Nixon White House Tapes — Conversation 034-050
Date: Monday, December 11, 1972 at 7:54 PM
Participants: Nixon, Richard M. (President); Ziegler, Ronald L.
Recording device: White House Telephone
Source: https://www.easynixon.org/tapes/034-050

This transcript was generated automatically by AI (WhisperX) and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Do not cite it as authoritative.

[0:00] Hello.
[0:02] Mrs. Ziegler, sir.
[0:03] Hi.
[0:04] How are you?
[0:04] Hi, Ron.
[0:05] Yes, Mr. President.
[0:06] I just talked to Connie.
[0:07] She fully understands the Washington Post situation.
[0:10] There was no reporter today at the ceremony.
[0:15] There was a photographer there, but apparently they screwed up on their desk assignment today, and there was no reporter present from the Post.
[0:25] I want it clearly understood that from now on, ever,
[0:30] no reporter from the Washington Post is ever to be in the White House.
[0:34] Is that clear?
[0:35] Absolutely.
[0:36] Unless it's a press conference.
[0:37] Yes, sir.
[0:38] Briefings here, but— Not a briefing.
[0:40] But never in the White House.
[0:42] No church service.
[0:44] Nothing that Mrs. Nixon does.
[0:45] You tell Connie, don't tell Mrs. Nixon because she'll approve it.
[0:48] No reporter from the Washington Post is ever to be in the White House again, and no photographer either.
[0:55] No photographer, is that clear?
[0:57] Yes, sir.
[0:57] None ever to be in.
[0:59] Now, that is a total order, and if necessary, I'll fire you.
[1:04] You understand?
[1:04] I do understand.
[1:06] Okay.
[1:07] All right.
[1:08] Good.
[1:11] Okay.
[1:11] Thank you.