Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Department of Justice
45 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Kleindienst, Ehrlichman, Connally
President Nixon and Treasury Secretary John Connally discussed administrative strategies for managing the economy, specifically regarding the financial stability of Lockheed and the political implications of Department of Justice actions against banks for political contributions. They deliberated on how to handle Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns, whose public testimony on wage, price, and fiscal policies had become a source of friction for the administration. Connally agreed to speak with Burns to establish boundaries for his testimony and to reassert the administration’s position on monetary supply and interest rates.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place an outgoing call to Deputy Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. This brief exchange served solely as an administrative coordination to facilitate direct communication between the President and the Department of Justice official. No policy matters or substantive discussions occurred during this connection.
President Nixon directed Deputy Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst to halt the Department of Justice's antitrust proceedings against IT&T. Nixon explicitly ordered that no legal brief be filed in the case and threatened to fire Assistant Attorney General Richard McLaren if he failed to comply with the directive to drop the matter. The conversation reflects Nixon's intense frustration with the Justice Department’s aggressive pursuit of conglomerates and his desire to personally dictate the administration's antitrust strategy.
President Nixon instructs the White House operator to place a telephone call to Deputy Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. This brief exchange serves as a procedural step to facilitate a direct conversation between the President and a key Justice Department official. No substantive policy discussions or decisions occur during this short administrative interaction.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place an urgent call to Attorney General John N. Mitchell. He subsequently requested that the operator connect him directly to FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. This brief exchange served as a logistical coordination to facilitate immediate communication with his top law enforcement and legal officials.
President Nixon initiates a request to the White House operator to be connected with Attorney General John N. Mitchell. The brief exchange serves as a logistical bridge to facilitate a direct line of communication between the President and the head of the Department of Justice. No further substantive policy matters are addressed during this short administrative call.
President Nixon contacted the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with Attorney General John N. Mitchell. The brief exchange served as a routine administrative request to initiate official communication between the President and the head of the Department of Justice. No further substantive policy matters were discussed during this connection attempt.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell discuss the vetting process for the potential Supreme Court nomination of Mildred L. Lillie. They evaluate the political advantages of her Catholic faith and her marriage to an Italian husband, while also reviewing her judicial record and her husband’s professional background. Mitchell confirms that a nomination package is being prepared for the President's final approval to ensure the appointment remains on schedule.
President Nixon initiated a brief telephone call to Attorney General John N. Mitchell through the White House operator. The primary purpose of the communication was to establish contact with the Attorney General for an unspecified discussion. This interaction served as a logistical administrative step to facilitate a direct conversation between the President and the head of the Department of Justice.
President Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell discuss the possibility of the Department of Justice intervening in a Grand Rapids, Michigan, school busing case following concerns raised by Representative Gerald Ford and Senator Robert Griffin. The President urges Mitchell to signal administration opposition to busing during upcoming appearances with Michigan lawmakers and to investigate similar intervention potential in Detroit. Additionally, the pair reviews the positive results of the recent November 2nd mayoral elections, specifically noting the strong support from Philadelphia's Frank Rizzo and the successful reelection of mayors in Cleveland, Indianapolis, and San Diego.
President Nixon consults John B. Connally regarding the selection of a new member for the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, where they agree to appoint a younger candidate to ensure longevity and malleability under Arthur Burns. Additionally, the two discuss a controversial civil suit filed by the U.S. government against Price Daniel involving Tidelands rights. Nixon expresses frustration that a government attorney involved in previous Tidelands litigation is responsible for the new brief and suggests the matter needs immediate intervention.
President Nixon and Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst discussed recent political developments, including the search for a new Deputy Attorney General and the logistical planning for upcoming national conventions. They evaluated the potential political fallout of a proposed clean water bill veto and the merits of potential candidates for the deputy position, such as William D. Ruckelshaus. Additionally, they reviewed recent political trends, specifically speculating on the chaotic nature of the Democratic National Convention and the presidential campaign of George McGovern.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman briefly discussed personnel concerns regarding the Department of Justice, specifically John Mitchell's opposition to appointing William Ruckelshaus as Deputy Attorney General. Mitchell prefers a professional with convention experience for the role, while Nixon expresses skepticism about the necessity of that qualification. The conversation concludes with a dismissal of Robert Mardian as a candidate and a focus on utilizing John Dean for related departmental tasks.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the potential political fallout surrounding the legal case of Jake Jacobsen and his partner, specifically focusing on protecting John Connally. Ehrlichman reports that Attorney General Richard Kleindienst is willing to delay an indictment, though he fears the risk of public disclosure. Nixon instructs Ehrlichman to coordinate closely with Connally and prioritize his guidance on how to manage the situation to avoid negative implications for him.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to discuss the potential reorganization of the executive branch and the status of leadership within the Justice Department. The conversation focused on the tenure of FBI Director L. Patrick Gray and Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst, specifically addressing their performance and the political ramifications of their potential retention or resignation. Ehrlichman provided updates on congressional and press reactions, while the two weighed the impact of a departmental overhaul on these personnel decisions.
John B. Connally and Richard Keaton discuss the failure of their efforts to obtain assurances from the Department of Justice regarding the Gulf and Western Industries antitrust case. Keaton reports that a DOJ official, identified as Crawford, refused to offer any legal representations or influence the Federal Trade Commission's position, citing a lack of information and time. Connally concludes that the government is unwilling to reach an agreement and instructs Keaton to brief Charles Bluhdorn before he meets with him personally to determine their next steps.
President Nixon directs the White House operator to place an outgoing call to Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst. This brief administrative interaction serves as the precursor to a direct consultation between the President and the head of the Department of Justice. No further substantive discussion occurs during this segment of the recording.
John D. Ehrlichman contacted the White House operator to request an urgent telephone connection to Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst at his private residence. This brief administrative interaction served as the initiation of a high-level communication between Ehrlichman and the Justice Department during the height of the Watergate investigations. No substantive discussion occurred during this exchange beyond the facilitation of the call.
John D. Ehrlichman briefs Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst on his internal investigation into the Watergate scandal, specifically noting that Jeb Stuart Magruder has decided to cooperate with federal prosecutors. Ehrlichman reports that Magruder's new testimony implicates multiple high-level figures and contradicts previous statements, significantly altering the legal landscape of the case. They discuss the necessity of maintaining proper legal boundaries in information gathering, the potential appointment of a special counsel, and plans to coordinate with Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen to ensure ongoing investigations proceed without procedural errors.
Richard G. Kleindienst and Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen coordinated a brief, urgent meeting to be held at Kleindienst's office. The conversation focused on logistics for Petersen’s arrival, including instructions for him to use a private elevator and a secure entrance. No substantive policy matters were discussed, as the call was exclusively intended to facilitate a private, immediate administrative consultation.
President Nixon initiates a call to connect with Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen while John D. Ehrlichman is present. The primary purpose of the conversation is to facilitate direct communication with the Justice Department regarding the ongoing Watergate investigation. No further substantive discussion occurs during this short bridge call beyond the request for the operator to connect to Petersen.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place an urgent call to Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen. This interaction served as the administrative precursor to a direct consultation between the President and the Department of Justice official. The call highlights the President's ongoing communication with Petersen regarding the rapidly evolving Watergate investigation.
President Nixon initiates a call to the White House operator to be connected with Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen. This administrative contact serves as the precursor to a high-level discussion regarding the ongoing Watergate investigation. The primary objective is to facilitate direct communication between the President and the official overseeing the Department of Justice's criminal inquiry.
President Nixon consulted with a White House operator to clarify the location and identity of Henry E. Petersen, the Assistant Attorney General. After briefly confusing him with Secretary of Commerce Peter G. Petersen, who was currently vacationing in Bermuda, the President confirmed that he did not wish to initiate a call at that time. The exchange served as a logistical verification to ensure the President reached the correct official regarding pending legal matters.
President Nixon met with Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen to discuss the ongoing investigation into the Watergate scandal and its potential impact on his administration. The two focused on the necessity of managing the investigation's pace and gathering sufficient facts to justify legal proceedings. Nixon emphasized the importance of staying informed on developments and coordinating communication to avoid jeopardizing the integrity of the prosecution.
President Nixon initiates a call to be connected with Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen. The brief exchange serves as a procedural request to facilitate a direct line of communication between the President and Petersen. No substantive policy matters were discussed during this initial operator interaction.
President Nixon initiates a call through the White House operator to contact Henry Peterson. This brief interaction serves as a logistical bridge to connect the President with the Assistant Attorney General. No substantive policy discussions occur during this exchange, as the dialogue is limited to the procedural request for the connection.
A White House operator coordinates with President Nixon to facilitate an urgent communication with Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen. The President seeks to confirm Petersen’s current availability, as he is expected to initiate a call to the White House within minutes. This brief exchange serves to prepare the President for a critical, time-sensitive discussion regarding ongoing legal or investigative matters.
Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst urgently requested an immediate meeting with President Nixon to discuss the legal implications of John W. Dean III’s recent statements to prosecutor Earl J. Silbert regarding the Daniel Ellsberg case. Kleindienst emphasized that the gravity of the situation required prompt action and legal consultation. The President instructed Kleindienst to report to the White House alone to address the matter.
President Nixon directs Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst to ensure that the prosecutor and judge in the Daniel Ellsberg case understand the extreme sensitivity of the underlying national security investigation. Nixon emphasizes that information regarding these sensitive sources and methods should be handled with restraint to prevent public exposure. This directive seeks to protect classified intelligence gathering operations by framing the scope of the legal proceedings accordingly.
President Nixon and Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst discussed the status of the ongoing Watergate-related Ellsberg break-in trial, confirming that the prosecution would disclose sensitive information to the judge while attempting to avoid a mistrial. The pair also addressed the escalating Wounded Knee standoff, with Kleindienst expressing concerns over law enforcement risks and potential violence. They agreed to hold a formal meeting the following week with key advisors to decide on a definitive course of action, noting that even Senator George McGovern was now advocating for government intervention.
President Nixon consulted with Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst regarding the status and procedural developments of the Daniel Ellsberg case on the West Coast. The President expressed urgency in receiving a report on the matter, noting that he needed to be kept informed as the legal situation evolved. Kleindienst agreed to monitor the situation and provide the President with an update later that evening.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone request to be connected with Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen. The call serves as a logistical step to facilitate direct communication with Petersen, who was the lead official overseeing the burgeoning Watergate investigation at the Department of Justice. No substantive policy matters were discussed during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon rehearsed his televised address to the nation regarding the Watergate scandal, in which he publicly accepted responsibility for the actions of his administration while announcing the resignations of several close associates. During the speech, he emphasized the need to restore public trust, detailed his directive for full cooperation with investigations, and announced the appointment of Elliot Richardson as the new Attorney General with the authority to potentially name a special prosecutor. The practice session allowed the President to refine his message of accountability and his pledge to ensure that justice would be pursued impartially.
President Nixon and newly appointed Attorney General Elliot Richardson spoke to discuss the fallout of the Watergate scandal and Richardson's upcoming confirmation. Richardson expressed strong support for the President’s recent televised address, while Nixon reaffirmed his confidence in Richardson's ability to handle the investigation. The two touched upon the sensitive issue of appointing a special prosecutor, with Nixon granting Richardson full autonomy to decide how to proceed while promising his complete backing in the pursuit of the truth.
President Nixon consulted Secretary of State William P. Rogers regarding the political pressure to appoint a special prosecutor for the Watergate investigation. Nixon expressed concern over how to advise incoming Attorney General Elliot Richardson on handling the potential Senate resolution. The two agreed to approach the issue cautiously, viewing the push for a special prosecutor as a tactical challenge to the administration’s authority.
President Nixon and Attorney General-designate Elliot Richardson discuss the impending appointment of a Special Prosecutor to investigate the Watergate scandal. They agree that while Richardson should appoint an independent figure to oversee the investigation, he must retain ultimate authority and responsibility as Attorney General rather than fully abdicating oversight. Richardson plans to consult with Senate Judiciary Committee members to ensure his proposed management structure, which includes replacing Henry E. Petersen, maintains his command while satisfying congressional demands for integrity.
President Nixon and Elliot Richardson discuss the ongoing Watergate investigations and the political challenges surrounding the nomination of a new special prosecutor. Nixon emphasizes that as Attorney General, Richardson holds absolute authority over the investigation and suggests replacing Henry Petersen to alleviate public pressure. The two men agree on the importance of Richardson maintaining control while navigating the expectations of the Senate.
President Nixon informs John Ehrlichman of his decision to appoint Alexander M. Haig, Jr. as White House Chief of Staff to manage staff operations. The two men also discuss the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the extent of the Justice Department's prior knowledge regarding the break-in. They emphasize that Egil Krogh and John Dean allegedly communicated this information to officials such as Elliot Richardson and Henry Petersen, a narrative they intend to use to justify their own conduct.
J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. and Doug Parker engaged in a brief check-in regarding the status of communication with Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen. The primary purpose of the call was to ascertain whether Parker had received any updates or outreach from Petersen. No substantive developments occurred, as Parker confirmed he had not yet heard from him and agreed to notify Buzhardt upon receiving any further information.
Doug Parker and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. coordinated the delivery of sensitive documents belonging to John W. Dean, III to Assistant Attorney General Earl J. Silbert. The discussion addressed the reasons for a delay in the transfer and confirmed plans to inspect and copy the materials once they reached Silbert’s office. To resolve the lingering issues causing the holdup, Buzhardt committed to placing an immediate follow-up call to Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to discuss managing the escalating fallout from the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on reports linking White House staff to negative stories about Thomas Eagleton. They reviewed personnel moves, including relocating Lawrence Higby and Tod Hullin to the Old Executive Office Building to protect them from public scrutiny. Nixon explored the potential for a national security-focused speech regarding the Huston Plan and requested a thorough Department of Justice investigation into suspicious claims involving a doctor's letter and alleged government interference.
President Nixon initiates a brief telephone call to the White House operator to be connected with Attorney General Elliot L. Richardson. The primary purpose of this contact is to facilitate direct communication with the recently confirmed head of the Department of Justice. No further substantive policy matters or specific instructions are captured in this brief exchange.
President Nixon calls Elliot L. Richardson to congratulate him on his Senate confirmation as Attorney General, commending his skill in navigating the difficult confirmation process. The conversation shifts to the Watergate investigation, specifically addressing the role of Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox and concerns regarding the continuity of ongoing work by U.S. Attorneys. Nixon emphasizes the importance of the administration’s recent public statement on the scandal and confirms logistics for Richardson’s upcoming swearing-in ceremony at the Department of Justice.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum to clarify his priorities for the Department of Justice, specifically directing Attorney General Elliot L. Richardson to refocus the department's agenda. The President emphasized his dissatisfaction with the current trajectory, urging a strategic pivot from a focus on social justice back toward the administration’s original emphasis on law and order. This directive served as a formal articulation of the President’s expectations regarding the department's core objectives.