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 25 of 211On June 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 7:15 pm and 7:19 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 258-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consults with John Mitchell and Henry Kissinger regarding the legal response to the New York Times' publication of classified documents. The participants agree to take a low-key, formal approach by putting the newspaper on legal notice while simultaneously initiating a covert investigation to identify the leakers. Nixon secures support for this stance by leveraging Henry Kissinger's report that former President Lyndon Johnson would publicly back actions taken to defend the integrity of government against such security breaches.
President Nixon, John Mitchell, and Henry Kissinger met to discuss the administration's response to the unauthorized publication of the Pentagon Papers and its potential impact on ongoing peace negotiations. The participants emphasized the need to defend government integrity against the leak while strategizing how to prevent political rhetoric from undermining the North Vietnamese incentive to negotiate. Additionally, Kissinger briefed the President on his upcoming Asia trip, highlighting the diplomatic importance of the China initiative and the necessity of maintaining operational secrecy during his travels.
On June 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:22 pm and 7:37 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 005-071 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon engaged in a brief telephone conversation. The discussion was personal in nature, as indicated by its status as a withdrawn personal item. No substantive policy matters or administrative decisions were recorded or disclosed from this exchange.
President Richard Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon discussed recent media coverage, specifically focusing on a magazine cover feature and public reception. The pair exchanged observations regarding the quality of photographs and the broader impact of televised media compared to print. The brief exchange served as an informal check-in on their respective public impressions and upcoming schedule commitments.
On June 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:41 pm and 7:48 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 005-073 of the White House Tapes.
On June 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:41 pm and 7:48 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 005-074 of the White House Tapes.
On June 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 7:41 pm and 7:48 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 258-013 of the White House Tapes.
On June 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 7:41 pm and 7:48 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 258-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard Nixon engaged in a brief personal telephone conversation with his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox. The recording consists almost entirely of redacted segments classified as personal and returnable, providing no substantive insight into political or administrative affairs. Consequently, there are no policy decisions or official action items resulting from this brief exchange.
President Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, engage in a brief, informal check-in regarding recent media coverage and personal scheduling. The discussion touches upon positive feedback concerning television appearances and mentions an upcoming meeting with an ambassador. The exchange concludes with a brief mention of future plans involving travel to San Diego.
President Richard Nixon spoke with his close associate Charles G. “Bebe” Rebozo in a brief telephone conversation. The entire substantive portion of the call was designated as personal and subsequently withdrawn from public release. Consequently, there is no record of discussed topics, policy decisions, or specific developments available for historical analysis.
President Nixon and his close associate Bebe Rebozo discuss logistics for an upcoming personal trip, specifically canceling planned travel to Maine in favor of visiting Rebozo's home in Florida. Nixon outlines a plan to inform First Lady Pat Nixon of the change after confirming her schedule. The two also briefly touch upon the positive public reception of a recent wedding, noting its non-controversial nature.
On June 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 7:55 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 005-077 of the White House Tapes.
On June 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 7:55 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 258-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss a strategy to pressure NBC into rebroadcasting the coverage of Tricia Nixon Cox's wedding during prime time. The President suggests mobilizing key administration figures like Charles Colson and influential corporate allies to lobby the network through letters and direct outreach from major advertisers. Nixon frames this as a positive public relations effort, specifically requesting that Colson coordinate the campaign to ensure the rebroadcast occurs by the following week.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss a strategic plan to exert pressure on the television networks by leveraging the influence of major corporate advertisers. Nixon proposes focusing on a single network to create a high-profile confrontation, aiming to manipulate media coverage through economic coercion. The brief exchange reflects the administration's ongoing efforts to challenge and undermine perceived hostile media outlets.
President Nixon met with Republican Congressional leaders to discuss the administration’s new, multi-pronged national strategy for combating drug abuse, emphasizing a shift toward treatment, rehabilitation, and the creation of a centralized Special Action Office. During the discussion, Nixon and his team outlined plans for increased interdiction, expanded military detoxification programs, and a firm, non-permissive stance against the legalization of marijuana. Furthermore, the participants addressed the political climate surrounding the Vietnam War, with Nixon urging support against anti-war amendments and arguing that congressional deadlines for withdrawal would undermine sensitive ongoing negotiations.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield and Stephen B. Bull in the Oval Office to coordinate his daily schedule. The primary focus of the discussion involved administrative planning for upcoming meetings with Kenneth B. Keating and Arthur K. Watson. The brief interaction served as a routine logistical briefing to manage the President’s agenda for the day.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule and prioritize preparation time for an important meeting with West German Chancellor Willy Brandt. They evaluated the necessity of a meeting with Arthur K. Watson and discussed timing adjustments for an event involving the Association of Real Estate Boards. Ultimately, the two agreed to postpone the Watson meeting to ensure Nixon had sufficient time to review briefing materials for his diplomatic engagements.
On June 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:48 am and 9:56 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 520-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and various officials to discuss urgent administration challenges, specifically the unauthorized publication of the Pentagon Papers and strategies to combat press leaks and political criticism. The conversation transitioned into a broader policy meeting with representatives from the National Association of Real Estate Boards regarding the President's revenue sharing initiatives, housing market stabilization, and rising construction costs. Nixon emphasized the importance of aligning administration rhetoric on taxes and housing to bolster support among key stakeholders.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and Ron Ziegler met to coordinate the administration's public relations and legal strategy regarding the leaking of the Pentagon Papers and pending Vietnam legislation. The President emphasized a firm stance against the New York Times' publication of classified documents, framing the administration's legal injunction as a necessary defense of government integrity rather than a partisan effort to shield previous administrations. They also discussed managing congressional support for Vietnam policy and the importance of maintaining strict secrecy around sensitive diplomatic negotiations, including ongoing back-channel communications with China and the Soviet Union.
On June 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:59 am and 11:02 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 520-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and West German Chancellor Willy Brandt met in the Oval Office to coordinate their respective diplomatic strategies regarding the Soviet Union, Berlin, and European security. The two leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining a unified stance on Berlin negotiations and the potential ratification of treaties, while navigating the delicate balance of maintaining U.S. troop presence and European defense burden-sharing. They also discussed broader geopolitical challenges, including the rise of Japan, relations with the People’s Republic of China, and the ongoing crisis between India and Pakistan, reaffirming their commitment to close cooperation and open channels of communication.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to prepare for an upcoming press conference by reviewing potential inquiries regarding the President's meeting with West German Chancellor Willy Brandt. The discussion centered on foreign policy and economic issues, including Berlin negotiations, Mutual and Balanced Force Reduction (MBFR), NATO relations, and international monetary policy. Nixon commended Secretary of State William P. Rogers for his briefing work, and Ziegler concluded the session to prepare for his own press briefing.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate strategy regarding sensitive international negotiations, including Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT), relations with the People's Republic of China, and the ongoing war in Vietnam. They discussed managing diplomatic obstacles, such as the potential for an undesirable five-power conference, while Kissinger prepared for upcoming meetings with Soviet ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin. Furthermore, the two prioritized maintaining strict control over sensitive records to circumvent potential leaks from the State and Defense Department bureaucracies, which Nixon explicitly stated he no longer trusted.
On June 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:45 pm and 12:54 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 520-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed a wide range of administrative and public relations strategies, including managing press coverage for upcoming presidential trips and dealing with the political fallout of the Pentagon Papers. The President emphasized his desire to treat the Pentagon Papers leak as a breach of national security and directed his staff to maintain a policy of refusing to comment on the previous administration's actions. Additionally, they reviewed personnel matters, such as the resignation of Robert C. Hill and a request from Donald L. Jackson, and finalized plans to improve media outreach regarding Vietnam troop withdrawals.
On June 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House from 2:15 pm to 2:16 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 520-013 of the White House Tapes.
On June 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:15 pm and 2:19 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 521-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, Charles Colson, and H.R. Haldeman met to discuss administration strategies regarding the unauthorized publication of the Pentagon Papers and ongoing political maneuvering. They resolved to take a hard-line stance on the New York Times by framing the leak as a reckless breach of national security, while emphasizing that the issue was a "family quarrel" belonging to the previous administration. Additionally, the participants reviewed the status of various Democratic presidential contenders—including Ted Kennedy, Hubert Humphrey, and Henry "Scoop" Jackson—and analyzed potential tactics to exploit their weaknesses and internal party divisions.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin met to discuss a Soviet proposal for a Five Powers nuclear conference and broader bilateral relations. The participants prioritized maintaining confidential diplomatic channels to foster progress on critical issues such as SALT and the status of Berlin. Nixon emphasized that substantive results on these matters are more significant than public rhetoric and underscored the necessity of managing tensions in volatile regions like the Middle East to avoid unintended escalation.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss high-level foreign policy developments, including ongoing diplomatic channels with the Soviet Union and the PRC, while expressing frustration over the persistent challenges posed by the press and political establishment. The conversation focused heavily on the recent publication of the Pentagon Papers, which both men viewed as a direct attack on the integrity of the presidency rather than just the previous administration. In response to these perceived threats, Nixon and Kissinger strategized on how to manage media access and tighten administrative controls to prevent further unauthorized leaks.
President Nixon met with Arthur K. Watson, U.S. Ambassador to France, and Col. Richard T. Kennedy to discuss sensitive foreign policy matters, including a controversial proposed loan involving Algerian oil and the administration's firm stance against expropriation without adequate compensation. Nixon expressed strong disapproval of the State Department's handling of the deal and directed his staff to ensure that no U.S. policy encourages foreign entities to seize assets without fair payment. The participants also touched upon the negative impact of recent leaks, such as the Pentagon Papers, and addressed administrative and funding matters related to the U.S. embassy in France.
President Nixon met with John Mitchell, John Ehrlichman, and Ronald Ziegler to discuss the administration's aggressive response to the New York Times' publication of the Pentagon Papers. Nixon characterized the leak as an attack on the presidency and a national security crisis, demanding that his staff sever all contact with the Times and pursue legal action against the newspaper and individuals like Daniel Ellsberg. The participants strategized on framing the documents as the "Kennedy-Johnson Papers" to shift blame to previous administrations while emphasizing the necessity of protecting classified information.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate upcoming appointments with Kenneth B. Keating and Henry A. Kissinger. Following Bull's departure, Manolo Sanchez joined the President to discuss the ongoing fallout from the publication of the Pentagon Papers in The New York Times. The brief exchange focused on administrative scheduling and the immediate impact of the security leak.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and other staff members to discuss administration strategy regarding the publication of the Pentagon Papers and internal scheduling matters. The participants focused on framing the controversy as a "family quarrel" between the Kennedy-Johnson administrations and emphasizing the threat to national security, while coordinating a legal and public relations response. They also evaluated upcoming press conference strategy, including the potential for audience overexposure and the merits of adjusting prime-time scheduling.
President Nixon met with Ambassador Kenneth Keating and Henry Kissinger to discuss the evolving political climate in India following Indira Gandhi’s decisive election victory, as well as the escalating humanitarian crisis in East Pakistan. The group explored strategies for the President's upcoming meeting with the Indian Foreign Minister, specifically focusing on providing economic assistance to alleviate the refugee burden while avoiding direct entanglement in the internal conflict between India and Pakistan. Additionally, Nixon and Kissinger addressed the national security implications of the leaked Pentagon Papers, expressing deep frustration with the New York Times and the broader intellectual establishment, while reviewing progress on sensitive diplomatic channels with China and the Soviet Union.
On June 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:03 pm and 6:21 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 005-079 of the White House Tapes.
On June 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:03 pm and 6:21 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 005-080 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the administration's strategic response to the publication of the Pentagon Papers, focusing on mobilizing editorial support to counter the New York Times. Nixon emphasizes the need to frame the unauthorized disclosure of secret documents as a violation of law and suggests leveraging William P. Rogers to spearhead this public messaging campaign. The pair also touches on an upcoming congressional vote and the status of Vietnam peace negotiations regarding the release of prisoners of war.
President Nixon held a brief administrative interaction with a White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. The discussion served as a logistical bridge to connect the President with another party for official business. No substantive policy matters or decisions were recorded during this brief exchange.
President Nixon initiated a brief exchange with the White House operator to facilitate an outgoing call. No substantive policy matters or political developments were addressed during this short interaction. The conversation serves primarily as a logistical link to connect the President to another party.
President Nixon and Charles W. Colson discussed strategies to generate public and political backlash against the New York Times following its publication of the Pentagon Papers. Nixon directed Colson to mobilize support from constituent groups like veterans and labor unions, while encouraging congressional allies to publicly condemn the leaks as a threat to national security and government integrity. The conversation focused on framing the issue not as a debate over the public's right to know, but as a dangerous act of disloyalty that compromised classified contingency plans and empowered the nation's enemies.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies to counter the publication of the Pentagon Papers by the New York Times. Nixon asserts that the newspaper's actions jeopardize national security and represent an attempt to place the press above the law. To combat the "right to know" narrative, Nixon directs Colson to mobilize congressional allies to publicly frame the leaks as a disloyal threat to the integrity of government.
On June 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 6:28 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 005-082 of the White House Tapes.
On June 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 6:28 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 261-005 of the White House Tapes.
On June 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 6:29 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 005-083 of the White House Tapes.
On June 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:29 pm and 6:34 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 005-084 of the White House Tapes.
On June 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 6:29 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 261-006 of the White House Tapes.
On June 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 6:34 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 005-085 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon held a brief administrative interaction with a White House operator in his office at the Old Executive Office Building. The engagement served as a routine communication task, though the absence of a transcript prevents specific identification of the subjects addressed. This meeting functioned as a standard coordination effort between the President and the White House telecommunications staff.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell discuss the administration's strategic response to the publication of the Pentagon Papers. Mitchell confirms that Secretary of State William Rogers has agreed to issue a public statement, which will be vetted by the White House to ensure it employs strong, evocative language regarding national security breaches. The pair express their determination to sway public opinion against the media's actions and discuss the appointment of Judge Murray Gurfein to handle the case.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell discuss strategies to manipulate public perception regarding a security breach, specifically emphasizing the need to manufacture a narrative that links the incident to a church. The participants focus on orchestrating a leak or public disclosure to discredit their opponents rather than merely pursuing a standard legal or technical investigation. Nixon commends Mitchell’s tactical approach, signaling approval for these deceptive information operations.
On June 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:38 pm and 6:44 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 005-087 of the White House Tapes.
On June 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:38 pm and 6:44 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 005-088 of the White House Tapes.
On June 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 6:38 pm and 6:44 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 261-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Secretary of State William P. Rogers discuss the administration's strategic response to the publication of the Pentagon Papers, specifically praising Rogers' recent press statement regarding the breach of foreign diplomatic security. The two men agree to reframe the documents as the "Kennedy-Johnson papers" to shift focus away from the current administration. Additionally, they discuss an upcoming meeting with West German Chancellor Willy Brandt and express concerns regarding the judicial handling of the temporary injunction against the New York Times by Judge Murray I. Gurfein.
President Nixon and Secretary of State William P. Rogers held a brief consultation regarding the administration's ongoing diplomatic strategy in Vietnam. The discussion touched upon the dissemination of information and the President's upcoming public presentation concerning the conflict. Nixon expressed a desire to personally reflect on these developments while acknowledging the complexities involved in managing current foreign policy perceptions.
President Nixon instructed Alexander P. Butterfield to contact Senator John Sherman Cooper regarding the attendance of Ambassador Kenneth Keating at a White House dinner. Nixon aimed to coordinate Keating's presence at the dinner alongside Cooper, despite Cooper already hosting an event for Keating that same evening. Butterfield was tasked with inviting Cooper to bring Keating to the White House dinner, ensuring the invitation did not appear to be an intrusion on Cooper's existing social engagement.
President Nixon directs Alexander P. Butterfield to contact Senator John Sherman Cooper regarding a social invitation for a woman named Katie. The President explicitly instructs Butterfield to ensure Cooper knows that the President was aware of the situation and that Katie is included in the invitation. This brief interaction serves as a routine coordination of White House social communications.
On June 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:02 am and 5:10 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 005-093 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and others to strategize on managing various administration challenges, specifically the public relations fallout from the Pentagon Papers leak and the need to improve the effectiveness of White House social functions. The President directed staff to create a structured plan for Cabinet members and senior officials to engage more effectively with guests at White House dinners to maximize political and personal influence. Regarding the Pentagon Papers, the group discussed separating the legal issue of government secrecy from the political debate over the origins of the Vietnam War, and they considered shifting the public focus toward the perceived failures of previous Democratic administrations. Additionally, they reviewed domestic policy updates, including farm policy publicity and potential labor-related nominations.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, and other key advisors to formulate the administration's strategic response to the unauthorized publication of the Pentagon Papers. The President emphasized a firm, unified messaging approach that distinguishes between the protection of classified national security information and the political culpability of the previous administrations, while also directing staff to maintain strict discipline regarding press access. Furthermore, the meeting addressed pressing foreign and domestic policy matters, including the need for a bipartisan response to the drug crisis, the management of relations with West German Chancellor Willy Brandt, and the long-term support strategy for South Vietnam.
On June 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:07 pm and 12:26 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 522-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Ambassador E. Ross Adair and his wife to discuss the Ambassador's upcoming assignment to Ethiopia and broader foreign policy concerns. The President emphasized the critical importance of succession planning for aging leaders like Emperor Haile Selassie and Francisco Franco to ensure stability and avoid future revolutionary upheaval. Additionally, they reviewed diplomatic logistics regarding a potential visit by the Ethiopian Crown Prince and the challenges of managing small, unstable nations within the context of American foreign policy.
President Nixon met with Herbert G. Klein, Stanley S. Scott, and Oliver Atkins to welcome Scott to the White House staff and discuss the administration's minority appointment strategy. Nixon emphasized his desire to integrate qualified African Americans and women into high-level positions across various sectors, such as the judiciary and federal commissions, rather than limiting them to civil rights-focused roles. The President expressed his commitment to a 'color-blind' hiring approach and encouraged Scott to remain resilient in his new, challenging position.
President Nixon met with Herbert G. Klein, Ronald L. Ziegler, and a large delegation from the White House News Photographers Association (WHNPA) to commemorate the organization's anniversary. The group presented the President with ceremonial bookends crafted from historic U.S. Capitol bricks and discussed the vital role of photography in documenting history. During the exchange, Nixon expressed his personal preference for visual imagery over written text and briefly engaged with the photographers regarding the technical aspects of camera use.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler strategized on how to frame the White House's public response to the New York Times' publication of the Pentagon Papers. They agreed to shift the narrative from the suppression of information to the criminal nature of the leak and its potential threat to national security, particularly regarding sensitive diplomatic negotiations like SALT and MBFR. Nixon emphasized the necessity of prosecuting Daniel Ellsberg to establish a deterrent against future security breaches and directed Ziegler to portray the press as reckless and implicate the previous Democratic administrations in the origins of the Vietnam War.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and Alexander Butterfield to finalize details regarding his upcoming meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Swaran Singh, specifically confirming the list of diplomatic participants including Henry Kissinger and Kenneth Keating. The group also coordinated logistics for a visit by the Rural Electrification Youth group, discussing the President’s potential participation in greeting them on the South Lawn. Nixon weighed his scheduling constraints against the public relations value of interacting with the visiting youth group.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Stephen B. Bull coordinated a surprise appearance by the President to address a group of women touring the White House. The participants discussed the logistics of the 'drop-by' and the content of the remarks Nixon would provide to the group. The meeting concluded with preparations to integrate the unscheduled greeting into the President's ongoing public relations agenda.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman reviewed the administration's political strategy, focusing on the benefits of impromptu presidential appearances versus scheduled events to maximize press coverage and mitigate protests. They discussed scheduling for upcoming trips to the Midwest and California, specifically emphasizing the need for the President to have a period of rest while framing the time away as focused on federal budget reviews. The conversation also touched upon managing public relations regarding partisan attacks from Democrats, the use of media documentaries to shape the President's image, and the coordination of the July 4th holiday period.
On June 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:15 pm and 2:58 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 523-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Indian Foreign Minister Swaran Singh, Ambassador Lakshmi Kant Jha, Ambassador Kenneth B. Keating, and Joseph J. Sisco to discuss the escalating refugee crisis in East Pakistan and the broader India-Pakistan conflict. While acknowledging the humanitarian urgency and pledging $70 million in U.S. financial aid, Nixon emphasized the necessity of "quiet diplomacy" over public pressure to influence Pakistani leadership toward a political solution. The discussion underscored Nixon's efforts to prevent an armed conflict and his frustration with other nations that offered rhetorical support without matching financial contributions.
On June 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 3:41 pm and 3:43 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 523-003 of the White House Tapes.
In this meeting, President Nixon met with administration officials and businessman Charles Bluhdorn to discuss foreign policy concerns, specifically the implications of the Sugar Act and the treatment of U.S.-friendly nations in Latin America. Bluhdorn, representing Gulf and Western, lobbied the President to protect the Dominican Republic's sugar quotas, arguing that the administration should favor loyal allies over countries that engage in the expropriation of American assets. Nixon expressed strong support for rewarding friendly nations, criticizing the State Department's perceived leniency toward countries like Peru, Bolivia, and Chile, and directed his staff to pursue a more assertive policy in Congress regarding trade quotas and investment protections.
On June 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, Stephen B. Bull, and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House from 4:29 pm to 4:30 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 523-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with John M. O'Neill and other representatives of Vietnam Veterans for a Just Peace to discuss the political challenges of the Vietnam War and efforts to counter anti-war sentiment led by figures like John Kerry. Nixon expressed his appreciation for the group's public support, framing the conflict as a test of national resolve and criticizing the media and 'Eastern establishment' for their lack of patriotism. The conversation emphasized the necessity of staying the course to avoid the geopolitical consequences of abandonment, with Nixon invoking the legacy of Munich to argue for presidential leadership over public opinion polls.
On June 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Rose Mary Woods talked on the telephone from 5:10 pm to 5:11 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 005-094 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and key staff members to discuss administration strategy regarding the unauthorized publication of the Pentagon Papers and the public messaging for a new drug policy. Regarding the Pentagon Papers, the participants analyzed the shifting public and press sentiment, with Nixon deciding to withhold a formal presidential statement for the moment while exploring potential leaks concerning the Kennedy administration. Simultaneously, they deliberated the format for a drug policy announcement, ultimately rejecting a request for prime-time television in favor of a concise, high-impact radio or press room statement to emphasize the administration's proactive stance. The President also evaluated political polling data and coordination efforts within the Domestic Council to ensure that upcoming legislative and public initiatives were effectively managed.
On June 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 7:46 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 005-095 of the White House Tapes.
On June 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 7:47 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 005-096 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler reviewed public and media reaction to the ongoing publication of the Pentagon Papers, specifically focusing on the performance of New York Times publisher Arthur O. Sulzberger and commentary by Maxwell Taylor and Howard K. Smith. Ziegler briefed the President on potential administration strategies, including comparing the current leak to historical precedents regarding the declassification of intelligence, such as the World War II Japanese fleet movements. The two agreed to maintain their current course of action and wait for further assessments before determining additional responses.
On June 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 7:56 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 005-098 of the White House Tapes.
On June 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Thelma C. ("Pat") (Ryan) Nixon talked on the telephone at 7:57 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 005-099 of the White House Tapes.
On June 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone from 7:58 pm to 8:22 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 005-100 of the White House Tapes.
On June 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 8:07 pm and 8:22 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 258-019 of the White House Tapes.
On June 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 8:07 pm and 8:22 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 258-020 of the White House Tapes.
On June 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 8:07 pm and 8:22 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 258-021 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon utilized this session to dictate correspondence to Leonard H. Goldenson of ABC and William S. Paley of CBS regarding recent wedding coverage. The letters specifically highlighted the roles of Charles W. Colson and White House staff, while also touching upon the New York Times. These communications served as a formal acknowledgment of the network executives' cooperation with the administration.
On June 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 8:07 pm and 8:22 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 258-023 of the White House Tapes.
On June 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 8:07 pm and 8:22 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 258-024 of the White House Tapes.
On June 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 8:07 pm and 8:22 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 258-025 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the legal strategy regarding the New York Times' publication of the Pentagon Papers and the potential risks of initiating a grand jury investigation. They express concern over the possibility of an adverse court ruling during the temporary restraining order period and the optics of halting a grand jury process prematurely. Consequently, they decide to coordinate with Attorney General John Mitchell to assess the timing of the legal proceedings while allowing the FBI investigation into the source of the leak to continue vigorously.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the status of a grand jury investigation and the implications of potential delays. Nixon seeks clarification on Attorney General John Mitchell's position regarding the scheduling of legal proceedings. The participants emphasize the need for coordinated oversight, with Nixon asserting his intent to maintain control and personally verify the status of the situation.
On June 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:25 pm and 8:31 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 005-102 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard M. Nixon spoke with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, during a brief evening telephone call. The conversation consisted entirely of material classified as personal and returnable, resulting in the full withdrawal of the recording from the public archive. No official business or substantive policy decisions were documented in the transcript.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, for an informal end-of-day discussion in the Old Executive Office Building. The conversation primarily served as a brief personal check-in between the two regarding the day's events and logistical matters. No major policy decisions or significant administrative actions were recorded during this short exchange.