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 7 of 211President Nixon met with New Zealand Prime Minister Keith Holyoake and U.S. Chief of Protocol Emil Mosbacher, joined later by Henry Kissinger, to discuss bilateral trade concerns and international security. The conversation focused on New Zealand's agricultural interests—specifically lamb exports and the impact of Great Britain’s potential entry into the European Economic Community—alongside the geopolitical situation in Southeast Asia. Nixon reaffirmed his commitment to a structured U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam to ensure South Vietnam’s survival, while Holyoake briefed the President on his upcoming diplomatic travel to London to meet with Commonwealth leaders regarding regional security.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate upcoming executive scheduling and logistical arrangements. The discussion primarily focused on the itinerary and fundraising presentation for an upcoming dinner with W. Clement Stone, as well as preparations for meetings with economic advisors and government officials. Additionally, they reviewed logistical details for gifts for international dignitaries and clarified the status of certain judicial appointments and administrative personnel.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss strategies for managing the President's public image and media relations, specifically focusing on television appearances and magazine coverage. They reflect on the President's past communication style, his desire to move away from prepared scripts, and his concerns regarding network relations. Furthermore, the discussion includes plans for leveraging the popularity of Julie Nixon Eisenhower for media opportunities and ensuring editorial control over potential magazine features.
On April 8, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:23 pm and 5:28 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-048 of the White House Tapes.
On April 8, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:23 pm and 5:28 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-049 of the White House Tapes.
On April 8, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:37 pm and 9:57 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-050 of the White House Tapes.
On April 8, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 9:57 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-051 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman debrief on a dinner for donor W. Clement Stone, where the President addressed attendees, including Senator Charles Percy. Nixon describes challenging Percy's political stance on the Supersonic Transport (SST) and national defense while gauging the enthusiastic reaction of his supporters. The two men also discuss the positive public reception of Nixon's April 7th speech, noting favorable reactions from business leaders and media coverage featuring Mamie Eisenhower.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the positive public and political reception of the President's April 7th Vietnam speech, noting that even business leaders viewed the administration's policy favorably. The two agreed to maintain a disciplined communication strategy by instructing Press Secretary Ron Ziegler to refuse further questions regarding specific withdrawal dates, thereby preserving strategic flexibility. Additionally, they reviewed the status of the Lt. William Calley controversy, concluding that the administration should allow legal processes to unfold while Kissinger works to encourage Defense Secretary Melvin Laird to moderate his public commentary on Vietnam and other sensitive issues.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:40 am and 10:02 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-054 of the White House Tapes.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:40 am and 8:52 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 476-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met briefly to discuss the aesthetic specifications for a picture frame and review the President’s upcoming schedule. Nixon requested a gold-style frame for a piece of property, emphasizing a specific color and appearance. Bull also updated the President regarding an imminent meeting involving David Eisenhower.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:40 am and 8:52 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 476-005 of the White House Tapes.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:40 am and 8:52 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 476-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Ronald Ziegler met to discuss the public and political fallout following the President's April 7, 1971, speech on Southeast Asia. A primary concern was the misleading interpretation by Senator Hugh Scott and others regarding the President's position on a fixed date for troop withdrawal, which Nixon insisted must remain flexible to avoid jeopardizing negotiations and the return of POWs. Additionally, the participants reviewed the administration's economic message, criticized the current "packaging" of their legislative programs, and discussed strategies for future media appearances and press briefings to ensure staff discipline and message consistency.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. talked on the telephone from 10:03 am to 10:27 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-055 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with George Shultz and Alexander Haig to discuss the administration's economic and defense strategies. Nixon expressed strong support for retaining Paul McCracken as a steady hand on the economy, despite internal rumors of his potential departure. The President also outlined a highly confidential, multi-pronged approach to international relations, emphasizing the need for absolute secrecy regarding potential ABM agreements with the Soviet Union and the use of hard-line tactics to pressure North Vietnam into negotiations before the upcoming political window closed.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone from 10:27 am to 10:28 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-056 of the White House Tapes.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, unknown person(s), and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:27 am and 10:28 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 476-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the reception of the President's recent dinner for donor W. Clement Stone and the positive reaction to his public remarks. Nixon specifically reviews his implicit criticism of Senator Charles H. Percy regarding the Supersonic Transport (SST) controversy, which Colson praises for its effective delivery. The conversation also highlights the strong approval from core supporters regarding the President's recent April 7th speech and his emphasis on American global leadership.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the importance of fostering patriotism among a specific group of supporters who have demonstrated financial loyalty to the administration. Nixon reflects on the necessity of ensuring these individuals feel a broader sense of commitment to America's global role, emphasizing that this psychological alignment outweighs other political concerns. The brief exchange concludes with an affirmation of their shared belief in the effectiveness of this approach to maintaining supporter morale.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:31 am and 11:01 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-058 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Paul W. McCracken to urge him to remain as Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, dismissing press speculation about his resignation as a potential negative signal for the administration's economic policy. The two discussed future leadership, including potential candidates like James R. Schlesinger and Ezra Solomon to replace outgoing members, and emphasized the need for a unified approach to economic management. Nixon also established a task force—consisting of Peter M. Flanigan, John B. Connally, and Maurice H. Stans—to address business community frustrations regarding federal regulations and labor costs.
President Nixon instructed Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to preemptively address a speculative Washington Post report suggesting that Paul McCracken, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, was planning to resign. Nixon directed Ziegler to dismiss the story as entirely unfounded during the upcoming press briefing. By affirming the President's full confidence in McCracken’s leadership and policies, Nixon aimed to stabilize the administration's economic messaging.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at 11:05 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 476-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with David M. Kennedy and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. to discuss Kennedy’s recent diplomatic trip to Asia, focusing on economic and political conditions in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. They evaluated the effectiveness of U.S. aid programs and the conduct of embassy staff, with Nixon expressing a strong desire to replace existing economic advisors with private-sector CEOs to better promote stability and self-reliance. Additionally, Nixon directed Haig to aggressively reduce the number of Peace Corps personnel in the Pacific territories, citing concerns over their behavior and political leanings.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Leonard Garment, Robert Finch, and Nancy Hanks to discuss arts policy, including appointments to the Hirshhorn Museum Board of Trustees and the President's upcoming speech at an Associated Councils of the Arts conference. The participants also explored strategies to support the struggling American film industry through tax incentives and antitrust relief while emphasizing the need for higher-quality, story-driven domestic productions. Additionally, the President reviewed positive public opinion polling data following his recent speech on Southeast Asia and decided against a televised question-and-answer session with the American Society of Newspaper Editors to avoid overexposure and continued debate on the Vietnam War.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met briefly to coordinate their respective daily schedules and upcoming appointments. They discussed timing adjustments for meetings involving General Alexander Haig, David M. Kennedy, and policy deliberations concerning Pakistan. Ultimately, the two agreed to reconvene later in the afternoon to accommodate Kissinger's attendance at Good Friday services.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:35 pm and 1:47 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-060 of the White House Tapes.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:35 pm and 1:47 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-061 of the White House Tapes.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:35 pm and 1:47 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-062 of the White House Tapes.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:35 pm and 1:47 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 476-017 of the White House Tapes.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:35 pm and 1:47 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 476-018 of the White House Tapes.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:35 pm and 1:47 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 476-019 of the White House Tapes.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:35 pm and 1:47 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 476-020 of the White House Tapes.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:35 pm and 1:47 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 476-021 of the White House Tapes.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:35 pm and 1:47 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 476-022 of the White House Tapes.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:35 pm and 1:47 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 476-023 of the White House Tapes.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:35 pm and 1:47 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 476-024 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur F. Burns regarding a recent cabinet briefing on international economic policy delivered by Peter G. Peterson. Nixon tasked Burns with reviewing the briefing materials and requested an independent analysis of how antiquated U.S. antitrust laws affect the competitiveness of domestic industries, particularly the struggling aviation sector, against state-subsidized foreign entities. Following the discussion, Peterson joined the call to coordinate a time for Burns to review the presentation materials and further discuss these economic strategies.
President Nixon met with Arthur Burns, Henry Kissinger, and Peter Peterson to strategize on economic policy, focusing on the Council on International Economic Policy (CIEP) and the need for long-range economic planning to combat foreign competition. Nixon instructed his advisors to present Peterson's economic briefings to a broad audience—including Cabinet members, congressional leaders, and business executives—while emphasizing the necessity of a bipartisan approach to trade and anti-trust reform. Additionally, the President and Kissinger reviewed the current status of the Vietnam War, reaffirming their commitment to Vietnamization and total withdrawal while deliberately avoiding a fixed terminal date to maintain leverage in ongoing negotiations.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Ronald Ziegler met to strategize regarding the President's Easter Sunday church attendance, specifically aiming to avoid potential anti-war demonstrations. They discussed managing press reports that inaccurately predicted the President would attend services at a Gettysburg church alongside Mrs. Eisenhower. To mitigate security risks and prevent protests, Nixon decided to keep his schedule vague and pivot to a different, less predictable church near Camp David at the last minute.
President Nixon initiated this call to personally express his gratitude to Judge Thomas F. Murphy for his distinguished public service and his pivotal role in the Alger Hiss case. The two reflected briefly on the difficulties of that historical prosecution and their shared connection to Whittaker Chambers. Concluding the pleasantry, the President promised to send Murphy a presidential golf ball to mark his retirement from the bench.
On April 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 3:34 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 476-027 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon hosted opera singer Marguerite Piazza and representatives from the American Cancer Society, including Dr. Herman Marvin Pollard and Irving I. Rimer, for an Oval Office meeting. The visit centered on the presentation of the Society's Annual Courageous Person Award to Piazza and a brief discussion regarding cancer research initiatives. The President provided official mementos, including presidential cufflinks, to the guests before the brief session concluded.
President Nixon met with Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn and legendary player Ted Williams to discuss professional baseball, including specific game tactics and the performance of star player Hank Aaron. The meeting served as a social engagement where the President was presented with a 1971 American League baseball pass. Nixon expressed his interest in attending a game in the near future and engaged in lighthearted conversation about the sport's current state.
On April 11, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:12 pm and 9:19 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-065 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the status of a forthcoming Louis Harris poll evaluating the public response to the President's April 7th speech. Colson confirms that he is in contact with Harris to monitor the polling data and ensure the President’s team remains informed. The two men agree that maintaining this collaborative relationship with Harris and sharing internal data helps manage the narrative and keep the polling process favorable to the administration.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate administrative strategy, focusing on upcoming press engagements and public relations tactics. They discussed managing the political fallout of potential Vietnam protests, the future of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, and the necessity of aligning the State Department with the administration's Vietnam policy. Additionally, the participants reviewed economic indicators and planned for upcoming diplomatic initiatives involving China and Pakistan.
President Nixon met with departing Taiwan Ambassador Chow Shu-kai and later with Anna C. Chennault to discuss U.S. foreign policy toward Asia, specifically balancing commitments to Taiwan with new diplomatic and trade overtures toward the People's Republic of China. Nixon emphasized his administration's continued support for Taiwan despite minor symbolic trade relaxations, while also coordinating private channels to maintain communication with Chiang Kai-shek and South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu. The participants explored utilizing Chennault as an unofficial liaison to navigate regional political sensitivities and concerns regarding U.S. policy shifts.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed various administrative and foreign policy issues, including Kissinger’s upcoming meeting with John D. Rockefeller III and the role of Anna C. Chennault. The conversation shifted to the complexities of the Vietnam War, specifically focusing on the political pressure regarding troop withdrawal deadlines and the urgency of U.S. policy toward prisoners of war (POWs). The discussion emphasized the administration's need to solidify a clear position on POW issues, with plans to coordinate further with Charles W. Colson.
President Nixon hosted a brief meeting in the Oval Office with Marilyn, Barbara, and Bobby Cochran, accompanied by Henry C. Cashen, II, for a photo opportunity and gift presentation. The conversation focused on the younger Cochrans' interest in skiing, with the President encouraging their determination and persistence in the sport. Nixon concluded the visit by providing the group with a brief educational tour of the office, highlighting various historical artifacts including a portrait of George Washington and an 1837 depiction of the White House.
On April 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 12:53 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 477-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss a wide-ranging agenda of administrative, political, and public relations matters. Key topics included coordinating Secretary of State William P. Rogers's public stance on Vietnam to bolster the administration's position, finalizing plans for presidential radio "fireside chats" to bypass traditional media, and reviewing polling data that suggested televised addresses significantly improved the President's approval ratings. Additionally, the two discussed personnel appointments and managing leaks from within the bureaucracy, ultimately deciding to maintain a disciplined communication strategy to mitigate public frustration regarding the Vietnam War.
On April 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:00 pm and 2:30 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 477-008 of the White House Tapes.
On April 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:00 pm and 2:30 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 477-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Peter G. Peterson, and George P. Shultz to coordinate administration strategy regarding upcoming press conferences, the handling of planned anti-war demonstrations, and the launch of new international economic and foreign policy initiatives. The discussion emphasized a pivot toward economic competition as a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy, specifically addressing relations with China and the restructuring of trade policy. Nixon directed his team to prioritize quiet, low-key implementation of administrative and civil rights goals to avoid political backlash and unnecessary public controversy.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Maurice Stans, and James Lynn to review a comprehensive report by the Commerce Department regarding the business community's dissatisfaction with the administration. The participants discussed strategies to improve government-business relations, including mitigating the influence of anti-business sentiment in federal agencies, addressing specific grievances concerning antitrust and environmental regulations, and improving the commercial services provided by the State Department. Nixon directed his staff to maintain a defensive posture for business against Congressional and public pressure while cautioning that the administration's capacity to favor business is limited by the prevailing anti-industry political climate.
On April 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 4:27 pm and 4:30 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 477-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with author Victor Lasky and his wife, Patricia, to discuss the scope and themes of Lasky's upcoming book about the Nixon administration. The conversation focused on Nixon's efforts to steer the country through crises such as the Vietnam War, the Middle East conflict, and economic inflation, while emphasizing his commitment to steady, long-term policy over short-term political gains. Nixon critiqued the establishment's resistance to his Vietnamization strategy and China initiative, positioning his decisions as essential for maintaining American credibility and global strength.
President Nixon met with Secretary of State William Rogers and several staff members to discuss two primary agendas: the public relations strategy for Tricia Nixon’s upcoming wedding and the administration's foreign policy maneuvering regarding China and Vietnam. Nixon emphasized the need for a choreographed, graceful presentation of the wedding to the press while explicitly rejecting over-exposure on talk shows. Regarding international affairs, the participants discussed the necessity of capitalizing on the ongoing withdrawal from Vietnam to secure domestic credit for broader diplomatic achievements, including the recent opening to China and progress on arms control, while maintaining a firm stance on security and defense appropriations.
President Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, discussed logistical arrangements for her upcoming wedding, specifically focusing on the number of bridesmaids. The conversation also touched upon a scheduled meeting between Tricia and Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler regarding wedding details, as well as the President’s upcoming schedule and travel plans involving Secretary of State William P. Rogers. No substantive policy decisions were made during this brief personal exchange.
On April 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler talked on the telephone at 5:35 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-067 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone call to the White House operator to be connected with First Lady Thelma C. ("Pat") Nixon. The conversation serves solely as a logistical request to facilitate communication with his spouse. No further policy or administrative matters were addressed during this short exchange.
President Richard Nixon spoke with First Lady Pat Nixon to coordinate their evening schedule and dinner arrangements. The brief discussion primarily addressed the President's upcoming activities, specifically mentioning a planned meeting or engagement involving Secretary of State William P. Rogers. The conversation served as a personal check-in regarding the couple's social and professional commitments for the night.
On April 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:22 pm and 7:23 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-071 of the White House Tapes.
On April 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger talked on the telephone from 7:23 pm to 7:25 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-072 of the White House Tapes.
On April 13, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, Vice President Spiro T. Agnew, and members of the Cabinet, including John N. Irwin, II, Paul A. Volcker, Melvin R. Laird, Richard G. Kleindeinst, Winton M. ("Red") Blount, Hollis M. Dole, Clifford M. Hardin, Maurice H. Stans, James D. Hodgson, John G. Veneman, George W. Romney, John A. Volpe, David M. Kennedy, George P. Shultz, Robert H. Finch, Donald H. Rumsfeld, George H. W. Bush, John D. Ehrlichman, Clark MacGregor, Ronald L. Ziegler, Raymond K. Price, Jr., Dr. Edward E. David, Jr., Peter M. Flanigan, John C. Whitaker, William E. Kriegsman, Arthur J. Sohmer, Robert J. Brown, Paul W. McCracken, Gen. George A. Lincoln, S. David Freeman, Milton Shaw, Dr. Glenn T. Seaborg, Caspar W. ("Cap") Weinberger, Chet Holifield, John O. Pastore, Howard H. Baker, Jr., and John B. Anderson, met in the Cabinet Room of the White House from 8:04 am to 9:07 am. The Cabinet Room taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 053-001 of the White House Tapes.
On April 13, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:17 am and 9:30 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 478-001 of the White House Tapes.
On April 13, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:17 am and 9:30 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 478-012 of the White House Tapes.
On April 13, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:30 am and 9:36 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-073 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with key staff and advisors, including H. R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, and Paul McCracken, to discuss administrative strategy, economic messaging, and foreign policy. The President emphasized the need for a more confident and assertive presentation of his administration's record, particularly concerning the economic recovery and Vietnam. They also addressed the strategic communication surrounding upcoming trade initiatives with China and the importance of Henry Cabot Lodge's potential visit to Vietnam to manage regional political stability. Throughout the meeting, Nixon underscored the necessity of maintaining a firm posture against political opposition while attempting to shape public perception regarding his initiatives.
President Nixon and General George A. Lincoln discuss the federal response to a severe drought in Texas, weighing the implications of a full disaster declaration versus narrower agricultural relief. Nixon expresses concern that a full declaration would trigger unmanageable unemployment claims and complicate the status of migratory workers. Ultimately, Nixon directs Lincoln to have Secretary of Agriculture Clifford Hardin coordinate with Senator John Tower, prioritizing a swift, politically advantageous release of aid information.
On April 13, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:59 am and 10:16 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-075 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Peter G. Peterson discussed the communication strategy for the administration's ongoing diplomatic initiative with the People's Republic of China. Nixon emphasized the importance of framing the outreach as a direct presidential initiative while cautioning Peterson to avoid creating the impression that the policy was designed to provoke the Soviet Union or exploit tensions. The President instructed Peterson to handle internal State Department opposition as 'deep background' information and to maintain an air of confidence when addressing critical media outlets regarding the Vietnam War.
On April 13, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone from 11:13 am to 11:14 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-077 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to review and finalize the President’s daily schedule. The discussion focused on coordinating appointments with John A. Scali, Oliver F. Atkins, and Henry A. Kissinger. They confirmed the expected duration and logistical arrangements for these upcoming meetings.
On April 13, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at 11:13 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 478-004 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consults with Charles Colson regarding an upcoming meeting with Henry Kissinger and John Scali, ultimately deciding to speak with them privately to manage potential professional rivalries. Colson updates the President on the progress of Harris polling, noting that the White House has provided comparative data from the Opinion Research Corporation to ensure accuracy. Additionally, they discuss strategies to improve relations with POW wives, determining that Don Hughes should assist Kissinger in future meetings to provide a softer, more effective approach.
On April 13, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at 11:14 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 478-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson briefly coordinated their schedules regarding upcoming meetings and discussed ongoing efforts to monitor an unnamed individual. The dialogue touches on strategic surveillance and public perception management, suggesting that their oversight tactics were successfully keeping the subject cautious. No formal policy decisions were made, as the conversation focused primarily on operational logistics and the status of their intelligence activities.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, and John Scali met to integrate Scali into the White House team, specifically to manage press relations and provide strategic counsel on foreign policy. The President emphasized a cautious, long-term approach to publicizing his China initiative, prioritizing secret diplomatic channels over immediate publicity to avoid alarming the Soviet Union. They also discussed future personnel changes within the State Department and Defense Department, the strategy for a potential summit with the Soviets, and the ongoing handling of the Vietnam War.
President Nixon met with Boston Red Sox star Carl Yastrzemski and aide Henry Cashen to discuss Yastrzemski’s off-field involvement in Massachusetts drug education programs. The conversation touched on the challenges of communicating the dangers of marijuana and LSD to youth and the disconnect between students and parents regarding drug awareness. The meeting concluded with a cordial exchange where Nixon presented gifts for Yastrzemski’s children and shared well-wishes for the upcoming baseball season.
On April 13, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 12:33 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 478-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull and the DeMarco brothers, Frank and John, for an informal social visit in the Oval Office. The participants engaged in light conversation, exchanged gifts, and posed for photographs. The discussion touched briefly on sports, specifically commending baseball player Carl Yastrzemski for his advocacy work in anti-drug campaigns for high school students.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and Ronald Ziegler to review administrative public relations strategies and manage the President’s press engagement schedule. The discussion centered on effectively communicating policy goals, coordinating upcoming press conferences, and leveraging symbolic events—such as welcoming home military units—to bolster the administration's image. Additionally, the group addressed various logistical appointments, including potential ambassadorial changes and upcoming meetings with industry and agricultural leaders to cultivate political support.
On April 13, 1971, 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 1:23 pm and 2:49 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 247-001 of the White House Tapes.
On April 13, 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 1:23 pm and 2:49 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 247-002 of the White House Tapes.
On April 13, 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 1:23 pm and 2:49 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 247-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon held a broad-ranging meeting with H. R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, George Shultz, Henry Kissinger, and John Connally to discuss domestic and foreign policy priorities, including economic strategy, upcoming personnel changes, and bureaucratic management. The participants reviewed positive retail sales and GNP growth, evaluated the political viability of energy and environmental proposals, and strategized on handling potential civil service and diplomatic appointments. A significant portion of the discussion focused on managing the administration's political image, navigating legislative obstacles in Congress, and addressing the status of long-serving officials like J. Edgar Hoover.
George P. Shultz, acting on behalf of President Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman, contacts Julius Shiskin to secure urgent statistical data regarding North American Rockwell’s operations in California. The discussion centers on the immediate retrieval of specific economic or industrial figures required for a briefing for the President. Shiskin agrees to expedite the request and provide the information to the White House within the hour.
President Nixon and George Shultz reviewed the first-quarter Gross National Product (GNP) data, noting a record increase of $28.5 billion. Although the figure fell slightly short of an aspirational $30 billion target, it significantly exceeded private sector forecasts, including those by Otto Eckstein. The two agreed on the positive nature of the report and confirmed that the findings would be officially announced by the end of the week.
On April 13, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and John B. Connally talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:25 pm and 4:40 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 042-032 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon facilitates a discussion between Treasury Secretary John B. Connally and General George A. Lincoln regarding urgent federal assistance for a severe drought affecting Texas. Connally emphasizes the dire conditions and advocates for a government-subsidized hay transportation program, citing its past success and political necessity to prevent ranchers from having to liquidate their herds. While Lincoln acknowledges concerns about potential waste and administrative corruption associated with past hay programs, the parties discuss the need for swift, decisive action to support the agricultural sector and ensure the administration receives credit for timely intervention.
On April 13, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:00 pm and 6:01 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 042-034 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon engaged in a brief personal exchange regarding the President's upcoming schedule. The conversation focused on the President's current location and arrangements concerning their daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox. No significant policy decisions were made during this short administrative and personal check-in.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed strategies for managing political opposition, specifically focusing on the performance of Cabinet members. Nixon reflected on recent counsel from John B. Connally, who urged the administration to adopt a more aggressive, confrontational approach when dealing with Congress. The discussion emphasized the need for stronger executive leadership and decisive action to counter critics like Edmund Muskie.
President Richard Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon coordinated plans for an evening social engagement. The pair briefly discussed the timing of their arrival and confirmed the small size of the group expected to attend. The brief exchange concluded with an agreement for the President to meet the First Lady at 6:40 p.m.
On April 13, 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 6:01 pm and 6:04 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 247-007 of the White House Tapes.
On April 13, 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 6:01 pm and 6:04 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 247-008 of the White House Tapes.