Bull, Stephen B.
Stephen B. Bull served in the Nixon administration from its inception, initially working as a Staff Assistant to the President from January 1969 to February 1973. In February 1973, following the departure of Dwight L. Chapin, Bull was promoted to Special Assistant to the President and Appointments Secretary, a role he held until Nixon's resignation in August 1974. During the White House taping period (February 1971 – July 1973), Bull managed the President's daily schedule and appointments, and in March 1973, he assumed Alexander Butterfield's responsibility for overseeing the secret White House taping system.
What Bull talks about on the tapes
Presidential scheduling 748Presidential schedule 606White House operations 457White House administration 412Public relations 344White House logistics 335Vietnam War 243Henry Kissinger 240Scheduling 231Logistics 227Foreign Policy 190H. R. Haldeman 172
Conversations (3,174)
— Page 15 of 32President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the logistical arrangements for upcoming U.S.-USSR relations, including a meeting between First Lady Pat Nixon and Mrs. Anatoliy Dobrynin, and the coordination of the President's planned Moscow summit. A significant portion of the conversation focused on the North Vietnamese offensive and the administration's strategic response, which included aggressive surveillance of Soviet ships and the potential use of naval mines. Kissinger and Nixon evaluated the geopolitical stakes of the Vietnam conflict, framing it as a critical test of U.S. credibility that could influence future Soviet actions in the Middle East and the viability of the Berlin treaties.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate the administration's political strategy, scheduling, and public relations response to the North Vietnamese Easter Offensive. Nixon emphasized the necessity of a decisive, risk-heavy military posture to protect U.S. foreign policy credibility, explicitly instructing staff to maintain message discipline and avoid focus on domestic polling or political dissent. The discussion also covered managing the 1972 reelection campaign, the role of John Connally, and the importance of shielding the President from unnecessary domestic distractions during this critical foreign policy window.
President Nixon met with aide Stephen B. Bull to finalize logistical arrangements for his brief remarks at a reception for the National Alliance of Businessmen. They discussed the schedule for the event and the dinner hosted by Secretary of Labor James D. Hodgson, clarifying that the President’s participation would be limited to welcoming the guests. Nixon also decided that First Lady Pat Nixon’s attendance was unnecessary for the brief appearance.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman met to discuss administration strategy regarding the Vietnam War, press relations, and upcoming domestic initiatives. Nixon expressed frustration with the State Department's perceived lack of long-term vision, contrasting their cautious, tactical approach with his own administration’s bold foreign policy maneuvers such as the opening to China. The conversation also touched upon the inefficiencies of Great Society social programs and transitioned into a wide-ranging, personal discussion regarding the political influence and historical shift of the Jewish American electorate.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield and Stephen B. Bull to process routine administrative tasks, including reviewing the President’s speech copy and finalizing a list of letters for his signature. The discussion focused on coordinating the review process with Charles W. Colson concerning correspondence for a list of 500 individuals. Additionally, the participants touched upon the logistical details regarding the President’s upcoming departure for a trip to Philadelphia.
Stephen B. Bull and U.S. Secret Service agents engaged in a brief, informal discussion regarding the President's schedule and location at the Executive Office Building. The dialogue also included casual remarks concerning the blooming of the cherry blossoms and the planning of the upcoming Arbor Day centennial celebration. The exchange concluded without any major policy decisions or significant administrative developments.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield and Stephen B. Bull in his Old Executive Office Building suite to review and coordinate the President's upcoming daily schedule. The brief three-minute discussion focused exclusively on logistics and administrative planning regarding the President's appointments. No policy decisions were recorded, as the meeting served strictly as an organizational briefing for the White House staff.
President Nixon met with a large group of cabinet members and advisors to discuss a wide-ranging agenda of domestic economic policy, including international trade strategies, energy infrastructure, and tax reform. The participants reviewed the implementation of commercial trade policies with the Soviet Union, analyzed the political and budget implications of environmental regulations, and addressed the status of the Productivity Commission. Nixon emphasized the need for his team to act as aggressive advocates for pro-business policies and job creation in the lead-up to the 1972 election. The meeting concluded with a review of potential Federal Reserve appointments and a discussion on managing public perception regarding inflation and food prices.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to conduct a brief administrative review of his daily schedule. The discussion focused on coordinating the President's upcoming appointments and logistics. No major policy decisions were recorded during this short meeting, which served primarily to manage the President's workflow.
Stephen B. Bull met with Secret Service agents to coordinate logistics and security for upcoming White House events involving President Nixon and members of Congress. The discussion focused on managing the arrival and greeting of prominent Democratic lawmakers, including individuals like George Mahon and John Stennis. Bull emphasized the necessity of these meetings to ensure proper protocol for the visiting congressional groups.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed a controversial Justice Department lawsuit challenging Texas’s established ten-mile fishing rights, which conflicted with prior legislative and judicial precedents. Concerned by the political implications and the inquiries from Texas Supreme Court Justice Price Daniel, Nixon directed Bull to investigate the origin and rationale behind the filing. The President expressed frustration with the litigation, emphasizing the need to clarify why the administration pursued a suit that appeared to contradict settled state maritime boundaries.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to facilitate a telephone discussion regarding administrative matters, including the status of H.R. Haldeman and arrangements involving Alexander P. Butterfield at Camp David. Following Bull's departure, Nixon engaged in a brief follow-up call with Henry A. Kissinger. This interaction highlights the internal coordination of staff logistics and communications between the President and his key foreign policy and operational advisors.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss diplomatic maneuvering regarding the Vietnam War, focusing on communication with Soviet Ambassador Anatoliy Dobrynin to influence Moscow ahead of the upcoming U.S.-Soviet summit. Kissinger reports on the Soviets' lackluster public support for Hanoi and the administration's strategic efforts to maintain leverage in diplomatic messaging. Additionally, the President finalizes logistics for an evening meeting with General Alexander Haig at Camp David to coordinate current policy objectives.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to coordinate his daily agenda and logistical details regarding upcoming appointments. The discussion focused on scheduling arrangements for meetings with press photographer Oliver Atkins, First Lady Pat Nixon, and Lt. Gen. Vernon A. Walters. The pair finalized the sequence of these engagements to ensure the President's schedule remained organized throughout the afternoon.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to address various administrative and scheduling matters, including the handling of a report from the White House Conference on Youth. The discussion touched upon the coordination of an executive branch response and the release of that document. Additionally, the President reviewed plans for an upcoming meeting, managed autograph requests, and discussed staffing transitions involving Rayburn D. Hanzlik and Robert H. Finch.
President Nixon met with leaders of the White House Conference on Youth, including Michael Dively and Stephen Hess, to discuss their ongoing efforts and the federal government's response to the conference's recommendations. The participants reviewed the distribution of demonstration grants and discussed strategies for ensuring their policy concerns gained traction within the upcoming Republican and Democratic party platforms. Nixon encouraged the group to present their proposals to platform committees to maximize publicity and influence, drawing on his own past experiences with such committees.
President Nixon hosted Stephen Hess and his family in the Oval Office for a brief, informal meeting. The discussion focused on pleasantries, the exchange of presidential gifts, and photographs of the Hess children. Nixon also shared personal reflections with the children regarding the value of travel, the importance of experiencing the world while young, and anecdotes concerning his recent outreach to China.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate administrative details regarding his upcoming schedule and the handling of a specific briefcase. The discussion focused on finalizing arrangements for a scheduled meeting involving Frank DeMarco, Jr. and John W. Dean III. No major policy decisions were reached, as the brief interaction served primarily to manage the President's immediate agenda and logistical tasking.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull in the Oval Office to coordinate the arrival of Lieutenant General Vernon A. Walters. The brief interaction served primarily to facilitate the logistical arrangements for the General's visit. No further substantive policy matters were recorded during this session.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull in the Old Executive Office Building to facilitate the delivery of specific materials. The brief interaction focused on the physical handover of documents or items requested by the President. No further information regarding the nature of the materials was recorded before Bull concluded the meeting.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate administration messaging and political maneuvering, specifically regarding ongoing negotiations with North Vietnam and domestic legislative concerns. The discussion centered on clarifying the administration's stance on negotiations to avoid undermining press secretary Ron Ziegler and managing potential political fallout from staff appointments and campaign-related controversies. Nixon also instructed his team to prepare contingency plans for troop withdrawals and to adopt a more aggressive posture on both international and domestic communications.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his daily agenda and upcoming appointments. The discussion focused on finalizing the schedule for a meeting with National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger and a luncheon with Representative William M. Colmer. No significant policy decisions were recorded during this brief administrative check-in.
President Nixon met with Witold Trampczynski to discuss the logistics and diplomatic significance of his forthcoming visit to Poland, emphasizing the importance of strong US-Poland relations due to the large Polish-American population. Prior to the meeting, Nixon and Henry Kissinger coordinated on sensitive Cold War geopolitical strategy, specifically regarding the precarious nature of the upcoming Soviet summit and the need to maintain a firm stance against the USSR. Following Trampczynski's departure, Nixon directed Kissinger to adopt a combative public messaging strategy, instructing his team to attack Democrats for their perceived lack of support for the South Vietnamese effort against the recent Northern invasion.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman reviewed the ongoing Senate confirmation hearings for Richard G. Kleindienst and Secretary of State William P. Rogers's testimony regarding the Vietnam War. They expressed satisfaction with Rogers’s firm performance before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, particularly his defense of the administration's bombing policies and his rejection of North Vietnamese negotiation demands tied to halting military actions. Additionally, the President and Haldeman discussed strategies for managing White House staff departures, logistics for upcoming travel, and potential responses to diplomatic and political pressure, including the possibility of a naval blockade in Vietnam.
President Nixon met with Donald B. Rice, Caspar Weinberger, and George Shultz to discuss Rice's transition to a new position at the Rand Corporation. Following the personnel discussion, Nixon turned to the ongoing North Vietnamese invasion of South Vietnam, expressing resolve despite the potential impact on his upcoming Soviet summit. He emphasized a firm stance regarding potential retaliatory actions, including a blockade of Hanoi and Haiphong, while criticizing press coverage of the conflict.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate logistical details regarding his upcoming schedule and travel arrangements. The conversation focused on the President's planned meeting with Representative William M. Colmer and the management of travel to and from Capitol Hill. Nixon also instructed Bull to facilitate a phone call with Secretary of State William P. Rogers to discuss ongoing administrative matters.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull in the Oval Office to coordinate his official schedule. The discussion focused primarily on arranging a meeting with National Security Advisor Henry A. Kissinger. This brief administrative interaction served to confirm the timing for the President's upcoming diplomatic consultations.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird met to evaluate the ongoing military situation in Vietnam and coordinate strategy ahead of Kissinger's upcoming summit preparations in Moscow. The participants expressed frustration over unauthorized press reports suggesting internal administration discord regarding air strikes, emphasizing the need for a unified front to project strength and pressure North Vietnam. Nixon sought to maintain leverage for his potential Moscow visit, specifically discussing the tactical efficacy of air campaigns, the strategic value of a potential naval blockade, and the importance of maintaining a firm stance against North Vietnamese aggression to ensure favorable negotiation outcomes.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and Henry Kissinger to review administration messaging, political strategy, and foreign policy developments. Key discussions included orchestrating a media push against Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau following anti-U.S. demonstrations in Canada, managing the ITT controversy, and framing the administration's hardline stance on the Vietnam War. Nixon also prioritized controlling the narrative regarding D.C. crime statistics and discussed future protocols for staff reporting on international travel.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to evaluate the status of the Vietnam War and the strategic implications of increased U.S. bombing operations ahead of Kissinger’s upcoming trip to Moscow. They discussed the effectiveness of recent air and naval strikes, specifically noting the pressure being placed on North Vietnam and the diplomatic necessity of demonstrating strength to the Soviets. Nixon emphasized the importance of maintaining military momentum to ensure a strong bargaining position, while both men weighed the risks and potential fallout of a naval blockade on the upcoming Moscow summit.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate the logistics for an upcoming White House visit by the People's Republic of China table tennis team. They discussed the specific protocol for the meeting, including plans for handshakes, translation requirements, and photo opportunities. Nixon emphasized his desire to limit interaction with the American table tennis delegation to maintain the focus on the Chinese guests.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate logistical details and preparations for an upcoming White House visit by the People's Republic of China table tennis team. The discussion centered on managing the President's engagement with the visiting athletes as part of the broader diplomatic efforts to improve U.S.-China relations. Following the brief consultation, the participants departed the Oval Office to proceed with the scheduled activities.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to reorganize the scheduling of upcoming appointments. The discussion focused primarily on adjusting the timing and duration of a meeting with Secretary of Agriculture Earl L. Butz. Nixon also addressed the coordination of Butz's visit in relation to the schedule of National Security Advisor Henry A. Kissinger.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and Secretary of Agriculture Earl Butz met to debrief on Butz's recent trip to the Soviet Union and coordinate messaging ahead of the President's upcoming Moscow summit. The discussion focused on the potential for U.S.-Soviet agricultural trade and grain deals, which Nixon insisted must be linked to broader geopolitical progress, specifically regarding the conflict in Vietnam. They agreed that while Butz should highlight positive, preliminary discussions, he must publicly emphasize that significant hurdles regarding credit terms and international political tensions remained unresolved to avoid appearing desperate for an agreement.
President Nixon coordinated with staff members Stephen Bull, Clark MacGregor, and Alexander Butterfield to arrange a private trip aboard the presidential yacht, the Sequoia. The participants finalized the logistics for a late afternoon departure and dinner, while also briefly discussing the timing of an urgent telephone call to be placed by the President. These arrangements were intended to facilitate an informal meeting away from the office.
President Nixon met with Clark MacGregor to coordinate the administration's legal and political defense regarding the Senate investigation into the ITT antitrust settlement. They strategized on managing witness testimony and committee dynamics, specifically aiming to mitigate aggressive questioning from Democratic senators Edward Kennedy and John Tunney by utilizing Republican committee allies. Furthermore, Nixon urged MacGregor to maintain an offensive political posture, particularly by contrasting the administration's actions with previous Democratic inaction on conglomerates and by framing the administration's stance on the Vietnam War as a necessary defense against communist aggression.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, in the Old Executive Office Building to review and coordinate the President's upcoming daily schedule. The brief discussion focused on administrative planning and logistics for the morning's agenda. No substantive policy decisions were recorded during this short exchange.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to finalize logistical arrangements and talking points for an upcoming appointment with D.C. Police Chief Jerry V. Wilson. The discussion addressed the scheduling of a photo opportunity with the U.S. table tennis team and specifically covered the President's intended comments regarding Egil "Bud" Krogh, Jr. The primary objective was to coordinate the sequence and location of these meetings to ensure operational efficiency.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met in the Oval Office to coordinate strategy ahead of Kissinger's secret mission to Moscow to negotiate with Soviet leaders regarding the Vietnam War and a potential summit. They discussed maintaining a tough military posture, including continued bombing of North Vietnamese targets to leverage negotiations, while framing the Moscow trip as a broader diplomatic effort. The participants also finalized plans to conceal Kissinger’s location by claiming he was attending staff meetings at Camp David, effectively keeping the press and public in the dark until a planned announcement following the talks.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman to discuss high-level administration strategy, including preparations for Henry Kissinger’s upcoming trip to Moscow and the management of sensitive Vietnam negotiations. The President expressed frustration with Kissinger’s tendency to engage in philosophical digressions during diplomatic talks and instructed that specific, direct messages be relayed regarding the necessity of prioritizing a Vietnam settlement over broader summit discussions. Additionally, they reviewed domestic political issues, including the ITT case, upcoming press strategy, and staff transitions, while Nixon emphasized his desire to reduce his own preoccupation with negative media coverage.
President Nixon and John Connally met to discuss the administration's aggressive response to the North Vietnamese invasion, including the strategic use of bombing and the potential for a naval blockade. Amidst this foreign policy crisis, they reviewed Connally’s planned departure from his position as Secretary of the Treasury and discussed his successor, with George Shultz emerging as the preferred choice. The conversation further explored domestic economic policy, including plans for austerity budgets and welfare reform, as well as the political necessity of maintaining a strong, decisive image for the upcoming 1972 election.
President Nixon met with Clifford D. Carlson, Carol A. Carlson, and Max L. Friedersdorf for a brief, informal social visit in the Oval Office. The conversation included expressions of presidential condolences regarding the recent death of Carlson's wife and lighthearted exchanges about family and personal appearances. The meeting concluded with a formal photograph session and the distribution of presidential gifts, including cuff links and golf balls.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his upcoming schedule and logistics. The discussion focused on arranging a meeting with John D. Ehrlichman, specifically concerning a matter involving the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The conversation concluded after finalizing these brief administrative arrangements.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to discuss personal logistics and the aesthetic upkeep of the White House grounds. The President emphasized the seasonal beauty of the Rose Garden, specifically instructing Bull to ensure guests see the crab apples and tulips during their brief bloom. Additionally, the pair touched upon housing matters, with Nixon offering advice on real estate as an investment.
President Nixon met with Alexander Butterfield and Stephen Bull to discuss administrative arrangements for White House gifts and the President's upcoming schedule. The participants coordinated the distribution of customized putters intended for political contributors and reviewed logistical details for an upcoming meeting with Bob Hope. The discussion also included a brief review of photographs involving astronauts and preparations for the President’s scheduled appearances.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to facilitate the scheduling of an upcoming visit by entertainer Bob Hope. The primary objective of the meeting was to coordinate Hope's arrival and manage his interactions with Alexander M. Haig, Jr. and Ronald L. Ziegler. Nixon emphasized the urgency of the logistics, specifically tasking Bull with capturing photographs of the guest before anticipated weather complications.
President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods and Stephen B. Bull to coordinate administrative logistics and personal scheduling matters. The discussion centered on the arrangements for Bob Hope’s upcoming meeting, including the necessity of capturing photographs before expected inclement weather. Additionally, the group reviewed the President’s travel itinerary to Camp David and confirmed plans regarding Bebe Rebozo’s arrival.
President Nixon met with Bob Hope, Ronald Ziegler, and others to discuss the current military situation in Vietnam, specifically the North Vietnamese offensive and the American response. Nixon emphasized that the U.S. was committed to using overwhelming air and sea power to prevent a South Vietnamese collapse and to maintain international credibility, framing the conflict as a high-stakes geopolitical poker game with implications for the Middle East. The President expressed deep frustration with the American press, accusing journalists of defeatism and actively undermining the war effort by inciting troops and supporting the enemy.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger, Alexander Haig, and other staff members to finalize the strategy for an upcoming televised address regarding the worsening military situation in Vietnam. The President emphasized his desire for a simple, direct speech that would frame the North Vietnamese invasion as a clear act of aggression while preparing the public for potential military losses. A significant portion of the conversation focused on the necessity of matching tough rhetoric with decisive air and naval strikes, as well as the importance of maintaining diplomatic credibility ahead of the upcoming Soviet summit. Nixon also instructed his team to improve their public relations efforts, expressing deep frustration with the lack of aggressive messaging from the State Department and the Pentagon regarding the conflict.
President Nixon consulted with his aide Stephen B. Bull to confirm the logistics for an upcoming meeting with Dr. W. Kenneth Riland. The two agreed that the appointment would take place at 6:00 p.m. within the White House residence. This brief interaction served to finalize the venue and timing for the President’s evening schedule.
President Nixon met briefly with his personal aide, Stephen B. Bull, to coordinate logistics for a scheduled departure or transportation arrangement. The conversation focused on confirming the readiness of a ride for the President. The meeting concluded once Bull provided the necessary confirmation.
President Nixon met with South Korean officials Kim Yong-sik and Dong Jo Kim, along with Alexander Haig, to reaffirm U.S. security commitments to the Republic of Korea (ROK) amidst the ongoing North Vietnamese invasion. The discussion centered on maintaining a strong defense posture, the modernization of ROK forces, and coordinating strategy ahead of Nixon's upcoming summit in Moscow. Nixon assured the delegation of continued U.S. support despite domestic congressional opposition and emphasized the strategic importance of resisting communist aggression in both Vietnam and Korea.
President Richard M. Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, in the Old Executive Office Building to review and coordinate the President's daily schedule. The discussion focused on administrative planning and the management of his upcoming appointments. No significant policy decisions were recorded during this brief logistical consultation.
President Nixon met with Ronald Ziegler, Stephen Bull, and Rose Mary Woods to coordinate logistical and administrative matters regarding his daily schedule. The discussion involved planning for a meeting with White House secretaries and the preparation of photographs. The participants also touched upon internal staffing details, specifically mentioning Richard Helms and Alexander Butterfield.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger, William Rogers, and several senior staff members to coordinate U.S. strategy regarding the upcoming Soviet Summit, the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT), and the ongoing North Vietnamese offensive. The discussions focused on ensuring a firm stance against Soviet-backed North Vietnamese aggression while maintaining diplomatic progress toward a SALT agreement. Nixon directed staff to prepare specific messaging for Ambassador Gerard Smith to ensure that U.S. negotiating positions were clearly defined as presidential directives, and he emphasized the need for a decisive military response—including a significant B-52 strike—should the North Vietnamese fail to halt their offensive operations.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate the scheduling of his upcoming appointments and administrative announcements. The discussion focused on establishing a specific timeframe for a scheduled meeting, including potential adjustments based on the availability of Alexander M. Haig, Jr. They concluded by agreeing that 5:00 p.m. would serve as the firm deadline for these commitments.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to facilitate the transition between scheduled appointments in the Oval Office. The primary purpose of this brief encounter was to coordinate the arrival of White House Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler. Following this administrative exchange, Bull departed to allow the President to proceed with his next meeting.
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 his aide Stephen B. Bull in the Oval Office to conduct a brief review of the President's daily schedule. The conversation focused on managing administrative arrangements and the logistics of upcoming appointments. No significant policy decisions were recorded during this brief logistical check-in.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to conduct a brief administrative review of his daily schedule. The primary focus of the discussion was the cancellation of a previously planned meeting between the President and Charles W. Colson. Following this brief briefing, Bull concluded the meeting and departed the Oval Office.
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 contacted Stephen B. Bull to modify his afternoon agenda. He requested that a scheduled meeting with John Ehrlichman be rescheduled from 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Bull acknowledged the request and committed to adjusting the President's calendar accordingly.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to discuss the management of specific individuals or logistical arrangements. While the brief transcript is fragmentary, the exchange confirms that Bull successfully secured the parties in question according to the President's instructions. The conversation functioned as a quick status update regarding these subjects.
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 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 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 and Stephen B. Bull discuss the aggressive tactics employed by a newly appointed general in Fort Worth to restore order. The general reportedly secured the area by deploying armed scout cars and issuing a lethal-force ultimatum against unauthorized personnel. The exchange highlights the President's interest in this swift, albeit extreme, approach to resolving civil disturbances.
President Nixon met with his senior advisors, including H. R. Haldeman and Henry Kissinger, to navigate the intensifying North Vietnamese offensive and its implications for the upcoming Soviet Summit. The group deliberated on military strategies—including the possibility of a naval blockade—and analyzed the political risks of cancelling the summit versus the need to maintain a firm negotiating stance. A key action item involved coordinating with John Connally to assess the administration's response to these crises, while also addressing concerns regarding domestic political fallout, press coverage, and security preparations for the upcoming national political conventions.
President Richard Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to rehearse his eulogy for J. Edgar Hoover and coordinate the logistical details of the upcoming funeral service. They reviewed the ceremonial sequence, including the recessional order, specific camera positioning for television coverage, and seating arrangements for notable guests like Mamie Eisenhower and the L. Patrick Grays. This preparation ensured that both the President's delivery and the procedural movements of the dignitary participants would proceed smoothly during the high-profile memorial.
Stephen B. Bull and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office to coordinate administrative logistics or manage the distribution of internal documents. Although a specific transcript is unavailable, the discussion centered on the handling of formal White House materials, possibly involving a figure identified as Larry Robinson. The meeting concluded with both men departing the office, marking the finalization of their procedural review.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate logistical details and scheduling for upcoming official appointments. The discussion focused on finalizing arrangements for an Oval Office meeting with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and a separate session involving L. Patrick Gray III, his wife, and a photographer. These administrative preparations ensured the President’s midday itinerary remained organized and prepared for media documentation.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his daily schedule and manage upcoming appointments. The discussion focused on logistics for meetings with Frank E. Fitzsimmons and Nellie L. Yates. Additionally, Nixon provided specific instructions for Bull to relay to Charles W. Colson.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to discuss the distribution of presidential gifts, including ashtrays, intended for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. They briefly touched upon the logistics and costs associated with these tokens of appreciation. The discussion also involved lighthearted personal exchanges regarding the President's upcoming weekend recreational plans.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate logistics for an upcoming White House visit by musician Ray Conniff, including arrangements for photographs, certificates, and a tour of the Oval Office. The discussion also addressed a brief meeting between the President and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger. Bull oversaw these administrative details before concluding his meeting with the President.
President Nixon met with Henry Kissinger and H.R. Haldeman to finalize the decision to initiate a naval blockade and intensified bombing campaign against North Vietnam, a move Nixon viewed as essential to prevent a defeat in the war and preserve American credibility. The discussion focused on coordinating the strategy to ensure secrecy, managing potential friction with Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird and Secretary of State William Rogers, and addressing the geopolitical implications of a confrontation with the Soviet Union. Nixon directed his team to maintain a facade of normalcy to mask the impending escalation while simultaneously emphasizing the necessity of absolute loyalty and silence from his staff to prevent leaks.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met briefly to coordinate logistics for a forthcoming meeting involving the press. The discussion focused on the necessity of efficiency due to time constraints and addressed the costs associated with gift items for new visitors. Bull confirmed he would manage the distribution of these items in the session room following the brief exchange.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed the strategy and messaging for an upcoming televised address regarding the Vietnam War and a proposed blockade. Nixon expressed deep frustration with the American 'leader class'—including university presidents, the media, and business elites—whom he accused of lacking the fortitude to support his policies. Consequently, the two agreed to coordinate a political counter-offensive that would blame congressional 'doves' for the breakdown in peace negotiations and the enemy's continued intransigence.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate an upcoming appointment with Dr. Jerome H. Jaffe. The brief discussion served to facilitate the logistics of this meeting regarding federal drug abuse policy. No further substantive policy decisions were recorded during this brief transition.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to finalize logistical arrangements for an upcoming meeting with a group led by John D. Rockefeller III. The discussion focused on administrative details including the duration of the session, seating arrangements, and the provision of refreshments. Kenneth R. Cole, Jr. was identified as a key participant involved in the coordination of these preparations.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his upcoming schedule and travel arrangements. The discussion focused on logistics for the President's visit to Camp David, specifically noting the participation of Julie Nixon Eisenhower and Rose Mary Woods. The conversation concluded with an agreement on departure timing for the afternoon.
Stephen B. Bull met with United States Secret Service agents in the Oval Office to discuss routine logistical or operational arrangements. The conversation consists primarily of brief, non-substantive affirmations rather than policy deliberations. No specific decisions or historical actions were recorded during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon met with Ambassador Walter H. Annenberg, John N. Mitchell, and John D. Ehrlichman to discuss diplomatic relations, the 1972 Republican National Convention, and political strategy for the upcoming election. The participants focused on local campaign support in Pennsylvania—specifically regarding Frank Rizzo—and potential political endorsements from influential figures like Norton Simon. Nixon and Annenberg reaffirmed their strong personal and political alliance, with Nixon explicitly requesting Annenberg's continued service as Ambassador to the Court of St. James's following the 1972 election.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate administrative logistics regarding a scheduled telephone call with Alexander M. Haig Jr. The brief discussion centered on the timing and specific purpose of the upcoming conversation with Haig. No further policy developments or major decisions were recorded during this short briefing.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate the presentation of gifts to Soviet representatives. The discussion focused on the selection of cuff links and the logistical scheduling for the gift-giving ceremony. This brief consultation ensured that the appropriate items were prepared for upcoming diplomatic interactions.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate the scheduling of his upcoming appointments. The discussion focused on finalizing the timing for meetings with Secretary of State William P. Rogers and National Security Advisor Henry A. Kissinger. They also addressed the logistics for the President's departure via helicopter to Camp David, where he was scheduled to be joined by Charles G. "Bebe" Rebozo.
President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods and Stephen B. Bull to discuss administrative arrangements for his upcoming schedule and receive updates on staff matters, including the recovery of Manolo Sanchez. The discussion included a review of positive public and personal feedback regarding the President's recent television address concerning the Vietnam blockade. Additionally, the President addressed potential implications for the Soviet Summit and coordinated logistics for an upcoming meeting with Secretary of State William P. Rogers.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull and Alexander P. Butterfield to finalize logistics for several upcoming events, including a meeting with John Cardinal Krol and a large reception in the Blue Room. Discussions focused on scheduling the Cardinal’s visit aboard the Sequoia and coordinating protocol for the reception, specifically the introductions of guests and the flow of the receiving line. Nixon emphasized the need for efficient crowd management and clear identification of attendees to streamline the social proceedings.
President Nixon met with John B. Connally and Stephen B. Bull to discuss the transition of the Treasury Secretary position from Connally to George P. Shultz, including plans for an upcoming cabinet announcement. The conversation also covered international affairs, specifically the blockade of North Vietnam and negotiations with the Soviet Union, as well as the President’s desire for tighter controls on the political and professional appointments of Jewish individuals within his administration. Additionally, Nixon and Connally explored future post-resignation roles for Connally, including diplomatic missions to Latin America and an appointment to the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board (PFIAB).
President Nixon met with George Shultz and later John Connally to finalize Shultz's appointment as the new Secretary of the Treasury, replacing the outgoing Connally. The discussion covered the upcoming formal announcement and cabinet meeting, the transition of responsibilities, and the need for a firm economic strategy regarding the budget and international monetary policy. Additionally, they reviewed potential leadership changes, specifically the appointment of Caspar Weinberger to head the Office of Management and Budget, while briefly noting the continued domestic support for the President’s Vietnam War policies.
President Nixon met with Donald Kendall and Peter Flanigan to coordinate strategy for upcoming trade negotiations with the Soviet Union, specifically regarding the Pepsi-Vodka agreement and Most Favored Nation (MFN) status. The participants emphasized the importance of maintaining high-level control over economic diplomacy to prevent lower-level bureaucratic gridlock and discussed leveraging credit offers to secure long-term grain commitments. Additionally, Nixon and Kendall exchanged frustrations regarding the lack of political support from the business establishment, contrasting it with the perceived necessity of building a new, more reliable coalition.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, in the Oval Office to address administrative matters regarding the executive schedule. The primary focus of the discussion concerned the President's upcoming meeting with Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman. No substantive policy decisions were recorded during this brief administrative briefing.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to facilitate a meeting with General Alexander M. Haig, Jr. Shortly after the operator placed the call, Stephen B. Bull joined the President in the Oval Office. The brief exchange primarily functioned to coordinate logistics for Haig's arrival.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield, Stephen B. Bull, and H. R. Haldeman to review administrative materials and schedule updates. The discussion focused on routine paperwork, logistics regarding the upcoming presidential trip to Moscow, and the scheduling of meetings for key staff members including Alexander Haig and Charles Colson. The participants also addressed staff correspondence and procedural matters related to the President's daily agenda.
President Nixon consulted with Alexander P. Butterfield and Stephen B. Bull regarding administrative arrangements before speaking directly with H. R. Haldeman. The brief discussion primarily focused on the scheduling of Secretary of State William P. Rogers. No substantive policy decisions were reached during this short coordination call.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed photographs featuring a diverse group of schoolchildren, including students of various ethnic backgrounds. The President utilized the images to comment on the multicultural composition of the school, identifying specific groups such as Mexican-American, African-American, and Japanese students. The meeting served as a brief interlude for the President to engage with visual documentation of his constituents before proceeding with his daily schedule, which included a meeting with Ronald L. Ziegler.