President Nixon and John Ehrlichman coordinate the logistics and messaging strategy for an upcoming announcement regarding the appointment of an acting Attorney General. They determine that the announcement should be handled personally rather than through Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler due to political sensitivities regarding Richard Kleindienst. The President confirms that the designated spokesperson has been fully briefed on the necessary talking points to manage the public narrative.
On May 3, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman talked on the telephone from 2:48 pm to 2:49 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 023-137 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 23-137 Date: May 3, 1972 Time: 2:48-2:49 pm Location: White House Telephone John D. Ehrlichman talked with the President. [See also Conversation No. 335-16B] Ronald L. Ziegler's announcement -Clarification -Acting Attorney General -Richard G. Kleindienst's opinion -Arrangements
This transcript was generated automatically by AI and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Do not cite this transcript as authoritative. Consult the Finding Aid above for verified information.