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 202 of 211On May 29, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 1:47 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 440-061 of the White House Tapes.
On May 29, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Thomas Hart met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 1:47 pm to 1:48 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 440-062 of the White House Tapes.
On May 29, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:48 pm and 1:52 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-032 of the White House Tapes.
On May 29, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:48 pm and 1:52 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 440-063 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon instructed his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to revise the arrangements for an upcoming meeting with a delegation of journalists from the People's Republic of China. Nixon explicitly rejected a planned question-and-answer session in the Cabinet Room, favoring a brief, structured event in the Oval Office instead. The President directed that the visit be limited to a welcoming statement, a photo opportunity, and a quick departure to avoid informal dialogue or media scrutiny. He also requested that his barber appointment be scheduled for 3:30 pm.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to discuss administrative arrangements and preferences regarding potential meetings. Nixon explicitly rejected a proposed format involving sitting down for a question-and-answer session, preferring a more informal or limited interaction. The conversation reflects the President's firm refusal to engage in specific procedural requests despite Bull's attempts to discuss them.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Ronald Ziegler met to coordinate their strategy regarding ongoing investigations into the Watergate scandal and press relations. The participants discussed the potential risks of grand jury appearances, the challenges posed by the Special Prosecutor, and the necessity of maintaining a firm, combative stance against public accusations. Additionally, they reviewed concerns regarding the security and eventual disposition of the White House taping system and legal defense strategies for key staff members.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger and a delegation of journalists from the People's Republic of China to discuss the ongoing normalization of relations between the two nations. Emphasizing the importance of mutual communication, Nixon highlighted the role of the press in fostering understanding and reaffirmed his commitment to building a constructive relationship with Chinese leadership. During the visit, the President presented the delegation with commemorative pens and expressed his personal desire to visit China again during his second term.
On May 29, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:36 pm and 4:03 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 929-015 of the White House Tapes.
On May 29, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:36 pm and 4:03 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 929-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with a group of advisors including George Shultz, Herbert Stein, Roy Ash, Arthur Burns, Kenneth Cole, John Dunlop, and John Connally to discuss the national economy. The conversation focused on concerns about inflation, the sustainability of the current economic boom, potential recession, and various policy options including tax adjustments, wage and price controls, and a compulsory savings plan. Key developments included a consensus to develop a comprehensive economic package for announcement, with a target date for discussion and potential action by the end of the week.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to discuss the management of sensitive documents and the handling of specific files. The exchange centered on ensuring particular records were properly filed or moved, while briefly touching upon administrative concerns involving staff performance or conduct. The brief dialogue reflects the President's preoccupation with document control and the oversight of personnel matters.
On May 29, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 9:15 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-034 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss ongoing personnel changes within the administration, specifically regarding the planned departure of Secretary of State William P. Rogers and the recruitment of Melvin R. Laird for a senior White House role. Haig confirms that Rogers prefers to delay the announcement of his exit to avoid complications related to the Watergate scandal. Meanwhile, the two coordinate a strategy to persuade Laird to accept a position as a domestic policy advisor, scheduling a meeting at Camp David to finalize the offer with support from Bryce Harlow.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate logistical preparations for an upcoming diplomatic trip to Iceland. The discussion focused on reviewing essential background materials, summaries, and scheduling details for meetings with Icelandic officials and French President Georges Pompidou. This briefing served to organize the President’s itinerary and documentation needs ahead of his international travel.
On May 30, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:43 am and 9:06 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 930-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull in the Oval Office to review materials. Bull presented Nixon with a draft of a speech for his signature and a revised schedule. The primary purpose of the meeting was to handle administrative tasks and prepare documents for the President's review and approval.
On May 30, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:43 am and 9:06 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 930-004 of the White House Tapes.
On May 30, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:43 am and 9:06 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 930-005 of the White House Tapes.
On May 30, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:43 am and 9:06 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 930-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler and Henry Kissinger to discuss press strategy, ongoing Watergate inquiries, and the management of presidential papers, before transitioning to a formal meeting with Huang Chen and Chi Ch’ao Chu of the People's Republic of China. During the session with the Chinese representatives, the President reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening US-PRC relations, emphasizing mutual sovereignty and strategic cooperation. Nixon also sought to assure the Chinese leadership that his upcoming summit with Leonid Brezhnev would not be detrimental to PRC interests, and he solicited their assistance in facilitating a peace agreement in Cambodia.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss plans to counter Watergate-related criticism by leaking records of extensive wiretapping conducted during the Kennedy and Johnson administrations. Nixon asserts that Bobby Kennedy ordered significantly more illegal wiretaps than the Nixon administration and intends to publish the names of those surveilled to expose political hypocrisy. Additionally, the pair briefly reviews the positive international press reception regarding the President’s recent foreign policy initiatives, including the Shanghai communique and Soviet relations.
On June 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 7:05 pm and 7:07 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 168-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss a public relations strategy to control the narrative regarding historical government wiretaps of newsmen. Nixon instructs Haig to orchestrate a methodical, staged release of this information to make the disclosure appear deliberate and formal rather than spontaneous. The President emphasizes the need to secure specific names and data from Secret Service Director James J. Rowley, threatening his position if he fails to produce the files quickly, in order to use the information to intimidate political opponents and critics.
On June 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 7:10 pm and 7:11 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 168-005 of the White House Tapes.
On June 1, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez talked on the telephone at Camp David from 7:11 pm to 7:12 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 168-006 of the White House Tapes.
On June 2, 1973, Camp David operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 9:56 am and 10:07 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 168-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, discussed the success of his recent diplomatic trip to Iceland and its role in advancing his "Year of Europe" policy, specifically noting productive meetings with French President Georges Pompidou. The conversation contrasted this international progress with the ongoing distractions of the Watergate scandal, which Nixon lamented dominated domestic press coverage. Tricia encouraged her father to maintain high-profile engagements, such as the upcoming visit by Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev, to help shift public focus away from Watergate and alleviate political pressure.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discussed the positive media reception of Nixon’s recent trip to France and the administration's strategy regarding ongoing Watergate coverage. The conversation focused on a plan to counter political pressure by releasing data on FBI wiretaps authorized during the Kennedy and Johnson administrations to create a defensive narrative. Nixon emphasized the importance of aggressive tactics, instructing Ziegler to coordinate with Alexander Haig to formalize the release of this information and identify the names of any targeted newsmen.
On June 2, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 10:29 am and 10:54 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 168-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the political fallout and public perception of recent televised testimony regarding the Watergate scandal. Haldeman reviews his own recent testimony and that of John Ehrlichman, emphasizing their use of categorical denials and strategic framing of national security concerns to distance the President from the cover-up. They assess the tactics of the Ervin Committee, potential immunity for witnesses like John Dean, and the ongoing efforts by special prosecutor Archibald Cox to manage the investigation.
On June 2, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 10:54 am and 11:13 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 168-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the favorable reception of Nixon's recent trip to Iceland, viewing it as a strategic success that elevates his stature and serves as a vital distraction from the ongoing Watergate scandal. Kissinger reports that the international press coverage is improving and that he plans to conduct background briefings to solidify the trip's accomplishments, particularly regarding the 'Year of Europe.' Meanwhile, Nixon characterizes the Watergate hearings as a partisan political fight and expresses confidence that the administration has weathered the worst of the fallout following the departures of H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. Additionally, the pair coordinates a media strategy for the upcoming announcement of a Vietnam agreement, ensuring they maximize positive publicity through simultaneous briefings with Congressional leaders.
On June 2, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 11:24 am and 11:38 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 168-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman briefly coordinate a potential outreach or follow-up with Hobart “Hobe” Lewis. Haldeman notes that Lewis is unavailable until the following evening, leading the President to suggest that Lewis contact him directly by telephone once he returns. No further immediate actions were required beyond this scheduling arrangement.
On June 2, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 11:39 am and 11:56 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 168-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to coordinate White House strategy regarding ongoing political scandals, including the Watergate investigation and the Ervin Committee hearings. They discussed organizational changes to improve staff efficiency, the management of upcoming bipartisan congressional briefings, and efforts to uncover past wiretap records involving Robert F. Kennedy. Additionally, they strategized on how to counter potential indictments against top aides and discussed ways to dissuade political figures from publicly suggesting the President testify before the Senate committee.
On June 2, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at 12:12 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 168-018 of the White House Tapes.
On June 2, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 12:12 pm and 12:29 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 168-019 of the White House Tapes.
On June 2, 1973, Camp David operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at Camp David at 12:29 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 168-020 of the White House Tapes.
On June 2, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 12:29 pm and 1:58 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 168-021 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discuss a communications strategy to counter negative press coverage and leaks regarding the Watergate scandal. They evaluate the timing for releasing information about past wiretap records, hoping to identify potentially damaging precedents involving Robert F. Kennedy to deflect from current criticisms. The President affirms a 'moderate profile' strategy, agreeing with Ziegler that they should stop responding to individual leaks and instead rely on previous official denials, while also coordinating with congressional allies like Edward Gurney to challenge the Ervin Committee's proceedings.
On June 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 10:00 am and 10:10 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 168-023 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed the White House response to recent press leaks, likely emanating from prosecutors and the Ervin Committee, which alleged that John W. Dean had numerous meetings with the President regarding the Watergate cover-up. Nixon firmly denied the timeline of these allegations, asserting that his meetings with Dean regarding the cover-up did not begin until March 21, 1973. To address the situation, the participants planned to coordinate a strategy with White House staff, including Leonard Garment and J. Fred Buzhardt, and considered having Haldeman, Ehrlichman, and Colson issue public statements to defend the President's record.
On June 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at 10:35 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 168-025 of the White House Tapes.
On June 3, 1973, Camp David operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at Camp David at 10:35 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 168-026 of the White House Tapes.
On June 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 10:35 am and 10:48 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 168-027 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed their strategy for countering damaging allegations made by John Dean, who had recently claimed to the press and prosecutors that Nixon was aware of the Watergate cover-up as early as early 1973. Both men dismissed Dean's claims as an attempt to leverage a deal for immunity, citing his lack of evidence and the President's preoccupation with foreign policy matters like Vietnam during that period. Nixon decided to move forward with exclusive interviews with Howard K. Smith and The New York Times to personally address the accusations and challenge the media's framing of the story.
On June 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 11:07 am and 11:51 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 168-029 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed strategies for managing public and legal fallout following allegations from John W. Dean regarding the President's prior knowledge of the Watergate cover-up. They reviewed the timeline of Nixon's meetings with Dean to verify facts and establish a consistent defense, while weighing whether to utilize third-party surrogates to challenge Dean's credibility. The conversation concluded that the administration should avoid immediate direct confrontation with the press or Dean until they were fully prepared to neutralize his testimony or potential immunity bid.
On June 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 12:30 pm and 12:35 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 168-031 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the escalating Watergate-related leaks and allegations stemming from John Dean and his legal team, which they characterize as a public campaign to build immunity. The two focus on establishing a factual chronology of their past meetings with Dean to counter media narratives, specifically addressing allegations involving hush money and clemency. Nixon and Haldeman agree to prioritize a consistent, truthful defense while avoiding reactive public denials, with Haldeman tasked to document a formal timeline of events to prepare for future public scrutiny.
On June 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 1:11 pm and 1:24 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 168-033 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the White House's public relations strategy regarding the escalating Watergate scandal and the ongoing efforts of John W. Dean III to leverage information for immunity. The President instructs his staff to avoid getting bogged down in daily rebuttals of Dean’s allegations, preferring to focus on substantive administration business and scheduled public appearances to project stability. Nixon directs H. R. Haldeman to compile a comprehensive chronology of events to clarify the President's lack of involvement in questionable activities, while Ziegler confirms the administration’s plan to delay public responses to avoid providing Dean with information that he could use in his testimony.
On June 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 2:55 pm and 3:12 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 168-035 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the administration's strategic response to ongoing Watergate allegations and the public's waning interest in the scandal. They agree to refrain from a direct White House rebuttal to John Dean's claims, favoring instead a focus on positive policy achievements, such as new economic initiatives and key personnel appointments, to project stability. Nixon expresses confidence that the administration has moved past the threat of impeachment or resignation and emphasizes that maintaining a busy, productive agenda is the best way to ensure political survival.
On June 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 3:27 pm and 3:29 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 168-037 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman coordinated a meeting to discuss the reconstruction of a Watergate event chronology. After briefly discussing weather conditions and a hand injury sustained by Haldeman, the two agreed to meet at 4:15 p.m. to review these sensitive materials. They ultimately decided to convene in the Lincoln Room to ensure the conversation regarding the timeline remained secure.
On June 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:14 pm and 6:07 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-036 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed strategies to counter allegations made by former White House counsel John W. Dean regarding the Watergate cover-up. They focused on discrediting Dean's credibility through planted media columns, preparing a speech for Vice President Agnew, and providing information to Congressional allies like Hugh Scott. Nixon adamantly refuted specific claims about the number of meetings and alleged orders, while they planned to have Alexander Haig secure and review Dean's files to assess his activities. Additionally, the pair coordinated a shift in Ziegler’s public role and communications responsibilities to mitigate the political impact of the ongoing scandal.
On June 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:36 pm and 6:40 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-038 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directs Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to coordinate with Richard Moore regarding the details of past meetings involving John Dean. Nixon emphasizes that Moore’s participation in these discussions will serve to refute allegations that Dean was ordered to execute a cover-up. Ziegler confirms that he and J. Fred Buzhardt will meet with Moore to thoroughly review the record and establish a consistent narrative.
On June 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:41 pm and 6:47 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-040 of the White House Tapes.
On June 3, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at 6:47 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-041 of the White House Tapes.
On June 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:47 pm and 6:48 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-042 of the White House Tapes.
On June 3, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at 6:48 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-043 of the White House Tapes.
On June 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:48 pm and 7:06 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-044 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed concerns regarding John W. Dean’s unauthorized access to and potential copying of sensitive presidential files. Nixon directed Ziegler to secure copies of all of Dean’s files and notes pertaining to their meetings from February 27, 1973, onward. Emphasizing his ownership of the documents, the President insisted that these materials be provided directly to him to prevent them from reaching other staffers like J. Fred Buzhardt or Leonard Garment.
On June 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:09 pm and 7:30 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-046 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the ongoing efforts to secure an appointment for Melvin Laird, noting Laird’s reluctance and the administration's use of political leverage, including the potential influence of John Connally. The conversation then shifts to the Watergate scandal, specifically regarding John Dean's notes on his meetings with the President. Nixon expresses a desire to secure and personally review these notes to assess the extent of Dean's allegations and plan a strategic response, including potential involvement from Hugh Scott.
On June 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 7:42 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-048 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his close associate Bebe Rebozo spoke briefly to confirm Rebozo's safe arrival home following a weekend visit. The conversation included casual updates regarding the President’s time spent with Tricia Nixon Cox and Edward Cox. They concluded the call by expressing mutual anticipation for the President's upcoming trip to Rebozo's vacation home.
On June 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:19 pm and 9:37 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-050 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss strategies to counter John W. Dean III’s allegations regarding a Watergate cover-up and his efforts to seek immunity. The President expresses skepticism about Dean’s work habits and record-keeping, while emphasizing that past discussions regarding executive privilege were matters of constitutional principle rather than criminal activity. To prepare a defense, Nixon directs Ziegler and Alexander Haig to examine Dean’s files to better understand the nature of the materials he may have removed or copied.
On June 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:45 pm and 9:46 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-052 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed the motivations behind John W. Dean III's recent actions regarding the Watergate investigation. Ziegler posited that Dean’s behavior was less about personal animosity toward the President and more a product of strategic pressure applied by his legal counsel for defense purposes. Nixon remained skeptical of this assessment, questioning whether Dean’s actions were inherently malicious.
President Nixon, Alexander Haig, and Ronald Ziegler met to discuss the mounting political pressure surrounding the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the allegations made by John Dean. They reviewed the status of evidence, including Dean’s personal records and meeting logs, and discussed the necessity of obtaining the original documents to challenge the veracity of Dean's claims. The President emphasized his desire to clarify the timeline of his interactions with Dean and directed staff to secure relevant files immediately to prepare a coherent White House response.
On June 4, 1973, White House operator, President Richard M. Nixon, and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. talked on the telephone from 8:51 am to 8:52 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-054 of the White House Tapes.
On June 4, 1973, Alexander M. Haig, Jr. and President Richard M. Nixon met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 8:51 am to 8:52 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 441-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinated efforts to manage internal documentation related to the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on John W. Dean III’s files. Nixon instructed Haig to ensure J. Fred Buzhardt provided access to the original documents to facilitate a comprehensive review of the ongoing investigation. The conversation concluded with Haig arranging a follow-up meeting with Stephen B. Bull to further address these administrative requirements.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to strategize a defense against John Dean’s potential allegations by securing and auditing White House materials. Haig recommended that the President personally review relevant White House tapes to determine exactly what information Dean might possess and how to counteract his claims. The discussion also addressed the physical security of Dean’s files, with plans for J. Fred Buzhardt to examine the materials and retrieve personal papers.
On June 4, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:05 am and 9:11 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-056 of the White House Tapes.
On June 4, 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 9:05 am and 9:11 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 441-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directs Stephen B. Bull to promptly deliver and set up equipment required for the President to review White House tapes related to the Watergate scandal. Nixon expresses urgency, requesting that Bull also provide Ronald L. Ziegler’s activity log to assist in navigating the recordings. This exchange reflects the President’s systematic effort to audit the tapes and manage the information contained within them.
President Nixon consults with his aide Stephen B. Bull regarding the logistical setup of an audio playback system in his office. Expressing frustration over the burden of reviewing lengthy recordings, Nixon insists that the equipment be positioned to facilitate an efficient listening process. The conversation concludes with a brief reference to managing the specific daily logs and chronological sequences of the tapes requiring the President’s attention.
On June 4, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:12 am and 9:38 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-058 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed the administration's economic policy strategy, specifically critiquing current proposals for being insufficiently prepared for a formal briefing. Nixon expressed strong opposition to implementing a price freeze or a gas tax, directing Haig to remove these items from the economic package and separate energy issues from the broader policy plan. Additionally, the pair touched upon the President's schedule and the status of J. Fred Buzhardt's ongoing review of John Dean's Watergate-related files.
On June 4, 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 9:12 am and 9:38 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 441-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen Bull coordinate the retrieval of specific White House tape recordings from February 27, February 28, and March 1, 1973, for the President’s urgent review. Nixon emphasizes the need for strict secrecy, directing Bull to ensure the material is handled by as few people as possible. Additionally, the two finalize adjustments to the President's schedule, moving an economic meeting to the following day to accommodate the review process.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discuss the procurement and review of specific administrative materials and audio recordings. Nixon emphasizes his preference for receiving these documents in bulk to expedite the review process and tasks Bull with coordinating their delivery. Additionally, the pair updates the President's schedule, rescheduling an economic meeting and adding a meeting with Siemens to the following day's itinerary.
President Nixon met with Alexander Haig to discuss personnel matters regarding Melvin Laird and to set firm parameters for an upcoming economic meeting. Nixon directed Haig to ensure the economic team finalized a plan that excluded both a wage-price freeze and a gas tax. Furthermore, the President ordered that all energy-related proposals be separated from the primary economic package to prevent policy overlap.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to review recordings of his February 1973 conversations with John Dean, focusing on technical aspects of tape playback and transcript preparation. During the session, the President listened to portions of the tapes and engaged in a wide-ranging discussion regarding the Watergate investigation, executive privilege, and the Ervin Committee's activities. Nixon also explored historical precedents for FBI surveillance and wiretapping during the Kennedy administration to contextualize his own challenges regarding federal investigations and political pressure.
On June 4, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:16 am and 11:19 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-060 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon reviewed recordings of past meetings with John W. Dean, III, as part of an ongoing process to assess the legal and political ramifications of the Watergate scandal. The discussion reflects the administration's preoccupation with investigations, sentencing expectations, and the management of sensitive information regarding various associates. Nixon expressed a desire to distance himself from specific controversial matters while navigating the potential legal risks posed by the ongoing inquiries.
On June 4, 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 10:16 am and 11:19 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 442-002 of the White House Tapes.
On June 4, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at 11:19 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-061 of the White House Tapes.
On June 4, 1973, unknown person(s) and President Richard M. Nixon met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 11:19 am and 11:24 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 442-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to review and organize the White House taping system, specifically addressing the management, technical quality, and cataloging of recorded conversations. The discussion focused on logistical concerns, including the identification of specific tape segments, the potential for audio enhancement, and the overall security and disposition of the recordings. This meeting reflects the administration's efforts to assess the scope and integrity of the archives amidst increasing scrutiny regarding the tapes.
On June 4, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:30 am and 11:52 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-062 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met in the Old Executive Office Building to review audio recordings of his previous discussions with John W. Dean, III. The primary focus of this session was to examine specific interactions related to the 1968 bugging incidents and the involvement of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. By reviewing these tapes, the President sought to manage the narrative surrounding the unfolding Watergate scandal and coordinate his administration's position regarding the ongoing investigations.