp David operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at Camp David at 7:08 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 167-002 of the White House Tapes.
On May 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 7:08 pm and 7:09 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 167-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed the progress of a White House strategy team, led by Alexander Haig and others, which was drafting a comprehensive White Paper to counter Watergate-related allegations. Nixon emphasized the necessity of preparing damaging counter-information regarding John Dean, specifically citing Dean's alleged subornation of perjury and his potential involvement with John Mitchell in the Robert Vesco case. The participants affirmed that they have sufficient information to discredit Dean if he continues to implicate the President or his top staff.
On May 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at 10:30 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 167-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler consulted at Camp David to coordinate the administration's public relations strategy regarding the Watergate scandal and upcoming press engagements. They discussed the timing for releasing a White House 'White Paper' and potential meetings with congressional leaders, specifically noting the need to reassure members of the Armed Services Committee. Nixon emphasized his desire to travel more frequently to shift public perception away from the 'embattled' narrative of the White House, while the two agreed that despite the unprecedented, sustained media attacks, the administration remained resilient.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to discuss managing the ongoing Watergate crisis, focusing on the need for a non-defensive, proactive White House response through a forthcoming White Paper. They reviewed the political and economic implications of potential new wage and price controls, with Nixon stressing the need for decisive action to restore public confidence despite resistance from his economic advisors. Additionally, the two discussed the status of a potential Vietnam ceasefire communiqué and coordinated the release timing to align with POW developments.
On May 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 10:56 am and 11:00 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 167-008 of the White House Tapes.
On May 20, 1973, Camp David operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at Camp David at 11:30 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 167-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinated the development of a White House 'White Paper' intended to publicly clarify the administration's role in the Watergate scandal. The discussion focused on establishing a firm, unified defense by emphasizing that the 'Plumbers' unit and related activities were strictly motivated by legitimate national security concerns regarding government leaks, rather than a criminal cover-up. Nixon directed Haldeman to verify specific recollections with John Ehrlichman, particularly regarding the timing of knowledge surrounding the Daniel Ellsberg break-in and discussions of executive clemency. The President underscored his resolve to remain on the offensive, citing recent positive public support and insisting that the administration's actions regarding the CIA and FBI were necessary security measures.
On May 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 12:54 pm and 2:30 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 167-011 of the White House Tapes.
On May 20, 1973, Camp David operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at Camp David at 2:30 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 167-012 of the White House Tapes.
On May 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 2:30 pm and 2:51 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 167-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, engage in a brief personal check-in while the President is staying at Camp David. The conversation touches upon the President's recent positive reception in Norfolk, Virginia, and the upcoming Prisoners of War reception. Additionally, Nixon dismisses the ongoing Watergate Ervin Committee hearings as a "sham," characterizing the participating senators as ridiculous figures seeking attention.
On May 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 2:53 pm and 2:55 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 167-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed the preparation of a White House 'White Paper' intended to frame the administration's past actions—including wiretaps and security measures—around the necessity of national security rather than Watergate-related controversies. The two assessed the political landscape, emphasizing the need to maintain support among key Congressional leaders like John Stennis and Barry Goldwater to resist pressures for resignation or impeachment. They also touched on economic policy strategy, including potential wage and price controls, and agreed to position John Connally to lead on energy policy to avoid political risks associated with other potential appointees.
On May 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 3:07 pm and 3:13 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 167-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, held a brief telephone conversation to discuss his recent, well-received public appearance in Norfolk, Virginia. Their dialogue quickly shifted to the political climate, where they addressed the ongoing Watergate crisis and the erratic public behavior of Martha Mitchell. Julie encouraged her father to remain resolute in his political survival, and the President affirmed his determination to overcome the scandal for the sake of the country and the world.
On May 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 3:15 pm and 3:30 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 167-019 of the White House Tapes.
On May 20, 1973, Camp David operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at Camp David at 3:30 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 167-020 of the White House Tapes.
On May 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 3:30 pm and 3:34 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 167-021 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon initiated this brief call to check on the morale of Hobart D. Lewis amidst the intensifying Watergate scandal. The discussion centered on the President's public image and the strategic difficulty of defending himself against various allegations, including cover-up and clemency claims. They expressed mutual admiration for a recent supportive letter written by John S. D. Eisenhower to the New York Times, contemplating potential future use of the text to shift public focus toward broader international interests like the upcoming Soviet summit.
On May 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 3:35 pm and 3:36 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 167-023 of the White House Tapes.
On May 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles G. ("Bebe") Rebozo talked on the telephone at Camp David from 3:36 pm to 3:37 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 167-024 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed the administration's strategy for managing the growing Watergate scandal and upcoming congressional hearings. They focused on maintaining a firm stance regarding executive privilege over White House staff notes and coordinating a unified defense centered on national security concerns. The two also assessed the perceived lack of momentum in the Ervin Committee hearings and reviewed the status of key administration figures, including John Ehrlichman and Henry Kissinger, in relation to ongoing investigations.
On May 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 4:21 pm and 5:30 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 167-026 of the White House Tapes.
H.R. Haldeman briefs President Nixon on his recent discussions with John Ehrlichman regarding the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the Ellsberg break-in and the administration's legal defense strategies. They coordinate a narrative emphasizing that the "Plumbers" operation and associated activities were motivated by national security concerns, rather than criminal intent. Nixon also discusses his April 18th conversation with Henry Petersen to ensure his own conduct appears consistent with proper executive oversight, ultimately deciding to draft a "White Paper" to solidify their national security justification.
On May 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 5:44 pm and 6:52 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 167-028 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the ongoing development of a White House White Paper intended to address the Watergate scandal and associated controversies. Nixon emphasizes that the document must move away from a defensive tone, focusing instead on national security justifications and a more aggressive political posture. They agree to involve Patrick Buchanan in refining the draft's specifics while setting a firm strategy to reject talk of impeachment and confront political critics directly.
On May 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 6:55 pm and 7:05 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 167-030 of the White House Tapes.
On May 20, 1973, Camp David operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at Camp David at 7:05 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 167-031 of the White House Tapes.
On May 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:53 pm and 10:17 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-119 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the development of a formal White House statement intended to provide a defense against ongoing Watergate allegations. The President emphasizes a strategy of aggressive public response, including challenging the credibility of committee witnesses and declassifying sensitive information from prior administrations to pressure political opponents. Throughout the call, Nixon reaffirms his commitment to fight the scandal rather than resign, citing national security concerns and the need to maintain public confidence in his leadership.
On May 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:23 am and 8:40 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 924-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler and Alexander Haig to strategize the White House response to the escalating Watergate scandal and manage public perception of his embattled administration. They discussed the tactical release of a forthcoming White Paper, the management of congressional and press relations, and the necessity of distancing the President from staff members implicated in the investigation, such as H. R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. Nixon and his advisors resolved to maintain a posture of command by focusing on national policy, specifically upcoming economic initiatives and the summit with Leonid Brezhnev, to project stability while weathering the ongoing controversy.
On May 21, 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 10:16 am and 10:53 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 439-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to strategize the drafting of a White House White Paper intended to shape public perception of the Watergate scandal and address mounting allegations. The discussion focused on carefully framing the President's past communications with figures like L. Patrick Gray and Henry Petersen to emphasize that his actions were rooted in protecting national security rather than facilitating a cover-up. Nixon directed Haig to ensure the document explicitly addressed unauthorized activities involving the CIA and the Plumbers, while maintaining that the President had no prior knowledge of specific illegal acts like the break-in at the office of Daniel Ellsberg’s psychiatrist.
On May 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:13 am and 11:14 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-122 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinate the framing of the President’s involvement in the Watergate scandal and its intersection with national security matters for a forthcoming speech. They discuss specific linguistic choices, such as using the term "illegal" rather than "criminal," and outline how to explain Nixon's interactions with L. Patrick Gray and Henry Petersen. The conversation emphasizes justifying the President’s actions regarding the Ellsberg case and the Plumbers by presenting these activities as legitimate national security protections.
On May 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 11:14 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 439-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the management of information and materials related to ongoing investigations, specifically focusing on what should be disclosed to prosecutors versus what falls under security protections. Nixon expresses concern over the handling of CIA-related information and the legal implications of providing specific directives to the agency. The conversation underscores the administration's efforts to navigate the tension between cooperative transparency and the protection of sensitive executive branch records.
On May 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:17 am and 11:48 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-124 of the White House Tapes.
On May 21, 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 11:17 am and 11:48 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 439-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinate the preparation of a statement regarding the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the inclusion of details concerning the President's interactions with Louis Patrick Gray and Vernon A. Walters. The participants discuss whether J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. has sufficient information to draft these specific points and determine how to integrate them into the upcoming document. They agree to finalize their strategy during a planned 2:00 pm meeting, while remaining available for further consultation if new questions arise.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinate the strategic presentation of specific information to an unnamed individual, emphasizing the need to provide factual support for a desired narrative. The pair discusses the timing and methodology for releasing this material, balancing the preference for a structured timeline versus a continuous flow of communication. Nixon underscores his desire to guide the approach without appearing to rigidly dictate the final execution.
On May 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:51 am and 12:34 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-126 of the White House Tapes.
On May 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:51 am and 12:34 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-127 of the White House Tapes.
On May 21, 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 11:51 am and 12:34 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 439-007 of the White House Tapes.
On May 21, 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 11:51 am and 12:34 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 439-008 of the White House Tapes.
On May 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. talked on the telephone from 12:34 pm to 12:35 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-128 of the White House Tapes.
On May 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 12:34 pm to 12:35 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 439-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, regarding the aesthetic upkeep of his Old Executive Office Building workspace. The two discussed the logistics of applying dust covers to the office chairs to maintain the furniture. The brief meeting concluded with Sanchez acknowledging the President's instructions for these protective measures.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to refine the strategic framing and content of an upcoming White House "White Paper" intended to address the burgeoning Watergate scandal. They focused on drafting language that would insulate the President from culpability regarding the break-in, the payment of funds to defendants, and "dirty tricks," while emphasizing national security concerns to justify his actions and administration policies. The discussion centered on balancing public transparency with the assertion of executive privilege to protect presidential papers and staff testimony from congressional investigators.
On May 21, 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 1:10 pm and 3:23 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 439-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard Nixon met with his personal valet, Manolo Sanchez, in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss the President's upcoming schedule. The conversation served as a brief administrative coordination regarding Nixon's daily activities. No major policy developments or significant political decisions were recorded during this session.
On May 21, 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 1:10 pm and 3:23 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 439-015 of the White House Tapes.
On May 21, 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 1:10 pm and 3:23 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 439-016 of the White House Tapes.
On May 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 3:23 pm to 3:25 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 439-017 of the White House Tapes.
On May 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 3:25 pm and 3:40 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 439-018 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Alexander Haig and Ronald Ziegler to coordinate the White House's public relations and legal strategy regarding the upcoming release of a Watergate "White Paper." The participants discussed the drafting of the document, the importance of controlling the narrative, and how to brief Congressional leaders on its contents to clear the air. A significant portion of the conversation focused on crafting the President’s official account of his knowledge—specifically regarding the Daniel Ellsberg break-in and the roles of H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and John Dean—to ensure the documentation presented him in a favorable light.
On May 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 4:25 pm to 4:26 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 439-020 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. met to meticulously craft the language for a forthcoming White House "White Paper" regarding the Watergate scandal. The discussion focused on defining the President’s timeline of knowledge concerning the Daniel Ellsberg break-in and his interactions with Henry Petersen and other Justice Department officials. By emphasizing the "national security" nature of these events, they sought to clarify the President's position and minimize his direct involvement or culpability in the burgeoning cover-up investigation.
President Nixon, Ronald Ziegler, and Alexander Haig met to refine the language of a forthcoming White House "White Paper" intended to address the ongoing Watergate investigation. The President focused on carefully phrasing his lack of prior knowledge regarding illegal activities or hush-money payments, while simultaneously attempting to frame his actions within the context of protecting national security operations. They discussed the necessity of maintaining a firm public stance against the congressional inquiries, with Nixon emphasizing the importance of "fighting" back to avoid the political and international consequences of appearing weak.
On May 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 5:25 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-129 of the White House Tapes.
On May 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Thelma C. ("Pat") (Ryan) Nixon talked on the telephone at 5:25 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-130 of the White House Tapes.
On May 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:25 pm and 5:28 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-131 of the White House Tapes.
On May 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 5:25 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 439-023 of the White House Tapes.
On May 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Thelma C. ("Pat") (Ryan) Nixon met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 5:25 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 439-024 of the White House Tapes.
On May 21, 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 5:25 pm and 5:28 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 439-025 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler coordinate the precise wording of an upcoming White House statement regarding the Watergate scandal. Nixon emphasizes the need to avoid phrasing that could be exploited by the press, specifically instructing Ziegler and Patrick Buchanan to ensure the language does not imply that Watergate is damaging his foreign policy initiatives. This directive follows concerns over recent negative media coverage sparked by remarks made by Henry Kissinger.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the management of public perceptions and media narratives regarding ongoing investigations. The President emphasizes the importance of controlling the framing of allegations to avoid political vulnerability. This brief exchange reflects the administration's strategic focus on shaping the press response to minimize further scrutiny.
On May 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:29 pm and 5:34 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-133 of the White House Tapes.
On May 21, 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 5:29 pm and 5:34 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 439-027 of the White House Tapes.
On May 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. talked on the telephone from 5:34 pm to 5:35 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-134 of the White House Tapes.
On May 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 5:34 pm to 5:35 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 439-028 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. met to coordinate the preparation of a White House 'White Paper' intended to manage public and legal fallout from the ongoing Watergate investigation. The discussion focused on refining the document’s narrative regarding the Daniel Ellsberg break-in and defining the limits of executive privilege concerning staff memoranda and sensitive presidential communications. Nixon emphasized the necessity of a proactive, non-defensive public stance, directing Buzhardt to ensure that key internal documents and notes remain protected from congressional committee scrutiny.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinate the release of a forthcoming White House statement intended to leverage recent leaks from the Ervin Committee regarding national security concerns. The pair decides to delay the statement until the following morning to ensure the draft emphasizes the committee’s unanimous recommendations and to allow for further legislative consultations. Haig confirms that key personnel, including Bryce Harlow, J. Fred Buzhardt, and himself, will manage outreach to congressional leaders like Hugh Scott, John Stennis, and Henry Jackson to bolster their political position. Additionally, they agree that Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler should avoid a morning briefing to build anticipation for the President's scheduled afternoon statement.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig held a brief, late-evening meeting to coordinate scheduling and discuss internal administrative preferences. The participants reviewed potential recommendations or materials, with Nixon expressing skepticism regarding the effectiveness of a specific graph or presentation. The discussion concluded with a decision to reconvene at 9:00 am the following day.
On May 21, 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 8:32 pm and 8:44 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 439-031 of the White House Tapes.
Alexander M. Haig, Jr. briefed President Nixon on his recent discussions with Republican congressional leaders, including Gerald Ford, Hugh Scott, and Robert Griffin. The leadership group expressed strong support for the President and sought to refute an Evans and Novak report that suggested a lack of professional party backing regarding the Watergate crisis. To address these concerns and maintain morale, they arranged a meeting with the President to reaffirm their commitment and requested more frequent consultations during the unfolding scandal.
On May 22, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:44 am and 8:50 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 925-001 of the White House Tapes.
On May 22, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:44 am and 8:50 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 925-002 of the White House Tapes.
On May 22, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, Rose Mary Woods, and Nellie L. Yates met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:44 am and 8:50 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 925-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler met to strategize the White House's public relations response to the escalating Watergate scandal and the formation of the Ervin Committee. They discussed the necessity of releasing a substantive 'White Paper' to challenge negative press narratives and counter ongoing allegations against the administration. The President emphasized a need to pivot from a defensive stance toward an aggressive, unified platform to maintain public support and protect the integrity of the presidency.
On May 22, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:06 am and 9:27 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-137 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President’s upcoming schedule, focusing on logistics for congressional meetings, receptions, and foreign leader visits. The discussion covered the simplification of arrival ceremonies for international dignitaries and the management of direct access protocols for telephone communications. They also finalized details for an upcoming presidential award ceremony and discussed Nixon’s preferences regarding his travel arrangements to Iceland, California, and various domestic retreats.
Chief Justice Warren E. Burger initiated this call to offer personal support to President Nixon, acknowledging the political pressure surrounding the Watergate scandal. The two discussed the difficulty of ensuring fair trials for figures like H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and John Mitchell amidst intense public scrutiny and media coverage. Nixon expressed frustration over his inability to oversee his subordinates more closely due to the demands of his foreign policy agenda, including relations with China, the Soviet Union, and the Vietnam War.
President Nixon met with Chief Justice Warren E. Burger for a brief exchange regarding the ongoing Watergate-related legal proceedings. Nixon expressed his concerns about the fairness of public trials, specifically referencing the impact of hearsay and the treatment of individuals like John Mitchell. The President also reflected on his administrative oversight, noting that he would have acted more decisively against overzealous subordinates had he been less focused on his presidential duties.
President Nixon and aide Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President's upcoming schedule, focusing on key legislative and political engagements including meetings with Republican leadership and discussions regarding the Alaska pipeline and agricultural legislation. The conversation addressed the coordination of appointments involving figures such as Alexander Haig, Elliot Richardson, and various congressional members. Nixon provided specific directives regarding his preferences for these meetings, emphasizing the management of his time and personnel interactions.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Stephen B. Bull, to coordinate the logistics and scheduling of various upcoming official events and meetings. The discussion encompassed planning for a trip to California, a meeting with Republican leadership, and preparations for Memorial Day observances, including potential surrogate participation. They also addressed the scheduling of meetings with congressional leadership and the President’s anticipated travel to Iceland.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to discuss the administration's strategic response to the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the composition and release of a forthcoming White Paper intended to address public and congressional concerns. They reviewed the status of internal staff morale and the necessity of maintaining stable government operations amidst the political turmoil. Additionally, the pair coordinated an upcoming economic meeting with key advisors to address the need for decisive action regarding national economic policy.
On May 22, 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 9:34 am and 9:55 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 438-026 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, along with Alexander Haig and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr., met to discuss the forthcoming White Paper on Watergate, focusing on fact-checking, potential press questions, and the precise phrasing of statements. They also reviewed details of the Huston Plan, including its approval and memoranda, and debated the President's knowledge and role in various aspects of the Watergate investigation and the Ellsberg break-in. The conversation also touched upon Henry Kissinger's discussions regarding North Vietnam, Daniel Ellsberg, and nuclear war considerations.
On May 22, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:28 am and 11:34 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-139 of the White House Tapes.
On May 22, 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 11:28 am and 11:34 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 438-028 of the White House Tapes.
On May 22, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull talked on the telephone from 11:34 am to 11:35 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-140 of the White House Tapes.
On May 22, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 11:34 am to 11:35 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 438-029 of the White House Tapes.
On May 22, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:35 am and 11:36 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-141 of the White House Tapes.
On May 22, 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 11:35 am and 11:36 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 438-030 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted Alexander Haig regarding the specific language of a forthcoming White House statement concerning the Watergate scandal. The President reviewed a draft containing replacements for a sentence involving his authorization of "any means" and requested that the revised text be brought to him for final approval. This exchange ensured that the administration's official position on the matter was carefully vetted prior to public release.