Hart, Thomas
Thomas Hart served in the Nixon administration as a Staff Assistant and Special Assistant to the President. He appears as a participant in several conversations with President Nixon on the White House tapes during 1973. These conversations took place in the spring and fall of that year, a pivotal time during the Watergate era.
What Hart talks about on the tapes
White House operations 5Presidential scheduling 4Presidential schedule 4Scheduling 3White House administration 2Logistics 2David Packard 2Willy Brandt 1William P. Rogers 1White House protocol 1White House personnel 1White House meetings 1
Conversations (19)
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to be introduced to Thomas Hart, an individual with a background in business education. The brief discussion focused on Hart’s educational history at Harvard Business School and the prevailing political attitudes and voting patterns of students during the 1972 presidential election. The interaction served primarily as a formal introduction and a cursory exchange regarding youth political sentiments.
President Nixon directs Thomas Hart to schedule a radio address for the following day at 2:00 p.m. The two coordinate the logistics of the recording, specifying that it will take place in the President’s office. Nixon requests that the final draft of the script be delivered for his review once available.
President Nixon and Thomas Hart held a brief meeting to coordinate the logistics and distribution of administrative documents. The discussion centered on the scheduling and handling of copy production for materials to be reviewed in the office. No significant policy decisions were made during this brief procedural exchange.
President Nixon met with Thomas Hart and Stephen B. Bull to record a formal congratulatory message for E.K. Gaylord’s 100th birthday. The President reviewed and recited a prepared tribute, highlighting Gaylord’s long life and significant contributions to his country. The primary purpose of the meeting was to finalize this audio recording for the milestone celebration.
Sudanese officials, including Ambassador Abdel Aziz al-Nasri Hamza and Abdel Rahman Abdallah, met with U.S. State Department representatives David Newsom and Thomas Hart to address an urgent incident involving Sudan. The participants discussed the regional situation in Africa and coordinated preparations for a subsequent high-level meeting between the Sudanese delegation and President Nixon. The dialogue served to manage diplomatic relations and address the immediate crisis during a period of heightened bilateral sensitivity.
President Nixon met with RNC Chair George H.W. Bush and Janet J. Johnston to discuss Republican Party strategy, personnel, and upcoming electoral goals. They reviewed internal leadership races, specifically addressing tensions between Clarence J. Brown and Robert H. Michel, and discussed the President's stance on intervening in internal party contests. Additionally, the group strategized on recruitment, focusing on potential party-switching candidates in Virginia and the broader political implications of recruiting high-profile figures like John Connally to the Republican cause.
President Nixon met with the group of outgoing White House Fellows to discuss their experiences, the value of their tenure, and the broader responsibilities of public service. During the session, he emphasized the critical relationship between a strong domestic economy and effective foreign policy while advocating for the divestiture of federal power to state and local governments. Nixon concluded by encouraging the Fellows to pursue careers in government, stressing the need for competent and responsible leadership at all levels.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman review a transcript of a March 21, 1973, meeting with John Dean to analyze their potential legal exposure regarding the Watergate scandal. The participants discuss the ongoing pressure from E. Howard Hunt for hush money, the potential for obstruction of justice charges, and the risks associated with various cover-up strategies. They deliberate over the feasibility of raising cash for legal fees while attempting to distance the President from the illicit activities and illegal payments described by Dean.
President Nixon instructed Thomas Hart to adjust his official schedule to accommodate a meeting with David Packard. Nixon directed that Packard be slotted for a 9:00 a.m. appointment on Thursday, explicitly requesting that Stephen Bull reschedule existing commitments to allow for a 30- to 60-minute duration. The President confirmed he had already concluded his meeting with Roy Ash, clearing the way for the new appointment.
President Nixon directs Thomas Hart to schedule a meeting with David Packard for the following Thursday morning. Additionally, the President requests that Steve remain available to facilitate his transition to the gym. This brief exchange serves primarily as a logistical instruction for managing the President's upcoming calendar and personal fitness routine.
President Nixon met with Thomas Hart to coordinate logistical details for an upcoming visit from West German Chancellor Willy Brandt. The discussion focused on finalizing the meeting schedule and clarifying the roles and attendance of Secretary of State William P. Rogers and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger. They specifically reviewed the timing of a planned photo opportunity to ensure smooth transitions for the participating officials.
President Nixon met with Thomas Hart to discuss personal and administrative scheduling, including arrangements for the President's barber, Milton Pitts. During the conversation, Nixon inquired about the current health status of Pitts. The discussion also touched upon the status of H. R. Haldeman following his recent departure from the White House staff.
President Nixon met with Secretary of Agriculture Earl L. Butz and several Department of Agriculture staff members to preside over a bill signing ceremony. The participants, including Dana G. Mead and William W. Erwin, gathered for a photo opportunity with the President to commemorate the new legislation. Brief discussions during the event touched upon the cattle industry in Colorado and concerns regarding consumer food prices.
Thomas Hart met with an unidentified individual in the Oval Office to discuss logistical details regarding the President’s upcoming schedule. The conversation focused specifically on coordinating arrangements at the Executive Office Building. The participants concluded their brief meeting by departing the office shortly after noon.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone call to determine the status of Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler’s current briefing session. Upon learning that the briefing is nearing completion, the President instructs that Ziegler be sent to meet with him immediately. The primary purpose of the communication is to facilitate a direct follow-up meeting between the President and his press secretary.
President Nixon held a brief, one-minute meeting with Thomas Hart in the Old Executive Office Building. Due to the lack of an available transcript or audio content, the substance of the discussion remains undocumented. No specific decisions or action items can be attributed to this exchange.
President Nixon coordinated with Thomas Hart to arrange a follow-up briefing once Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler concluded an ongoing meeting. Hart informed the President that Ziegler was working to finalize pending matters, prompting Nixon to request a direct call as soon as Ziegler became available. The brief exchange served to manage the President's schedule and ensure immediate communication with his press secretary.
President Richard M. Nixon held a brief, one-minute meeting with Thomas Hart in the Old Executive Office Building. Due to the lack of an available transcript or recording content, the specific topics discussed remain undocumented. Consequently, no substantive policy decisions or action items can be attributed to this exchange.
President Nixon met with his personal valet Manolo Sanchez and Thomas Hart in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss administrative and personal logistical matters. The brief interaction focused primarily on the President’s lunch order, specifically requesting salmon and cottage cheese. No substantive policy or political developments were recorded during this brief encounter.