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 210 of 211President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the positive media coverage surrounding the summit with Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and the recent Agreement on the Prevention of Nuclear War. Nixon emphasizes that the success of these diplomatic efforts rests on the personal commitment and political will of both leaders to maintain the agreement. He instructs Ziegler to ensure Henry Kissinger conveys this narrative of mutual resolve to the press, highlighting the significance of the shift in US-Soviet relations.
President Richard Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler engage in a brief, abstract exchange regarding the nature of secrecy, political commitments, and the historical motivations behind treaties and conflict. The conversation centers on philosophical reflections about the necessity of maintaining shared visions and promises amidst political instability. No specific policy actions or administrative decisions result from this dialogue.
On June 22, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:47 pm and 1:51 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 041-042 of the White House Tapes.
On June 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 1:47 pm and 1:51 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 448-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the positive domestic and international reception of the newly signed U.S.-Soviet agreement on the prevention of nuclear war. Nixon emphasized the strategic importance of characterizing the arrangement as an executive agreement rather than a treaty to avoid a contentious and unnecessary congressional approval process. The pair also discussed the geopolitical implications of the agreement, including the potential to restrain Soviet aggression, and Nixon directed Kissinger to highlight the importance of the personal relationship between the two nations' leaders during media briefings.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the successful negotiation of a new agreement with the Soviet Union, characterizing the deal as a diplomatic masterpiece. Nixon instructs Kissinger to brief the press on the significance of the agreement, emphasizing that the treaty's strength lies in the personal relationship between the leaders and the mutual commitment to avoid the use of force. They also express relief at avoiding potential congressional hurdles by deciding that formal legislative approval is not required for the treaty.
On June 22, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:58 pm and 2:02 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 041-044 of the White House Tapes.
On June 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 1:58 pm and 2:02 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 448-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the significant foreign policy success of the recent nuclear non-aggression agreement with Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. The two assess the political impact of the summit, noting that despite potential negative coverage from a Watergate-obsessed press, the administration's achievements have garnered praise even from political opponents like Robert McNamara. To capitalize on this momentum, Haig outlines plans for streamlined White House staff operations and consistent congressional outreach overseen by Melvin Laird during the President’s absence.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the importance of maintaining international treaties and the role of leadership intentions in upholding diplomatic agreements. The conversation touches upon the reliability of international allies and the necessity of ensuring administrative continuity within the White House. Nixon emphasizes the need for Haig to maintain constant oversight of operations, specifically noting that no personnel should depart without a clear transfer of responsibility.
On June 22, 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 2:08 pm and 3:31 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 448-008 of the White House Tapes.
On June 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 2:08 pm and 3:31 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 448-020 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met briefly with Bruce A. Kehrli to review and sign official administrative documents. Following the brief exchange of paperwork, the President concluded the meeting by wishing Kehrli well on an upcoming trip. No substantive policy matters were addressed during this short procedural encounter.
On June 22, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:48 pm and 3:49 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 946-020 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. to coordinate the White House's defensive strategy regarding John Dean’s anticipated testimony before the Ervin Committee. The participants discussed strategies to undermine Dean’s credibility by focusing on his financial activities, his potential misuse of funds, and his failure to adhere to conflict-of-interest standards. They also reviewed concerns regarding leaked documents, the media’s handling of Watergate coverage, and the perceived lack of objectivity by certain journalists and senators, aiming to prepare a public response to mitigate political damage.
On July 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:17 pm and 6:38 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 041-046 of the White House Tapes.
On July 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:38 pm and 6:39 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 041-047 of the White House Tapes.
On July 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:39 pm and 6:50 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 041-048 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles "Bebe" Rebozo discussed ongoing political pressures, specifically focusing on the Watergate hearings and the public perception of the administration. They expressed solidarity regarding the impending testimony of John N. Mitchell, while also coordinating a strategy to neutralize critical press inquiries—particularly those from Maxine Cheshire—regarding financial matters and property dealings involving Robert Abplanalp. Nixon emphasized his intention to stop personally addressing these allegations, signaling a move toward a more combative stance against his political detractors.
On July 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:19 am and 6:10 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 041-050 of the White House Tapes.
On July 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at 8:19 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 947-001 of the White House Tapes.
On July 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at 8:19 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 947-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to review the current state of media coverage regarding the Watergate scandal and the President's recent trip to Kansas City. They discussed the favorable impact of recent statements from John Mitchell and John Ehrlichman, which they believed countered damaging testimony from John Dean. The discussion also addressed the handling of internal memorandums and strategies to emphasize the President's actions during the April 15, 1973, meeting with Justice Department officials as evidence of his proper conduct.
President Nixon met with Vice President Agnew, top economic advisors, and a large group of Republican Congressional leaders to discuss the administration's current 60-day economic freeze and the development of a subsequent "Phase IV" program. The primary challenge identified was managing inflation and supply shortages—particularly in food—while avoiding the long-term economic damage of permanent price and wage controls. The President and his advisors sought Congressional support for a balanced budget and specific legislative measures, such as the release of strategic stockpiles, while acknowledging the significant political difficulty of passing unpopular fiscal reforms. Participants emphasized the need for a careful balance between short-term political relief and long-term economic stability to avoid the pitfalls of past rationing and supply-side distortions.
President Nixon met with his economic advisors and Cabinet members to debate the design of 'Phase IV' of his economic program, focusing on the appropriate speed for removing wage and price controls. The discussion centered on balancing the political need to curb inflation with the economic necessity of incentivizing production, particularly in the agricultural sector, where export controls and price ceilings had created supply shortages. The President and his team also addressed the critical need for a balanced federal budget to bolster business confidence, ultimately agreeing on the necessity of a tough, credible policy to stabilize the economy.
President Nixon met with his economic advisors and congressional leadership to strategize on Phase IV of the Economic Stabilization Program and urgent federal budget concerns. The discussion focused on balancing the fiscal year 1974 budget through potential spending cuts, vetoes of excessive appropriations, and the possibility of a tax increase. Additionally, the President and George Shultz evaluated the necessity of intervening in exchange markets to stabilize the U.S. dollar, ultimately deciding to proceed with modest market intervention.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate administrative tasks and address pending testimony preparations for H.R. "Bob" Haldeman. The President directed that Haldeman rely primarily on his own contemporaneous notes for his upcoming testimony, advising him to listen to the September 15, 1972, tape only if it contained information directly relevant to his notes. Additionally, they reviewed scheduling matters regarding a potential meeting with West German Minister Walter Scheel and the presentation of a report from the National Commission on Fire Prevention and Control.
On July 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:02 am and 11:22 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 947-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to coordinate White House strategy regarding the Watergate scandal and the forthcoming economic Phase IV program. They discussed the necessity of adopting a more aggressive posture against Democratic political maneuvers and media leaks, specifically expressing frustration with the performance of staff members who maintained unauthorized contacts with reporters. Nixon also evaluated the current Justice Department leadership, particularly Attorney General Elliot Richardson, emphasizing the need for loyal, decisive action in managing legal challenges and personnel appointments.
President Nixon met with outgoing Secretary of the Army Robert F. Froehlke to express appreciation for his service, specifically citing his contributions to the troop withdrawal from Vietnam and the end of the military draft. The discussion transitioned to the necessity of maintaining conventional military strength, with Nixon emphasizing the importance of public messaging regarding advancements like the B-1 bomber and missile development. The meeting concluded with the President presenting ceremonial gifts to Froehlke and offering his support for Froehlke's future endeavors in Wisconsin.
President Nixon met with an unknown individual to coordinate the logistics for the National Farm Family of the Year award presentation to the Buxton family. The discussion focused on managing press relations for the event, including the involvement of Gerald L. Warren and photographer Oliver F. Atkins. The meeting served as a brief administrative planning session to ensure proper media coverage and briefing protocols for the ceremony.
On July 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:28 pm and 12:29 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 947-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon hosted the Buxton family, the designated National Farm Family of the Year, alongside Agriculture Secretary Earl Butz and Senator Wallace Bennett for a ceremonial meeting in the Oval Office. The participants engaged in light conversation regarding the Buxtons' Utah farming operations, cattle ranching, and the rising costs of higher education. The President utilized the visit to present gifts to the guests and facilitate an official photo session with the press and White House staff.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President’s upcoming schedule, focusing on appointments with John A. Love, Charles H. Percy, John B. Connally, and various Republican senators. The discussion involved logistics for a forthcoming economic meeting in the Cabinet Room and the coordination of attendees including William E. Timmons, Ronald L. Ziegler, Anne L. Armstrong, and Peter M. Flanigan. Additionally, the pair addressed administrative details regarding the delivery of a briefcase and Bull’s responsibilities concerning a cabinet meeting.
On July 10, 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 12:45 pm and 12:50 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 448-010 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to discuss press strategy and the administration's ongoing response to the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the Ervin Committee hearings and testimony from figures like John Mitchell and Jeb Stuart Magruder. They addressed media concerns regarding government expenditures at San Clemente and Key Biscayne, strategizing how to justify these costs through General Services Administration (GSA) statements. The conversation also touched upon the administration's efforts to manage congressional relations and national economic messaging amidst the surrounding political turmoil.
On July 10, 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 1:20 pm and 2:51 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 448-012 of the White House Tapes.
On July 10, 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 1:20 pm and 2:51 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 448-013 of the White House Tapes.
On July 10, 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 1:20 pm and 2:51 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 448-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to discuss sensitive matters regarding the administration's taping system and the handling of specific recordings. Their dialogue focused on access to the September 15, 1972, tape by former aides, as well as the potential implications of the April 15, 1973, recording concerning a trip to California. The President emphasized discretion regarding these files, coordinating with Bull on who possessed knowledge of the tapes and how that information was being managed.
On July 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:51 pm and 2:52 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 947-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed the ongoing Watergate investigations, specifically focusing on the scope of Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox’s charter and their insistence that investigations be strictly limited to 1972 campaign-related activities. They also reviewed concerning reports regarding Vice President Spiro Agnew’s potential legal jeopardy in Maryland, comparing his situation to previous presidential campaigns. Finally, the two men reviewed the administration's legislative agenda, agreeing to delay a planned economic policy announcement and speech until after George Shultz’s upcoming trip to Japan.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to strategize the administration's upcoming "Phase IV" economic program, specifically discussing the timing and format for public and congressional announcements. They agreed to avoid a joint session of Congress to bypass "crisis" rhetoric, instead favoring a plan that uses briefings for congressional leaders and radio addresses to demonstrate decisive presidential leadership. Additionally, they reviewed recent Watergate-related developments, including John Mitchell's committee testimony, which they viewed as helpful to the President's position, and expressed continued frustration with the scope and personnel of the Archibald Cox special prosecution team.
On July 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:10 pm and 6:11 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 041-051 of the White House Tapes.
On July 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 6:10 pm and 6:11 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 947-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his personal aide, Manolo Sanchez, to coordinate the schedule of Julie Eisenhower. The discussion centered on confirming her arrival time at a residence and ensuring she would be available for dinner at the White House. Nixon instructed Sanchez to monitor her movements and utilize Secret Service agents to receive updates on her status.
On July 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 6:10 pm and 6:11 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 947-019 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler, William P. Rogers, and others to strategize regarding the ongoing Ervin Committee hearings and the credibility of witnesses like John N. Mitchell and John W. Dean III. The discussion focused on Mitchell's testimony, which presented a narrative favorable to the President by claiming Nixon lacked prior knowledge of the Watergate cover-up or the break-in. The participants analyzed the effectiveness of the White House's decision to remain publicly silent rather than launching an aggressive counter-campaign against Dean, concluding that this restrained approach enhanced Mitchell's credibility. The group also touched upon upcoming testimonies from other key figures and potential legislative or legal implications concerning Presidential authority and the Ellsberg break-in.
On July 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Thelma C. ("Pat") (Ryan) Nixon talked on the telephone from 6:12 pm to 6:13 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 041-052 of the White House Tapes.
On July 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:13 pm and 9:02 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 041-053 of the White House Tapes.
Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler briefs President Nixon on television news coverage regarding John N. Mitchell's testimony before the Ervin Committee. Ziegler reports that network coverage focused on Mitchell's claims that he withheld information from the President to protect his reelection efforts and his denials of prior knowledge regarding the Watergate break-in. Both participants conclude that the reporting of the testimony was favorable to the administration and highlighted the perceived credibility of Mitchell's defense of the President.
President Nixon and Charles G. ("Bebe") Rebozo discuss an ongoing, in-depth Internal Revenue Service (IRS) examination of Rebozo's financial records and personal expenditures. Rebozo expresses confidence that his counsel, Kenneth Gemmill, and his long-time accountant have properly managed the inquiry and that he will resist transferring his original documentation out of his personal control. They also briefly discuss John Mitchell's recent testimony before the Ervin Committee, with both men praising Mitchell's performance and perceived honesty.
On July 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:21 pm and 9:22 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 041-056 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, discussed her recent successful trip to Texas, where she received a positive reception from local Republicans and noted that the public responded enthusiastically to her introduction as the daughter of a peacemaker. The pair also briefly touched upon the President's upcoming schedule and the political fallout of the Watergate hearings. They specifically noted positive feedback regarding John Mitchell’s recent television testimony, which was perceived as effectively challenging the accounts of John Dean and Jeb Magruder.
On July 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:24 pm and 9:25 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 041-058 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, discussed their daily schedules and recent political developments during a brief phone call. The conversation focused heavily on the Senate Watergate hearings, with both agreeing that John Mitchell’s testimony was effective and superior to that of previous witnesses like Jeb Stuart Magruder and John W. Dean, III. Additionally, the President reflected on the positive reception he received during his recent trip to Kansas City, Missouri.
On July 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:15 am and 8:20 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 948-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull and Ronald L. Ziegler to coordinate control and access regarding White House tape recordings, particularly addressing requests from H.R. Haldeman to listen to specific conversations from March and April 1973. The President emphasized strict oversight of the recordings and authorized access only under controlled circumstances while reviewing the logistical concerns regarding the quality and content of those tapes. Additionally, the group discussed scheduling details for a forthcoming reception for Senators, with Nixon insisting on a rotation and reduction of White House staff attendees to improve the event's atmosphere.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss media coverage of the Watergate Ervin Committee hearings, specifically focusing on John N. Mitchell's testimony and the framing of his loyalty to the President. They evaluate the effectiveness of the White House’s response strategy and assess the positive reception of a recent BBC interview featuring Julie Nixon Eisenhower and David Eisenhower. The conversation also briefly touches upon current news leads regarding Soviet relations and Federal Reserve credit policy.
President Nixon met with Vice President Agnew and his Cabinet to discuss the transition from the current wage and price freeze to a "Phase IV" economic policy. The President emphasized the need to balance controlling inflation with maintaining domestic production, while acknowledging the political difficulty of removing controls due to congressional and public pressure. Key developments included the administration's resolve to move toward a free-market economy as quickly as possible, coupled with a renewed commitment to fiscal austerity and a balanced federal budget to bolster economic confidence.
President Nixon and Rose Mary Woods met to discuss the ongoing political fallout from the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the Ervin Committee hearings and the testimony of John N. Mitchell. They assessed the performances and loyalty of various administration figures, including John Dean, H.R. Haldeman, and John Ehrlichman, while criticizing media coverage of the proceedings. Additionally, the conversation touched upon the President's public relations strategy, the negative portrayal of the White House staff in the press, and general morale amidst the mounting pressures of the scandal.
President Nixon met with an unknown individual to coordinate his immediate schedule and upcoming engagements. The brief discussion focused on planning a press briefing and securing photographs on Capitol Hill. The President also confirmed his availability to meet with Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler regarding meal arrangements and further scheduling.
President Nixon consulted with an aide regarding his immediate schedule and the management of upcoming meetings with prominent political figures, including Hubert H. Humphrey and Gerald R. Ford. The discussion centered on logistics and the coordination of press attendance for these engagements. Nixon directed the staffer to finalize preparations to accommodate the arriving guests and the accompanying media presence.
President Richard Nixon met with Senator Hubert H. Humphrey, Representative Gerald R. Ford, Arthur B. Hanson, and William E. Timmons in the Oval Office to accept a commemorative medallion from the United States Capitol Historical Society. The group engaged in casual conversation regarding Bicentennial planning, specifically a Marine Corps-led replica project in Philadelphia, and discussed various academic and professional football programs, including the Washington Redskins and the Minnesota Vikings. The meeting concluded after a brief photo session and the exchange of personal gifts.
On July 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at 12:17 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 948-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum to clarify his priorities for the Department of Justice, specifically directing Attorney General Elliot L. Richardson to refocus the department's agenda. The President emphasized his dissatisfaction with the current trajectory, urging a strategic pivot from a focus on social justice back toward the administration’s original emphasis on law and order. This directive served as a formal articulation of the President’s expectations regarding the department's core objectives.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to discuss the administration's public relations strategy regarding the ongoing Watergate investigation, specifically focusing on the Senate Ervin Committee hearings and the testimony of John Mitchell and John Dean. They analyzed recent press coverage and commentary, particularly media skepticism toward Dean's credibility and the negative impact of his immunity deal. The President determined that he should address the public on Watergate in August to move past the scandal, intending to shift focus toward the fall legislative agenda and economic policy once the committee hearings concluded.
On July 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:10 pm and 2:28 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 041-060 of the White House Tapes.
On July 11, 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 1:20 pm and 2:51 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 448-015 of the White House Tapes.
On July 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:20 pm and 2:51 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 448-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss media coverage of the Watergate hearings, specifically expressing frustration that the television networks provided John Dean five days of coverage while limiting John Mitchell to one. They strategize on ways to pressure the media by highlighting perceived biases and reporting false constituent outrage to network executives. Additionally, they review the status of upcoming testimonies, including those of Richard A. Moore and Herbert Kalmbach, while denigrating the conduct of Senator Howard Baker.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss media management and the administration's public messaging strategy. The President emphasizes the importance of credibility and selectively managing public statements, specifically referencing his direct intervention to suppress certain information. They briefly touch upon the current media climate and speculate on the motives behind the exclusion of figures like John Mitchell from press coverage.
On July 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:34 pm and 3:00 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 448-018 of the White House Tapes.
On July 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:34 pm and 3:00 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 448-019 of the White House Tapes.
On July 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:00 pm and 3:03 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 948-011 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with John B. Connally to discuss the national economy, focusing on price and export controls, particularly concerning meat and agricultural products. They also touched upon the President's schedule, including an upcoming meeting with senators, and briefly discussed the Watergate scandal and its potential impact on public perception and upcoming testimony. Key decisions included a strategy to gradually phase out controls to maintain public confidence and a discussion on the timing and effects of export controls on agricultural goods.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to review administrative scheduling matters, including the availability of Alexander M. Haig, Jr. The primary objective involved coordinating invitations for an upcoming meeting with Secretary of Labor Peter J. Brennan. Nixon instructed Bull to relay a message to a secretary regarding a personal acquaintance from Long Island, ensuring that the appropriate follow-through was acknowledged despite an initial lapse in memory.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed the development and presentation strategy for the administration's upcoming economic 'Phase IV' package. Nixon expressed skepticism toward a proposed balanced budget, fearing political backlash from Congress and the potential for damaging veto battles, while exploring alternative formats for announcing the economic plan to business and labor leaders. The conversation also touched on the ongoing Watergate investigations, specifically the upcoming Ervin Committee testimony, and the necessity of maintaining internal discipline and control amid these distractions.
On July 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:06 pm and 7:07 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 041-062 of the White House Tapes.
On July 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at 5:06 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 948-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed administrative logistics regarding an upcoming retreat to Camp David, specifically weighing the social inclusion of staff counselors and their wives. Nixon expressed a preference for maintaining personal solitude during his downtime while ensuring he retains professional access to advisors like Mel Laird, Bryce Harlow, and Roy Ash if needed. Additionally, the President reviewed his legislative agenda, emphasizing the need to evaluate upcoming bills for potential vetoes to maintain a balanced budget heading into the election year.
On July 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:13 pm and 5:16 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 948-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler met to discuss public relations strategies regarding the ongoing Watergate investigation and the Ervin Committee hearings. They evaluated the performance of witnesses like John Mitchell and considered ways to shift the national narrative toward the President's economic initiatives and foreign policy successes. Ultimately, they decided that a more calculated, proactive public relations campaign—centered on a clear philosophical framework rather than just policy technicalities—was necessary to counter media hostility and move past the Watergate crisis by the fall.
On July 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:41 pm and 5:42 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 948-019 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Rose Mary Woods discussed the ongoing fallout from the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the recent Ervin Committee hearings and the testimony of John N. Mitchell. They reviewed the aggressive questioning tactics employed by Senator Lowell Weicker and compared them to the treatment of John Dean, while also discussing the President's public support and his reception during a recent trip to Kansas City. Woods reassured the President by sharing reports of positive correspondence and telephone calls from supporters, reinforcing a narrative of loyalty and resilience amidst the political pressure.
On July 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:47 pm and 2:15 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 949-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon held a brief, undocumented meeting with unidentified individuals in the Oval Office. Due to the lack of a transcript and limited metadata, the specific subject matter and objectives of this discussion remain unknown. The interaction concluded within approximately thirty minutes with the departure of the visitors.
President Nixon met with his doctors to discuss his ongoing health issues, specifically viral pneumonia, and the logistics of managing his public schedule and medical testing. Following these medical consultations, he met with Alexander Haig to review the administration's strategy regarding the Watergate investigation and the Ervin Committee hearings. Nixon expressed determination to maintain a firm stance against the committee's subpoenas, while the participants analyzed the testimony of key figures such as John Mitchell and John Dean. The meeting concluded with Nixon reaffirming his resolve to protect the presidency from perceived partisan attacks.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual in the Oval Office to facilitate a scheduled photography session. The discussion was limited to logistical arrangements regarding the President's public appearance and the immediate itinerary for the visitor. The meeting concluded quickly, with no substantive policy or political matters addressed.
President Nixon held a brief introductory meeting with West German Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Walter Scheel and his aide, Heinz Weiber, accompanied by Henry Kissinger. The discussion was limited to preliminary social exchanges and pleasantries. The group concluded the meeting by coordinating an arrangement for official photographs to be taken outside the Oval Office.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and West German Foreign Minister Walter Scheel met to coordinate a unified Western strategy for the upcoming "Year of Europe" initiative. The participants discussed the importance of balancing Atlantic partnership with European cooperation, emphasizing the need for a substantive, philosophically grounded declaration rather than a mere procedural communique. They also explored leveraging the Soviet Union's interest in an all-European summit to secure diplomatic concessions, while stressing the importance of maintaining close, personal channels of communication with European allies—particularly France and Great Britain—to ensure a cohesive stance.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to strategize on resisting the Senate Watergate Committee's demands for access to White House files and to manage the fallout from Senator Sam Ervin's recent public statements. Nixon expressed profound frustration with the committee's partisan nature and insisted on maintaining a rigid, "hard-line" position, refusing to grant the committee or special prosecutor Archibald Cox access to sensitive materials. The President ultimately decided to hold a private meeting with Senator Ervin, while specifically excluding other committee members like Howard Baker and Samuel Dash from the White House, as part of a broader effort to contain the investigation and assert executive privilege.
President Nixon and William E. Timmons met to discuss strategies for managing congressional relations and the ongoing Watergate investigations. The President expressed intense frustration with Senator Howard Baker’s conduct during the hearings, particularly his questioning of John Mitchell, and directed that Baker be denied further access to the White House. They also reviewed plans to engage supportive members of Congress through White House meetings to build a stronger political base, while dismissing the impact of John Dean’s testimony as a failure to implicate the President.
On July 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:22 pm and 4:25 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 949-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Richard E. Bland, W. Howard McClennan, and other members of the National Commission on Fire Prevention and Control to receive their report, titled "America Burning." The discussion focused on shifting national fire policy from suppression to prevention and addressed the risks posed by forest fires and residential fire hazards. Following the formal presentation, the President concluded the meeting by exchanging pleasantries and sharing anecdotes regarding his college football experiences.
President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods, Manolo Sanchez, and an unknown guest to discuss his ongoing recovery from viral pneumonia and his intense frustration regarding the Senate Watergate Committee hearings. Nixon expressed profound disapproval of Senator Howard Baker’s conduct during the hearings, declaring that Baker would no longer be welcome at the White House. Additionally, the President praised the testimony of John Mitchell and Richard Moore, contrasting their reliability with the accusations made by John Dean, and reaffirmed his administration's decision to withhold White House papers from the committee.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss the escalating political pressure of the Watergate investigation, specifically focusing on the Ervin Committee's demands for White House files and the recent testimony of John Mitchell and Richard Moore. Nixon and Kissinger strategized on how to maintain a firm stance against the committee's inquiries while managing the potential for a constitutional crisis. Additionally, they reviewed progress on the 'Year of Europe' foreign policy initiatives and discussed the optics of managing the President's current bout of viral pneumonia to garner public sympathy while maintaining a statesmanlike image.
President Nixon met with Alexander Haig, Ronald Ziegler, and Dr. Walter Tkach to discuss a two-fold crisis involving his deteriorating health and the escalating pressures from the Ervin Committee regarding Watergate. Nixon, suffering from a fever and fearing he may have viral pneumonia, debated the public relations implications of seeking hospital care, specifically how to avoid public perception of weakness while maintaining credibility. Simultaneously, the group strategized on resisting the Ervin Committee's demands for White House files, reaffirming their decision to reject any compromise and maintaining a hardline stance to avoid the appearance of a cover-up.
On July 12, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and Julie Nixon Eisenhower talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:07 pm and 7:50 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 041-063 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to summon Alexander Haig, Dr. William Lukash, Dr. Walter Tkach, and Ron Ziegler to the residence for an immediate meeting. The President directed the operator to assemble the group together to discuss unspecified matters. This brief interaction served as a logistical coordination to facilitate an urgent briefing or consultation with key staff and medical personnel.