Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Administration policy
17 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haldeman, Kissinger, Buchanan
When Administration policy comes up
Related topics: Public relationsPress relationsPolitical strategyMelvin R. LairdVietnam WarJohn B. ConnallyCommunication strategyWilliam P. RogersWhite House TapesWhite House strategyWhite House StaffingWhite House operationsWhite House communicationsWatergate
On April 7, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 6:10 pm and 7:09 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 246-035 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon instructed Henry Kissinger to contact Otis Chandler to praise the quality of Chandler’s questions during a recent interview with newspaper editors. The discussion highlighted the administration’s strategy of cultivating positive relations with influential media figures following a session where topics like Asian policy, China, and environmental issues were addressed. Kissinger agreed to place the call immediately, noting the importance of the gesture in managing the press.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the need to manage Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, whom Nixon accuses of distancing himself from the administration's Laos policy while speaking with Republican senators like Howard Baker and Edward Gurney. Nixon expresses frustration that Defense and State Department officials are attempting to shift blame for the Laos operation, insisting that Laird must publicly support the administration's decision. To address this, the President decides to schedule a breakfast meeting with Laird for the coming Thursday to ensure internal alignment and improve communication.
On April 26, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:30 pm and 8:51 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 489-031 of the White House Tapes.
On May 20, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:51 pm and 3:56 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-093 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Patrick J. Buchanan discussed the need for a concise summary of the administration's anti-drug initiatives to be prepared for public communication. Nixon emphasized the importance of framing the federal response as a urgent, comprehensive effort involving international cooperation and specialized medical support. Buchanan was tasked with distilling these complex policy actions into a brief, high-impact document.
President Nixon and Patrick J. Buchanan briefly discussed a public relations matter involving the announcement of a property referred to as "Rocco's house." The President directed Buchanan to verify if there were any strategic concerns or potential issues that would prevent the administration from moving forward with the announcement. No definitive decision was reached, as the conversation concluded with instructions for further internal review.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss political strategy, focusing on the need to moderate public rhetoric regarding tax reform to avoid it becoming a political liability. The President instructs Ehrlichman to coordinate with a political associate to ensure alignment on administration objectives and to maintain a strong, proactive stance in upcoming policy deliberations. Additionally, the conversation touches upon the status of legal services reform and internal administration morale regarding regional political outreach.
President Nixon and John Connally discussed unauthorized public statements made by Treasury official Nathaniel Samuels, CEA Chairman Herbert Stein, and CEA official Marina Whitman regarding international monetary affairs and economic policy. Connally expressed frustration that these statements contradicted the administration's official position and could undermine his upcoming speech to the Foreign Policy Council in New York. Nixon assured Connally that he would stop these officials from making independent statements and that Connally's speech would represent the sole administration position.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed ensuring that Treasury Secretary John Connally's upcoming speech on international monetary affairs would represent administration policy and that no one from the Council of Economic Advisors would speak on the topic without Connally's approval. Nixon also directed Haldeman to inform Secretary of State William Rogers that Nathaniel Samuels was to be fired for deviating from administration policy on international monetary affairs, with his resignation to be accepted immediately.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the drafting of a brief statement regarding the progress of a long-standing political or military struggle. Nixon instructs Ziegler to emphasize that the administration is nearing the conclusion of this effort and should remain committed to seeing it through to success. This brief coordination session serves to ensure that public messaging reflects the President's perspective on the administration's momentum.
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler met in the Oval Office of the White House from 10:54 am to 10:55 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 717-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman briefly discussed the administration's protocol for responding to incoming correspondence, including letters and telegrams from VIPs and other supporters. Nixon directed Haldeman to ensure that official replies were being processed for these communications. The President also briefly considered drafting a personal acknowledgment to an individual regarding their vote on the Bird Amendment, though he expressed some hesitation about the political optics of such a move.
H. R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman coordinated administrative strategy regarding Elliot Richardson's push for the Higher Education Conference Report, specifically concerning the administration's stance on controversial busing amendments. The pair agreed that Richardson must be instructed to abandon his position in favor of the White House’s priorities, with Haldeman tasked to direct Kenneth R. Cole, Jr. to deliver this instruction. Additionally, they reached a consensus to delay testimony on supplemental appropriations by Melvin R. Laird until at least November, following consultation with John C. Whitaker.
On July 26, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson talked on the telephone from 6:58 pm to 7:28 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-094 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with legislative liaison William E. Timmons to discuss strategies for managing public perception and the administration's policy response to ongoing political pressures. The brief exchange focused on coordinating legislative action with the necessity of publicly articulating the White House's position. This meeting served as a direct effort to align executive messaging with congressional maneuvers during a period of intense scrutiny.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the successful recruitment of Melvin Laird to the White House staff and strategies for managing John Connally's potential departure and future role. Haig provides an update on his recent meetings, noting that the administration is preparing to announce several major initiatives concerning Vietnam, energy, and the economy, as well as a new FBI director. Additionally, Nixon and Haig address the ongoing Watergate investigation, with the President reporting that his review of recordings has convinced him that allegations involving John Dean are fraudulent.