Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Department of Agriculture
18 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Ehrlichman, White House photographer, Hardin
President Nixon, assisted by John D. Ehrlichman and Alexander P. Butterfield, initiated a telephone call to Secretary of Agriculture Clifford M. Hardin. The primary purpose of the contact was to facilitate direct communication with the Secretary. No further substantive policy discussions were captured in this brief exchange.
President Nixon met with a large group of staff members to express his gratitude for their dedicated efforts in preparing the administration's revenue sharing proposals. He emphasized the necessity of these legislative reforms, encouraged the team to remain confident despite inevitable political challenges, and distributed commemorative gifts to those involved. Additionally, Nixon consulted with John Ehrlichman to finalize a decision regarding the Agricultural Extension Service, ultimately deciding to support Secretary of Agriculture Clifford Hardin's position to ensure the program's stability.
President Nixon facilitates a discussion between Treasury Secretary John B. Connally and General George A. Lincoln regarding urgent federal assistance for a severe drought affecting Texas. Connally emphasizes the dire conditions and advocates for a government-subsidized hay transportation program, citing its past success and political necessity to prevent ranchers from having to liquidate their herds. While Lincoln acknowledges concerns about potential waste and administrative corruption associated with past hay programs, the parties discuss the need for swift, decisive action to support the agricultural sector and ensure the administration receives credit for timely intervention.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place a telephone call to Secretary of Agriculture Clifford M. Hardin. This brief interaction served exclusively as a logistical step to connect the President with a member of his cabinet. No substantive policy discussions occurred during this exchange.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place an outgoing call to J. Phillip Campbell, the Undersecretary of Agriculture. The brief exchange served as a procedural request to initiate communication with the Department of Agriculture official. No further policy discussions or substantive developments occurred during this connection.
President Nixon contacted Undersecretary of Agriculture J. Phillip Campbell to commend his public defense of D.C. Police Chief Jerry V. Wilson during a recent meeting of Southern agricultural secretaries. The President affirmed his own support for Wilson and emphasized the importance of aggressive advocacy for administration figures. They also discussed positive feedback Nixon received regarding Georgia Democrat Doyle Connors, with the President directing John Whitaker to ensure Connors is considered for future White House functions.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed a variety of administrative and personnel matters, including the potential appointment of a new Secretary of Agriculture and the administration's preference for utilizing younger staff members for operational roles. The pair also assessed foreign policy challenges, specifically touching upon the United Nations vote regarding Taiwan and concerns over Secretary of State William P. Rogers's handling of Middle Eastern affairs. The conversation concluded with discussions regarding upcoming social engagements and the President's need for a brief respite.
President Nixon consulted with George P. Shultz to coordinate a meeting regarding the Department of Agriculture. Shultz informed the President that he and John D. Ehrlichman were concluding their current deliberations on the matter. Nixon instructed them to take their time finishing the session, confirming he would be available to meet with them later in the afternoon.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the potential appointment of Earl L. Butz as Secretary of Agriculture, with Nixon expressing concerns regarding Butz's name. They deliberate on the recommendation of the "Triumvirate"—Frederic Malek, Bryce Harlow, and John Whitaker—while considering an alternative candidate, Representative John Kyl. Nixon instructs Ehrlichman to have Whitaker evaluate Kyl's suitability during an upcoming meeting, tasking them with assessing whether Kyl would be a strong political asset.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell discuss the potential appointment of Earl L. Butz to lead the Department of Agriculture, with Mitchell expressing confidence in Butz's suitability for the role. The two men also review political feedback regarding recent speeches and endorsements from Ronald Reagan and Nelson Rockefeller. Additionally, they touch upon ongoing tensions between the administration and Governor Reagan regarding Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) programs, which Mitchell intends to address with John Ehrlichman.
President Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman discussed the strategic framing of personnel changes within the Department of Agriculture, specifically regarding the transition from Secretary Clifford M. Hardin to Earl L. Butz. They reviewed potential government reorganization plans, focusing on the placement of the Coast Guard and concerns regarding Secretary John A. Volpe’s management. Additionally, the President briefly evaluated his public relations strategy, weighing the benefits of potential interviews with various media outlets, including Reader’s Digest and Playboy.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the internal strategy for reorganizing the Department of Agriculture, emphasizing the need to secure support from Roy Ash and the Ash Council. Nixon instructs Ehrlichman to coordinate with Charls Walker to ensure the reorganization plan is presented as a necessary concession to achieve broader community development goals. They also agree to balance the public framing of the decision by providing credit to both Earl Butz and Clifford Hardin.
President Nixon met with outgoing Secretary of Agriculture Clifford Hardin and his designated successor, Earl Butz, to coordinate the transition and manage the associated media rollout. The participants discussed the timing of Hardin's resignation and the logistics for a forthcoming joint press conference to announce the change in leadership. Additionally, the group touched upon international matters, including U.S. relations with Turkey, and addressed administrative planning regarding the potential reorganization of the Department of Agriculture.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler reviewed the evening television news coverage of the President's Veterans Day ceremony, recent Department of Agriculture announcements, and Senate votes. They assessed how different networks reported on administration initiatives, with Nixon expressing a clear preference for ABC's news coverage over that of CBS and NBC. Additionally, they briefly discussed the minimal media attention given to an investigation regarding Daniel Schorr.
President Nixon met with members of the National Advisory Committee on Child Nutrition to receive a formal report on the committee's two-year progress in managing national school lunch programs. The discussion highlighted the administration’s commitment to improving child nutrition and the logistical successes of the program in serving millions of students. Nixon expressed appreciation for the committee's efforts, distributed commemorative gifts, and briefly discussed the importance of government support for rural populations.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place an outgoing call to Secretary of Agriculture Earl L. Butz. This brief communication served strictly as a request for administrative assistance to facilitate the connection. No substantive policy discussions occurred during this exchange.
President Nixon and former Secretary of Agriculture Clifford M. Hardin engaged in a personal exchange to finalize a letter of appreciation regarding Hardin’s tenure. The conversation reflected on the challenging economic climate of 1969–1970 and Hardin’s contributions to the administration’s success in the Farm Belt during the 1972 election. Nixon concluded the interaction by formally expressing his gratitude for Hardin’s dedicated service and extending well wishes to the Hardin family.
President Nixon met with former Secretary of Agriculture Clifford M. Hardin to discuss the formal conclusion of his tenure. During the session, the President reviewed a dictated letter addressed to Hardin, highlighting his appreciation for the outgoing official's service. No major policy shifts or strategic decisions were recorded, as the meeting functioned primarily as a professional transition acknowledgement.