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 8 of 211President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the perceived lack of assertiveness and public impact of the Nixon administration's cabinet and staff. The President expresses frustration with the team's inability to effectively "attack" political opponents or command public attention, suggesting that significant personnel changes may be necessary to improve the administration's political image. They explore strategies for better projecting the President's personality and policy priorities, including evaluating potential Cabinet reshuffles and deliberating on the political optics of military-related public appearances.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss ongoing South Vietnamese military operations and recent diplomatic back-channel communications with Soviet officials regarding Berlin and potential summit prospects. Kissinger reports on his briefing of Senator Mike Mansfield concerning the President's upcoming announcement regarding China policy. The pair finalize plans for Clark MacGregor to notify key congressional leaders, including Gerald Ford, Carl Albert, and George Aiken, about the impending policy shift.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss recent shifts in elite public opinion toward the administration, specifically noting a surprising consensus of respect and support expressed during a social dinner. Kissinger highlights the administration's strategic gains regarding China and Vietnam as key drivers of this improved standing, while Nixon focuses on the importance of maintaining a firm, decisive course. The two also coordinate efforts to finalize SALT negotiations with the Soviet Union, prioritizing direct, high-level communication to prevent bureaucratic leaks or delays.
President Nixon met with key members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, including Senators John Stennis and Margaret Chase Smith, to coordinate legislative strategy on defense priorities. The discussion centered on securing a two-year draft extension, managing military manpower reductions, and timing the submission of the military procurement bill to avoid unfavorable Senate floor votes during a sensitive period of international negotiations. Nixon emphasized the importance of maintaining a firm military position amid changing Soviet leadership and discussed his recent intervention in the Lt. William L. Calley Jr. case to maintain military judicial process.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman to discuss political strategy for the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) vote, emphasizing the need to avoid early deals and keep the administration's position firm until the final vote. Following the swearing-in of William J. Casey as SEC Chairman, Nixon conferred with his staff and Arthur F. Burns on domestic economic management, public relations, and the importance of projecting a more passionate and committed image to the public. Finally, Nixon met with Dr. Rainer Barzel of the German Christian Democratic Union to discuss the status of Berlin negotiations and the political implications of Willy Brandt's Ostpolitik, during which Nixon reaffirmed the United States' commitment to maintaining a federal presence in Berlin.
President Nixon, John Ehrlichman, and Arthur Burns held this discussion to coordinate economic strategy and review the administration's political management of upcoming challenges. They focused on strengthening the partnership between Burns and John Connally, particularly regarding balance-of-payments policies, interest rates, and the political handling of potential steel industry inflation. Nixon also sought Burns’ perspective on international concerns, including the Berlin negotiations and German political stability, before Burns departed for a diplomatic trip to Europe.
On April 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:40 pm and 1:05 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 479-005 of the White House Tapes.
On April 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:40 pm and 1:05 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 479-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, and Ronald Ziegler to review internal polling data regarding his popularity and the administration's handling of the Vietnam War following his April 7, 1971, address. The discussion highlighted the positive impact of the speech on public opinion, specifically noting a shift toward support despite ongoing challenges related to the My Lai massacre trials. Additionally, the President and his staff discussed diplomatic initiatives with the People's Republic of China, emphasizing that recent trade and travel relaxation announcements were deliberate, long-term strategic decisions rather than spontaneous gestures, and planned future public relations strategies involving upcoming events such as the wedding of Tricia Nixon.
On April 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:13 pm and 3:05 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 042-036 of the White House Tapes.
On April 14, 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 2:13 pm and 3:05 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 248-001 of the White House Tapes.
On April 14, 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 2:13 pm and 3:05 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 248-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Mark I. Goode to discuss the logistical planning and personnel requirements for an upcoming reception for the diplomatic corps. The conversation centered on establishing strict protocols and managing the guest list, which included considerations for staff, William P. Rogers, various members of Congress, and White House communications aides. No definitive policy decisions were recorded, though Nixon emphasized the necessity of implementing a hard rule regarding event management.
On April 14, 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 2:13 pm and 3:05 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 248-004 of the White House Tapes.
On April 14, 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 2:13 pm and 3:05 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 248-005 of the White House Tapes.
On April 14, 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 2:13 pm and 3:05 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 248-006 of the White House Tapes.
On April 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 2:13 pm and 3:05 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 248-007 of the White House Tapes.
On April 14, 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 2:13 pm and 3:05 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 248-008 of the White House Tapes.
On April 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler talked on the telephone from 3:05 pm to 3:07 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 042-037 of the White House Tapes.
On April 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 3:05 pm to 3:07 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 248-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the political fallout and public perception surrounding the Vietnam War policy and the recent trial of Lieutenant William L. Calley, Jr. The President expresses interest in analyzing polling data, particularly Gallup results, to gauge public approval of the war. They further deliberate on the logistics of releasing polling information and address potential administrative support regarding legal costs related to the Calley trial.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the need to adopt a 'hard-line' public stance on welfare reform to address rising public frustration and secure support for H.R. 1. The President emphasizes shifting the narrative away from expanding welfare rolls toward promoting work requirements and personal responsibility, utilizing striking anecdotes similar to those used by Governor Ronald Reagan. To implement this communication strategy, Nixon instructs Ehrlichman to coordinate with speechwriter William Safire to develop tough, persuasive rhetoric that highlights the systemic problems with the current welfare apparatus.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinate the media strategy and logistical planning for Tricia Nixon’s upcoming wedding. The discussion focuses on managing press coverage, including a potential feature in Look magazine, to ensure the event is captured and presented according to the President's vision. Nixon instructs Haldeman to assemble a specialized team to execute these plans and oversee details that fall outside the purview of the First Lady’s staff.
On April 14, 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 3:07 pm and 4:20 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 248-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate upcoming administrative and public relations objectives, specifically focusing on the President's planned visit to the U.S. Marines at Camp Pendleton. The discussion included tasking Haldeman with providing specific instructions to staff members, including John Scali and Raymond K. Price, Jr. Additionally, the pair addressed personnel matters regarding Rose Mary Woods.
On April 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 3:07 pm and 4:20 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 248-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and Ronald Ziegler met to discuss the administration's ongoing diplomatic overtures to the People's Republic of China, press relations, and the political implications of the Vietnam War ahead of the 1972 election. Kissinger reported on his recent meeting with journalist Eric Sevareid and analyzed how the administration could leverage foreign policy successes—specifically the China opening and potential Vietnam settlements—without appearing to be politically motivated. The discussion emphasized maintaining a firm negotiating stance to secure the release of American prisoners of war while ensuring that the transition of U.S. policy in Southeast Asia remained insulated from partisan interference.
President Nixon consults with Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler and aide Richard Moore to prepare a response to Senator Edmund Muskie’s accusations regarding FBI surveillance during Earth Day. Nixon directs Ziegler to frame these allegations as politically motivated, emphasizing that the administration employs surveillance more sparingly than its predecessors and exclusively for national security or criminal investigations. Furthermore, Nixon authorizes Ziegler to clarify that the President personally ordered the cessation of Army intelligence gathering related to domestic civil disturbances.
On April 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:10 pm and 5:26 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 042-039 of the White House Tapes.
On April 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 5:10 pm and 5:26 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 248-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directed Patrick Buchanan to compile specific, compelling data points to bolster the administration's messaging on key domestic issues. The President requested dramatic statistics regarding the growth of minority-owned enterprises and the competitive standing of the American steel industry. Furthermore, he tasked Buchanan with consulting George Shultz and Paul McCracken to identify strong economic indicators, such as retail and automobile sales, housing starts, and record-breaking stock market performance, to project a narrative of upward economic momentum.
President Nixon directed Patrick Buchanan to compile dramatic, high-impact data points to bolster the administration's messaging on minority enterprise, steel industry competitiveness, and economic recovery. Nixon requested specific, positive statistics on housing starts, retail and automobile sales, and stock market performance to illustrate public confidence. The President tasked Buchanan with coordinating with advisors George Shultz and Paul McCracken to finalize these talking points for upcoming public use.
On April 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 5:29 pm and 5:40 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 248-019 of the White House Tapes.
On April 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 5:29 pm and 5:40 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 248-020 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, Senator Robert Dole, and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate political messaging regarding the Vietnam War and the administration's withdrawal strategy. The participants discussed strategies to deflect criticism from Democrats by emphasizing that the previous administration was responsible for initiating the conflict and that Nixon's plan ensures a responsible exit without a communist takeover. They decided to highlight the administration's commitment to achieving a 'generation of peace' and to pivot toward publicizing positive economic indicators as a counter-narrative to war-related concerns.
On April 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:05 pm and 7:27 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-080 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed recent positive economic indicators, including stock market growth and a favorable Gross National Product increase, as a means to boost public confidence. The conversation then shifted to managing political opposition regarding the Vietnam War, with Nixon instructing Colson to pressure congressional "doves" and specifically requesting that Senator Edward Brooke hold off on public criticism for 30 days. Nixon planned to offer Brooke a private briefing on May 15, 1971, to secure this short-term cooperation while downplaying the administration's recent overtures toward the People's Republic of China as a concern to his political rivals.
On April 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone from 7:40 pm to 7:41 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-082 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directs Charles W. Colson to contact Senator Edward W. Brooke to secure public support for the administration's initiative toward the People's Republic of China. Nixon instructs Colson to encourage Brooke to deliver a speech on the Senate floor praising the policy as a long-term strategic vision for future generations. Colson confirms his intention to execute this request, leveraging background information from journalist Howard K. Smith to bolster the argument.
On April 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:42 pm and 7:45 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-084 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon held a wide-ranging, informal discussion with Julie Nixon Eisenhower and David Eisenhower regarding the public and political reception of his recent foreign policy initiatives. The conversation covered domestic reactions to his April 7 Vietnam address, including polling data and editorial commentary, as well as the administration's efforts toward outreach with the People's Republic of China. Additionally, the participants engaged in a lighthearted dialogue concerning professional baseball, specifically discussing Carl Yastrzemski’s career and the President’s receipt of an MVP award.
On April 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone from 7:54 pm to 7:55 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-086 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Peter M. Flanigan discuss the recent rise of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, noting that it has surpassed its January 1969 levels. Nixon expresses frustration that industry leaders like Donald Regan and Bernard Lasker are not publicly vocalizing optimism regarding this economic recovery. Consequently, Nixon tasks Flanigan with encouraging these figures to take a more positive public stance and potentially communicate their support to the White House.
On April 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 7:58 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-088 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed economic recovery, specifically citing the performance of the stock market as a signal of public confidence that could bolster the administration's image. They focused on political strategy, emphasizing the need for Senator Robert Dole to champion the President's policies and effectively manage Republican criticism in the Senate regarding the China initiative. Finally, the President urged Haldeman to ensure active administration intervention in the Texas drought and grain shipment crisis to maintain a public perception of decisive, activist leadership.
On April 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 8:04 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-090 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the positive media reception of the administration's recent initiative toward the People's Republic of China, noting that it successfully shifted public attention away from Vietnam. They evaluate the geopolitical implications of this diplomatic opening, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining a strategic balance between China, the Soviet Union, and Taiwan. Additionally, the pair discusses domestic concerns regarding POW wives, agreeing to monitor the situation closely to prevent political exploitation by critics like George McGovern.
On April 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone from 8:12 pm to 8:13 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-092 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the recent positive performance of the stock market, noting that the Dow Jones Industrial Average has reached 932, surpassing its level from January 1969. Nixon directs Kissinger to contact Howard Stein to highlight this economic progress and influence public perception among Stein’s associates. Kissinger agrees to place the call the following day as requested.
On April 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:14 pm and 8:17 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-094 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon called David Eisenhower to share his excitement about achieving a personal best bowling score of 229, surpassing Eisenhower's previous high of 208. The brief conversation focused on Nixon's recent bowling performance, his daily practice routine, and a new bowling ball. They also briefly mentioned plans to bowl at Camp David.
On April 15, 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 8:32 am and 8:36 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 249-001 of the White House Tapes.
On April 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 8:32 am and 8:36 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 249-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and personal secretary Rose Mary Woods coordinate administrative logistics, including a memorandum for Ray Price and Woods' upcoming travel. Woods informs the President of Ambassador John S.D. Eisenhower's intention to resign by July 1, citing personal reasons regarding his housing. They also discuss positive public reception to a recent presidential speech and share concerns regarding the ongoing criticism and political vulnerability of J. Edgar Hoover.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss administrative matters and potential security concerns regarding electronic surveillance. The brief exchange touches upon the activities of J. Edgar Hoover and the presence of monitoring devices within the office environment. No definitive policy decisions were reached during this informal check-in regarding office security protocols.
On April 15, 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 8:42 am and 8:59 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 249-004 of the White House Tapes.
On April 15, 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 8:42 am and 8:59 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 249-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and Henry Kissinger to strategize on public relations, presidential image, and the management of sensitive foreign and domestic policies. The discussion focused on projecting an image of "courage, boldness, and guts" in response to anti-war sentiment and the upcoming May Day demonstrations, while simultaneously planning for the administration's recent trade initiatives with the People's Republic of China. Nixon also expressed frustration with his Cabinet's lack of outspoken loyalty and instructed his staff to push a more coordinated, positive narrative regarding his leadership and the state of the economy.
President Nixon instructed Henry Kissinger to strictly limit a meeting to 30 minutes, emphasizing that the attendee, identified as "Bus" (likely Emil Mosbacher Jr.), must adhere to the time limit. The conversation focused on managing the President's schedule and specific instructions for an upcoming meeting with Moulay Ahmed Laraki.
President Nixon met with unknown individuals to discuss an upcoming trip to Europe involving Robert H. Finch and Donald Rumsfeld. The dialogue focused on managing press relations and coordinating report delivery, with specific instructions to be provided by Henry Kissinger. No formal decisions were reached during this brief organizational discussion.
President Nixon met with Moroccan Foreign Minister Moulay Ahmed Laraki and other officials to coordinate the timing and nature of King Hassan II's upcoming visit to the United States. The discussion focused on balancing the King's diplomatic role in the Middle East crisis and potential Arab summit meetings with the complexities of the President's domestic schedule. Ultimately, the participants decided to postpone and restructure the visit as a private event to maintain diplomatic flexibility, while Nixon and his staff also briefly reviewed broader foreign policy issues including the Vietnam War and diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull briefly discussed the logistics for an upcoming event in the Rose Garden. The meeting focused on the presentation of a plaque and gifts to a guest, Robert Santin, and his son Richard. Nixon sought clarification on whether to mention Nebraska and confirmed that he would participate in a photograph with the Santins and the press, without making remarks.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed upcoming press matters, specifically mentioning Sammy Davis Jr. and a related press release. They also reviewed the President's schedule, confirming the arrival of Robert H. Finch and Donald H. Rumsfeld for a meeting.
President Nixon met with Robert H. Finch and Donald H. Rumsfeld to discuss the potential appointment of John A. McCone, the status of anti-ballistic missile (ABM) policy, and racial discrimination within the armed forces. A primary focus of the meeting was preparing Finch and Rumsfeld for an extensive international diplomatic tour, including attendance at a World Health Organization meeting and high-level engagements regarding US policy toward the People's Republic of China, international drug control, and the POW issue. The group also coordinated on sensitive political matters, including soliciting overseas campaign contributions and managing relations with various European and Mediterranean leaders.
On April 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Thelma C. ("Pat") (Ryan) Nixon talked on the telephone from 12:40 pm to 12:41 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-096 of the White House Tapes.
This brief call in the Oval Office was between President Richard Nixon and his wife, Pat Nixon. Pat called to express her delight and praise for the President's appearance the previous day, which she found to be "great." The President inquired about her well-being and mentioned the pleasant weather, noting that while he couldn't play golf, he could still walk on the beach.
On April 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:41 pm and 12:50 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 480-008 of the White House Tapes.
On April 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:41 pm and 12:50 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 480-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his senior staff, including H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, review strategies for managing press relations and controlling the public narrative regarding federal budget figures. The discussion emphasizes the importance of carefully timing news cycles—specifically balancing press conferences with television appearances—to ensure maximum impact. The group also deliberates on how to frame economic data to counter potential negative interpretations by the media and political opponents.
On April 15, 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 2:30 pm and 3:15 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 249-007 of the White House Tapes.
On April 15, 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 2:30 pm and 3:15 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 249-008 of the White House Tapes.
On April 15, 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 2:30 pm and 3:15 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 249-009 of the White House Tapes.
H. R. Haldeman advises President Nixon on the importance of managing a scheduled meeting with editors by employing a strategic outreach program similar to political party outreach. Haldeman suggests that beyond Herbert Klein, staffers like Leonard Garment and Richard Moore should actively cultivate relationships with these editors to better advance the administration's interests. The President agrees to follow up with staff to ensure a more comprehensive, systematic engagement plan is implemented.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman briefly discuss the handling of personnel or administrative appointments, specifically expressing concern over the treatment of political allies. The two leaders consider the fairness of the current selection process and identify a potential conflict regarding how certain individuals are prioritized over others. The conversation ends with an informal assessment of whether a third party had previously addressed the issue.
On April 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:16 pm and 3:44 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 042-044 of the White House Tapes.
On April 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 3:16 pm and 3:44 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 249-011 of the White House Tapes.
On April 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 3:44 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 042-045 of the White House Tapes.
On April 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 3:44 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 249-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directs Donald Rumsfeld to contact Congressman Charles Rangel before Rumsfeld’s upcoming European trip to demonstrate the administration's commitment to addressing the international drug trade. Nixon instructs Rumsfeld to frame the trip—which includes attendance at the World Health Conference—as a direct response to Rangel’s concerns, tasking the congressman with providing any relevant intelligence or suggestions for the mission. Furthermore, Rumsfeld briefs the President on the successful coordination of their strategy with Henry Kissinger.
President Nixon directs Donald Rumsfeld to contact Ted Husky, a community leader from Central Harlem, to cultivate a line of communication regarding local intelligence and feedback. Nixon instructs Rumsfeld to emphasize that the President personally values Husky’s input and wants him to report any significant developments directly. This outreach serves as an effort to gather grassroots political information and maintain a channel for community insights.
On April 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:48 pm and 4:31 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 042-047 of the White House Tapes.
On April 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 3:48 pm and 4:05 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 249-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to review talking points prepared by Patrick Buchanan for the President's upcoming address to the American Society of Newspaper Editors. The discussion focused on justifying the necessity of government surveillance for security purposes—citing threats to public officials and recent media coverage of White House cameras—and refining economic messaging to better highlight positive indicators like retail sales. Nixon directed Ehrlichman to coordinate with George Shultz and Paul McCracken to ensure the presentation of economic data utilized specific, impactful examples rather than generalized statistics.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate strategy for an upcoming press conference and address ongoing geopolitical challenges. They reviewed the status of the administration's China policy, focusing on how to defend the President's personal leadership against bureaucratic resistance from the State Department. Additionally, they discussed negotiations concerning the Vietnam War, particularly the priority of prisoner-of-war issues, and analyzed potential communication tactics regarding the press.
On April 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 4:05 pm and 4:31 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 249-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Patrick J. Buchanan coordinate the collection of favorable economic data to highlight a positive turnaround in the economy during March 1971. The President emphasizes the need to isolate March statistics—such as retail sales, housing starts, and automobile production—from the broader, more moderate first-quarter figures to demonstrate upward momentum. Buchanan is tasked with delivering these reports to the President, along with a newspaper column by James J. Kilpatrick, Jr., which Nixon’s daughter, Julie, had recommended.
President Nixon met with Patrick Buchanan to strategize on how to frame recent economic indicators to emphasize a positive turnaround in the economy during the month of March. Nixon specifically directed Buchanan to isolate March data to demonstrate growth in retail sales and demand, countering negative media narratives focused on sluggish industrial production. Additionally, the two briefly touched upon a recent positive column by James J. Kilpatrick that had been recommended to the President by his daughter, Julie.
On April 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:34 pm and 4:35 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 042-049 of the White House Tapes.
On April 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 4:34 pm and 4:35 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 249-019 of the White House Tapes.
On April 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull talked on the telephone from 4:35 pm to 4:36 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 042-050 of the White House Tapes.
On April 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 4:35 pm to 4:36 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 249-020 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Patrick Buchanan met to discuss media strategy for an upcoming interview with the American Society of Newspaper Editors and to address recent negative press regarding White House surveillance. The two reviewed reports from The Washington Post concerning security cameras at San Clemente and Camp David, framing the surveillance as a necessary security measure rather than an invasive practice. Additionally, they touched upon the political impact of the administration's recent People's Republic of China initiative and the role of the FBI in managing civil unrest.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met briefly to discuss routine administrative matters, including upcoming scheduling for meetings with Robert D. Murphy and Henry A. Kissinger. They reviewed travel updates regarding Butterfield’s recent trip and addressed the processing of pending materials awaiting the President's signature. The discussion concluded with the handling of various documents and a brief confirmation of an Air Force promotion.
On April 15, 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 5:07 pm and 5:25 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 249-023 of the White House Tapes.
On April 15, 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 5:07 pm and 5:25 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 249-024 of the White House Tapes.
On April 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Faith Sutton met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 5:07 pm and 5:25 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 249-025 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman to discuss public relations strategies, including the handling of press inquiries and the use of favorable polling data to counter political opposition. Following this, Nixon met with Robert D. Murphy and Henry Kissinger to provide instructions for Murphy's sensitive, unofficial mission to Taiwan. Nixon emphasized the need for absolute secrecy regarding his China initiative and tasked Murphy with managing Chiang Kai-shek's expectations while exploring flexible diplomatic approaches to the United Nations issue.
On April 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 6:20 pm and 6:21 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 042-051 of the White House Tapes.
On April 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 6:20 pm and 6:21 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 249-027 of the White House Tapes.
On April 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Thelma C. ("Pat") (Ryan) Nixon talked on the telephone from 6:21 pm to 6:22 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 042-052 of the White House Tapes.