Thomas Hart
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.
When Hart is on the tapes
What Hart talks about on the tapes
Presidential scheduling 8White House operations 5Scheduling 3White House administration 2Ronald L. Ziegler 2Logistics 2David Packard 2Willy Brandt 1William P. Rogers 1White House protocol 1White House personnel 1White House logistics 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.
On February 22, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Thomas Hart talked on the telephone at 2:25 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 043-169 of the White House Tapes.
On February 22, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Thomas Hart met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 2:25 pm to 2:26 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 411-015 of the White House Tapes.
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.
On March 6, 1973, possibly Abdal Rahman Abdallah, Ambassador Abdel Aziz al-Nasri Hamza, Dwight D. Newsom, Thomas Hart, and unknown person(s) met in the Cabinet Room of the White House at an unknown time between 10:00 am and 10:58 am. The Cabinet Room taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 116-004 of the White House Tapes.
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.
On May 9, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Thomas Hart met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 4:15 pm and 6:03 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 432-042 of the White House Tapes.
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.
On May 29, 1973, White House operator, President Richard M. Nixon, and Thomas Hart talked on the telephone from 1:44 pm to 1:45 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-028 of the White House Tapes.
On May 29, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Thomas Hart met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 1:44 pm to 1:45 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 440-058 of the White House Tapes.
On May 29, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Thomas Hart talked on the telephone from 1:47 pm to 1:48 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 039-031 of the White House Tapes.
On May 29, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Thomas Hart met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 1:47 pm to 1:48 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 440-062 of the White House Tapes.
On June 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, Manolo Sanchez, and Thomas Hart met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:35 pm and 1:52 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 447-014 of the White House Tapes.