President Nixon informs First Lady Pat Nixon of the passing of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, who died in his sleep the previous night. The brief exchange confirms the news and serves to ensure the First Lady is personally apprised of the death before it is publicly acknowledged. No further official actions or strategic decisions were discussed during this short interaction.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Thelma C. ("Pat") (Ryan) Nixon met in the Oval Office of the White House from 10:57 am to 10:58 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 717-003 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 717-3
Date: May 2, 1972
Time: 10:57-10:58 am
Location: Oval Office
The President talked with Thelma C. (“Pat”) Nixon.
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[Previous PRMPA Personal Returnable (G) withdrawal reviewed under deed of gift 10/18/2022.
Segment cleared for release.]
(rev. Dec-01)
[Personal Returnable]
[717-003-w001]
[Duration: 19s]
[See Conversation No. 23-106]
**************************************************************************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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.