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 99 of 211President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the urgent need to select a successor following the death of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. They weigh the political implications and potential confirmation hurdles of appointing an acting director versus a permanent successor immediately. The conversation focuses on avoiding a contentious Senate confirmation process during an election year, ultimately weighing the benefits of appointing a capable interim leader to maintain stability at the Bureau.
President Nixon and Patrick J. Buchanan met to coordinate the official administration response to the death of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. They discussed the drafting and release of a formal statement to honor Hoover's 48-year tenure and legacy of service. The conversation focused on ensuring the public tribute appropriately reflected the President's appreciation for Hoover's loyalty.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinate the public announcement of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover's death. Nixon rejects an initial recommendation for Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst to break the news, insisting that he personally make the announcement to reflect the national significance of the position. They discuss the circumstances of Hoover's passing, including the timing and natural causes, while finalizing logistics for the President's upcoming television statement.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the management and timing of the public announcement regarding the death of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. Nixon expresses concerns about the optics of the situation, insisting that the announcement be handled in a way that maximizes his own presidential impact. He directs Haldeman to bypass bureaucratic formalities and expedite the process to ensure he can deliver his statement on his own terms.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Patrick J. Buchanan met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 10:37 am and 10:43 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 334-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Patrick Buchanan coordinated the timing of the President’s public announcement regarding the death of J. Edgar Hoover. Nixon insisted that the announcement of Hoover's death and his own subsequent television statement occur in immediate succession to avoid speculation or media delays. The participants finalized a strategy to ensure Nixon’s remarks served as the definitive lead story of the evening news cycle.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinate the protocol for a highly sensitive, impending death announcement to ensure minimal public delay. Nixon insists on immediate notification so he can deliver a prepared statement to the press within five minutes of the news being made public. This swift turnaround is intended to control the narrative and minimize the window for speculative reaction.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler met in the Oval Office of the White House from 10:54 am to 10:55 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 717-001 of the White House Tapes.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:55 am and 10:57 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 023-105 of the White House Tapes.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:55 am and 10:57 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 717-002 of the White House Tapes.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Thelma C. ("Pat") (Ryan) Nixon talked on the telephone from 10:57 am to 10:58 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 023-106 of the White House Tapes.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Thelma C. ("Pat") (Ryan) Nixon met in the Oval Office of the White House from 10:57 am to 10:58 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 717-003 of the White House Tapes.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:58 am and 11:04 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 717-004 of the White House Tapes.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 11:04 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 023-108 of the White House Tapes.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at 11:04 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 717-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, regarding the immediate need to notify former President Lyndon B. Johnson of J. Edgar Hoover’s passing prior to the official public announcement. Nixon instructed Woods to handle the incoming return call from Johnson if he remained unavailable, ensuring the former president learned the news directly from the administration. This coordination served to maintain protocol and personal courtesy regarding the death of the longtime FBI director.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler met in the Oval Office of the White House from 11:10 am to 11:11 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 717-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon initiated this brief call to inform Lyndon B. Johnson of the death of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. Nixon expressed his commitment to maintaining Hoover’s position despite intense political pressure to remove him, noting that he had protected the Director to avoid a divisive confirmation fight in the Senate. Johnson lamented the loss, affirming his long-standing professional and personal regard for Hoover.
President Nixon and former President Lyndon B. Johnson engaged in a brief discussion regarding the political risks of replacing leadership within a specific government agency during a contentious legislative period. Nixon expressed his reluctance to remove the current director, citing the need for institutional stability while facing a significant political struggle in the Senate. The conversation served as a moment of informal political alignment between the two presidents regarding the management of federal appointments.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:17 am and 11:27 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 023-110 of the White House Tapes.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:17 am and 11:19 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 717-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his senior aides and Alexander Haig to address the immediate logistical arrangements following the death of J. Edgar Hoover and to deliberate on the critical military and diplomatic situation in Vietnam. The group finalized plans for Hoover’s burial at Arlington National Cemetery and discussed the failure of recent negotiations with North Vietnam. Consequently, Nixon directed the intensification of U.S. military strikes, including B-52 operations, while planning to issue a statement to South Vietnamese President Thieu to reaffirm American support and dismiss rumors regarding a potential coalition government.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate administrative logistics regarding an upcoming appointment with Vernon A. Walters. The discussion centered on managing the President's schedule and ensuring the proper arrival protocols for Walters and his guest, Mrs. Laureen Jones. The brief interaction served as a logistical briefing to facilitate the President's immediate meetings.
President Nixon hosted a ceremony in the Oval Office for Vernon A. Walters to mark his promotion and official swearing-in as Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Joined by Walters's family, Judge Edward Tamm, and CIA Director Richard Helms, the President administered the oath of office and acknowledged Walters's 31 years of military service. The meeting concluded with a photography session and the distribution of presidential gifts to the attendees.
President Nixon met briefly with aides Alexander P. Butterfield and Stephen B. Bull to address logistical matters following the death of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. The discussion touched upon the ceremonial handling of the White House flag and the arrangement of materials to be provided to Clyde Tolson. The participants also briefly coordinated upcoming scheduling requirements for Henry Kissinger.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the urgent need to install loyalist oversight at the FBI following J. Edgar Hoover’s death to secure sensitive government files. They weigh the appointment of L. Patrick Gray as an interim presence against the alternative of promoting internal administrators like John Moore. Stephen B. Bull briefly joins to coordinate the logistics for a scheduled meeting with the Rebild National Park Society of Denmark.
President Nixon met with a Danish delegation led by Erik Emborg and accompanied by U.S. Representative Ancher Nelsen to foster international goodwill and discuss American-Danish relations. The meeting, which included a formal photo session, focused on the President's personal memories of Denmark, including the country's farming culture and its people. Nixon concluded the visit by presenting the delegates with presidential mementos and arranging for a tour of the White House grounds.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:06 pm and 12:08 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 717-017 of the White House Tapes.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:06 pm and 12:08 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 717-018 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and Stephen Bull to coordinate logistics for J. Edgar Hoover's funeral and discuss the administration's strategic response to the ongoing North Vietnamese offensive. Nixon decided to consider postponing the upcoming Soviet Summit rather than canceling it outright, framing the potential move as a response to continued communist aggression. The group also evaluated public relations strategies, weighing the risks of overexposure against the need to counter negative media narratives regarding Vietnam and economic concerns like unemployment and food prices.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to discuss the precarious military situation in Vietnam, specifically the South Vietnamese defense against a major North Vietnamese offensive. Nixon expressed deep skepticism regarding the upcoming Moscow summit, questioning the morality and political viability of hosting Soviet leaders while their military aid fueled the ongoing assault on U.S. allies. The two men evaluated the strategic options, including a potential intensification of American air strikes and the possibility of canceling the summit entirely to demonstrate resolve. Ultimately, Nixon emphasized that the primary objective was to bolster the South Vietnamese military's will to fight while acknowledging the significant risks and political fallout associated with their military response.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:20 pm and 4:38 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 023-111 of the White House Tapes.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:20 pm and 1:22 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 334-019 of the White House Tapes.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 1:22 pm to 1:23 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 334-020 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss funeral arrangements for J. Edgar Hoover and the political strategy for appointing his successor. Nixon decided to participate in the funeral services while opting to delay the nomination of a new FBI director until after the upcoming presidential election to avoid political fallout. They concluded that L. Patrick Gray should be installed as an interim appointment without a formal long-term commitment. The two also coordinated the preparation and release of an official public statement regarding these decisions.
On May 2, 1972, 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 4:38 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 334-022 of the White House Tapes.
On May 2, 1972, 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 4:38 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 334-023 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum for the file regarding the positive public reception of his recent speech. He specifically notes the favorable feedback received by H. R. Haldeman from those who heard the address. The discussion briefly touches upon the impact of ongoing bombing operations in relation to his public messaging.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum for his personal files regarding a speech he had recently delivered. During this brief session, he also noted the receipt of a book authored by Allen S. Drury. This recording served primarily as a formal record-keeping activity for the President's administrative records.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum for the file regarding a specific administrative or diplomatic matter, referencing internal records and procedural details. The brief exchange involves the President reviewing documentation, specifically noting a reference to Canada and an unpopular act or decision. This recording serves as an official record of the President's internal directives and administrative notes.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum for the file to summarize recent events and internal administrative considerations. He reviews a dinner involving John B. Connally, discusses the involvement of entertainers like Bob Hope in Vietnam, and touches upon military matters including drug use and dishonorable discharges. Additionally, the President briefly reflects on the activities of defense officials Melvin R. Laird and Thomas H. Moorer regarding the escalation of the Vietnam War.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum for his personal file covering several administrative and policy matters. The recording addresses logistical details regarding visits to Camp David, the military situation in Vietnam, and the recent memorial service for J. Edgar Hoover. These reflections serve as an internal record of the President's priorities and activities during a period of significant international and domestic political focus.
President Nixon met with his valet, Manolo Sanchez, to discuss the organization of private files and the maintenance of a malfunctioning tape recorder. The President directed Sanchez to handle specific documents for his personal records while noting that the recording equipment was experiencing mechanical failures. Consequently, Nixon requested that the device be sent for professional repairs to restore its functionality.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum for the file regarding the ongoing Vietnam conflict and current military strategy. The President evaluates the potential for a communist collapse and reviews the effectiveness of recent air strikes under existing administration policies. He also references internal communications, including a letter from a first-grade teacher and correspondence involving H. R. Haldeman and John B. Connally.
On May 2, 1972, 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 4:38 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 334-031 of the White House Tapes.
On May 2, 1972, 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 4:38 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 334-032 of the White House Tapes.
On May 2, 1972, 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 4:38 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 334-033 of the White House Tapes.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull talked on the telephone from 4:38 pm to 4:39 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 023-112 of the White House Tapes.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 4:38 pm to 4:39 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 334-034 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinate the logistics for Henry Kissinger’s arrival in Washington and a subsequent private meeting. They confirm that Kissinger will be met by Haig upon landing and transported via helicopter to the presidential yacht, the Sequoia. The participants finalize the schedule for this three-way meeting to take place at 6:30 pm.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinate the logistics for a private evening meeting aboard the presidential yacht, the Sequoia. They confirm a 6:30 p.m. arrival time to meet with an unnamed third participant. The discussion focuses exclusively on finalizing these arrangements for the small, confidential gathering.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and others to manage the political fallout and transition following the death of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. The group discussed the necessity of appointing an interim director to avoid a controversial Senate confirmation process during an election year. Additionally, they coordinated a strategy for the President's upcoming trip to Annapolis, emphasizing planned interactions with young people and potential public appearances to bolster his public image.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the deteriorating military situation in South Vietnam, specifically focusing on the evacuation of officials from Hue and the status of defensive forces. Nixon directs Haig to reconsider the tactical distribution of U.S. air power, urging a shift in concentration toward critical battlefronts rather than peripheral skirmishes. Furthermore, Nixon establishes a clear policy that North Vietnamese shelling of Hue will trigger an immediate removal of restrictions on bombing North Vietnamese dikes.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:51 pm and 4:57 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 023-115 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon spoke with his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, about his upcoming schedule and the death of J. Edgar Hoover. Nixon explained he would be unable to go to Camp David due to his obligations related to Hoover's memorial service, including delivering the eulogy at the funeral. They also briefly discussed Tricia's mother's travel plans.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:58 pm and 5:26 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 023-117 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon called Clyde A. Tolson to express his personal condolences following the recent death of J. Edgar Hoover. The two men discussed the profound impact of the loss, with Nixon affirming his intent to attend the funeral and deliver remarks honoring the late FBI Director. During the exchange, Nixon also acknowledged Hoover's professional legacy, asserting that history would diminish the significance of his critics.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:30 pm and 5:35 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 023-119 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, through John D. Ehrlichman, directs Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler to brief the press regarding the upcoming appointment of an acting FBI director. The primary goal is to manage media speculation by confirming the pending announcement while avoiding premature commitments regarding a permanent nominee. Ultimately, the administration decides against pre-emptively closing off the option of a full-time appointment, opting instead to limit public messaging to the announcement of an acting director.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 6:03 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 023-121 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon called Helen Gandy to offer his personal condolences following the recent death of J. Edgar Hoover. The President emphasized the deep respect and close friendship he and his family held for the late FBI Director. During the brief exchange, Nixon also acknowledged Gandy's indispensable role as Hoover's longtime secretary, affirming the high regard in which the Director held her.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:14 pm and 9:17 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 023-123 of the White House Tapes.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 9:17 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 023-124 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directs John K. Andrews, Jr. to incorporate a specific theme regarding law enforcement into an upcoming speech, emphasizing the importance of respect for J. Edgar Hoover. Nixon requests that the material be drafted and delivered by 1:00 p.m. the following day, noting that input from Patrick J. Buchanan should be utilized in the development of the draft.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:22 pm and 9:25 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 023-126 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with advisor Harry Dent regarding ongoing North Vietnamese military offensives and their potential impact on his upcoming diplomatic trip to Moscow. They evaluated the political risks of visiting the Soviet Union while Soviet-supplied weaponry was being used against South Vietnamese forces, specifically considering the possibility of postponing the summit. The conversation also touched upon the status of current Democratic primary races and Nixon's efforts to maintain public support for a firm military response in Vietnam.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:31 pm and 9:35 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 023-128 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the tactical status of the ongoing North Vietnamese offensive and the resulting strategic necessity of authorizing air strikes. They deliberate on the timing of potential bombing campaigns, ultimately deciding against immediate action for the upcoming weekend. The conversation confirms that the administration maintains responsibility for these critical military decisions, notwithstanding ongoing negotiations involving Leonid Brezhnev.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to review media coverage of the late J. Edgar Hoover’s funeral and discuss the administration's public relations strategy regarding the Vietnam War. They analyzed the recent fall of Quang Tri and the domestic impact of potentially canceling the upcoming Soviet Summit in response to North Vietnamese aggression. The President decided to cancel an appearance at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis to maintain flexibility during this period of geopolitical tension.
President Nixon met with Republican congressional leadership to coordinate strategy on key domestic and foreign policy issues during an election year. The discussion focused on distributing fact sheets regarding economic improvements, crime reduction, and unemployment to bolster support, while also strategizing to defeat restrictive anti-war amendments in Congress. Additionally, the President announced his decision to appoint an acting FBI director to ensure institutional stability following the death of J. Edgar Hoover, aiming to shield the bureau from partisan political controversy.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and Henry Kissinger to coordinate the administration's messaging and response to the ongoing North Vietnamese offensive. The discussion centered on managing the press, specifically regarding public statements by Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, and reviewing the viability of South Vietnamese military defenses. Kissinger briefed the President on his diplomatic communications with Soviet official Anatoliy Dobrynin and upcoming military planning sessions, leading to a decision to finalize bombing strategy for Haiphong in a subsequent private meeting.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the messaging strategy for Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler regarding upcoming political appointments and the selection of an Acting FBI Director following J. Edgar Hoover’s recent death. They emphasize the need to distinguish between permanent Supreme Court appointments and temporary political assignments to deflect public criticism. The pair concludes by coordinating the logistics for an afternoon meeting with a prospective candidate.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss the political implications of the Vietnam War, specifically debating whether to cancel the upcoming Soviet Summit in response to North Vietnamese aggression. They analyzed Henry Kissinger's advice regarding the potential for a short-term boost in domestic support against the long-term risk of damaging U.S. foreign policy and inviting intense international propaganda. Additionally, they reviewed administrative matters, including the handling of recent press leaks regarding SALT negotiations and the strategy for managing the FBI transition and leadership confirmations following the death of J. Edgar Hoover.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss public messaging strategies regarding the school enrollment choices of White House correspondents. They deliberate on how to frame survey data to minimize controversy, while also addressing scheduling conflicts related to a funeral. Ultimately, the President decides to abandon a specific plan of action to avoid potential political friction.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to coordinate the scheduling of J. Edgar Hoover’s funeral services. They specifically discussed the timing of the funeral in relation to the President’s other standing speaking commitments. The brief discussion focused on ensuring the funeral arrangements could be accommodated within the President's existing calendar.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to finalize scheduling details regarding the President’s upcoming diplomatic visit to the Soviet Union. The primary focus of the discussion was the confirmation of the departure date for the summit. This interaction served to ensure coordination for the logistics of the high-stakes international trip.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to finalize logistical details regarding his upcoming trip to the Soviet Union, specifically focusing on the departure schedule via Salzburg. During the discussion, the President expressed significant frustration with Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird's involvement in military briefings. Nixon decided to bypass Laird in future meetings to prevent perceived interference, opting instead to receive direct briefings from military personnel.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the deteriorating situation in Vietnam due to the North Vietnamese offensive and the potential for a U.S. response, including increased bombing or the cancellation of the upcoming Soviet summit. They analyzed the political risks of the summit, particularly regarding how appearing to accommodate the Soviet Union while Soviet-supplied weaponry was being used against U.S. forces would impact presidential credibility and domestic support. Nixon instructed Kissinger to prepare a draft speech that would allow for flexibility in the U.S. response, opting to delay final decisions on the summit and military actions until early the following week.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discuss the urgent preparation of a high-stakes speech, with Nixon demanding a draft by the following evening to clarify his strategic thinking. The conversation touches upon the necessity of decisive action, weighing the risks and perceptions of a potential military strike. Nixon emphasizes the limited options available to the administration and mandates a final decision to avoid the appearance of hesitation.
President Nixon met with aides Stephen B. Bull and Alexander P. Butterfield to coordinate scheduling, including an appointment with his barber and potential phone calls recommended by Charles Colson. The participants also discussed administrative details regarding office temperature and the compilation of materials for a project honoring astronauts in Hawaii. The President reviewed these materials to determine their purpose and ultimately granted approval for the initiative.
President Nixon met with his personal aide Manolo Sanchez and secretary Rose Mary Woods to discuss Sanchez’s upcoming knee surgery and recovery timeline. The President and Woods also reviewed various administrative tasks, including correspondence regarding gifts from John Connally, letters from schoolchildren, and condolence messages for the families of J. Edgar Hoover and others. Additionally, they coordinated the preparation of the President’s eulogy for Hoover and addressed general White House scheduling and office logistics.
On May 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:36 pm and 12:40 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 023-130 of the White House Tapes.
On May 3, 1972, 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 12:36 pm and 12:40 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 335-004 of the White House Tapes.
On May 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield 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 023-131 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to coordinate the delivery of unspecified materials to the Old Executive Office Building. Nixon instructed that these items be left outside the office to avoid direct interaction with the couriers. The exchange reflects the President's desire to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive operational or personal details during the delivery process.
On May 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 12:41 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 023-132 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the political landscape following the recent Ohio and Indiana primaries, focusing on the Democratic Party's internal divisions and the perceived public support for Nixon amidst the Vietnam War. They analyze how to leverage the death of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover to reinforce Nixon’s reputation for loyalty and law-and-order leadership. Colson receives instructions to leak stories regarding Nixon’s past defense of Hoover against staff pressure to bolster the President’s image and undermine the credibility of critical media outlets.
On May 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 12:41 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 335-006 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the political fallout and public perception of ongoing military engagements, specifically addressing the risk of potential battlefield losses impacting the President's scheduled trip to Moscow. Nixon emphasizes the necessity of maintaining resolve despite negative projections, drawing a parallel to his steadfast support for J. Edgar Hoover. The conversation highlights the administration's efforts to manage both foreign policy objectives and domestic law-and-order optics during a period of strategic uncertainty.
On May 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:59 pm and 2:01 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 023-134 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consults with an associate, identified as Alex, regarding a specific matter involving an individual named Quintage. The brief exchange centers on assessing the merits of a particular strategy or proposal currently under consideration. The discussion concludes with an acknowledgement that further coordination or in-person meetings may be necessary to finalize the approach.
On May 3, 1972, 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 12:59 pm and 2:01 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 335-009 of the White House Tapes.
On May 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield talked on the telephone from 2:01 pm to 2:02 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 023-135 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Butterfield met to coordinate public relations strategy following a separate meeting. The President instructed Butterfield on the necessity of addressing the press immediately after the conclusion of that session. This brief exchange served to ensure unified messaging and timely media engagement regarding the administration's ongoing activities.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to coordinate logistical arrangements for his upcoming appointment with Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. The discussion focused on scheduling a subsequent photo opportunity and press availability following their meeting. Nixon instructed Butterfield to summon John Andrews to the Executive Office Building to facilitate these administrative tasks.
On May 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 2:30 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 023-136 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place an outgoing call to an unnamed individual upon their arrival. He emphasized that the connection should not be initiated until he had completed other pending tasks. This brief exchange served to coordinate the President's immediate schedule and communication priorities.
On May 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 2:30 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 335-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and speechwriter John K. Andrews, Jr. met to edit the draft of the President’s eulogy for J. Edgar Hoover. They discussed the tone and content of the speech, agreeing to keep it brief while emphasizing Hoover’s historical stature and his role in maintaining law and order. The pair also addressed the political climate surrounding Hoover's legacy, specifically addressing criticisms from figures like Benjamin Spock and Jerry Rubin while refining the text for the President’s final delivery.
On May 3, 1972, 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 2:40 pm and 2:41 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 335-015 of the White House Tapes.