Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Donald Rumsfeld
24 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Bull, Rumsfeld, Sanchez
These are conversations about Donald Rumsfeld. For the 65 conversations Rumsfeld took part in, see Donald Rumsfeld’s page →
When Donald Rumsfeld comes up
Related topics: Presidential schedulingPublic relationsPolitical strategyHenry KissingerForeign PolicyWilliam P. RogersWhite House operationsGeorge P. ShultzWhite House schedulingWhite House logisticsRobert H. FinchPrisoners of WarPress conferenceNATO
On March 8, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:38 pm and 5:41 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 463-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Donald Rumsfeld to discuss Rumsfeld's future role within the administration, emphasizing the need for him to gain experience in foreign policy through a high-profile position such as Special Trade Representative or a diplomatic posting in Japan. Nixon stressed that Rumsfeld should prioritize positions that offer significant responsibilities and international travel to prepare him for potential future political roles, such as a Senate run in Illinois. The conversation also touched upon the political necessity of projecting strong leadership and effective communication, particularly in light of the Vice President's struggles to connect with younger voters and the public's perception of the administration's economic management.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the internal political reaction to the President's recent televised speech regarding troop withdrawals in Southeast Asia. The conversation centers on measuring the loyalty of key administration figures like Clark MacGregor, Donald Rumsfeld, and Robert Finch based on their feedback regarding the policy's boldness. Nixon expresses frustration with staff members who prioritize political optics over supporting the administration's strategic position, leading the pair to evaluate the loyalty of their inner circle while awaiting input from John Connally.
President Nixon met with unknown individuals to discuss an upcoming trip to Europe involving Robert H. Finch and Donald Rumsfeld. The dialogue focused on managing press relations and coordinating report delivery, with specific instructions to be provided by Henry Kissinger. No formal decisions were reached during this brief organizational discussion.
On April 15, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Thelma C. ("Pat") (Ryan) Nixon talked on the telephone from 12:40 pm to 12:41 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 001-096 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directs Donald Rumsfeld to contact Congressman Charles Rangel before Rumsfeld’s upcoming European trip to demonstrate the administration's commitment to addressing the international drug trade. Nixon instructs Rumsfeld to frame the trip—which includes attendance at the World Health Conference—as a direct response to Rangel’s concerns, tasking the congressman with providing any relevant intelligence or suggestions for the mission. Furthermore, Rumsfeld briefs the President on the successful coordination of their strategy with Henry Kissinger.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to review and coordinate upcoming appointments for administration officials. The discussion focused on scheduling logistics for Henry Kissinger, Donald Rumsfeld, and Robert Finch. The brief session concluded with Bull tasked to verify the availability of specific individuals for a requested 4:15 p.m. meeting.
President Nixon and Donald Rumsfeld met to discuss Rumsfeld's future career options within the administration, balancing his interest in Illinois politics with potential high-level federal appointments. They evaluated several possibilities, including a role as NATO ambassador, an Under Secretary position at the State Department, or a specialized roving envoy role focused on Latin America and other regions. The conversation also touched upon broader administration goals, the necessity of strengthening the State Department's internal administration, and political assessments of various Republican figures, including Iowa's Lieutenant Governor Roger Jepson.
On September 10, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 3:51 pm and 3:53 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 276-006 of the White House Tapes.
On September 10, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 4:17 pm and 4:30 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 276-008 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and speechwriter William Safire consult on the specific language for an upcoming economic address, focusing on the historical significance of a decline in industrial prices. Nixon insists on characterizing the drop as a seven-year first to maximize the rhetorical impact, explicitly instructing Safire to omit technical caveats like seasonal adjustments. Additionally, they discuss the inclusion of a short passage requested by Donald Rumsfeld, with Nixon agreeing to incorporate a brief five-word mention to satisfy Rumsfeld’s concerns.
President Nixon and George P. Shultz coordinate an upcoming meeting to prepare for the President's scheduled press conference. Nixon emphasizes his desire to focus exclusively on immediate, short-term issues and pending administrative actions rather than long-range policy planning. Shultz receives approval to bring Donald Rumsfeld to the meeting and confirms that they will prioritize time-sensitive matters, including a potential move by James D. Hodgson.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss public relations strategies and the administration's political positioning regarding upcoming economic challenges and polling data. They review the potential negative impact of certain staffing losses while emphasizing the need to maintain a positive public narrative through effective media management. The conversation concludes with directives to bolster the visibility of Donald Rumsfeld and prepare for shifting political tides within the Democratic Party.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed public relations strategies for an upcoming event. The primary focus was on arranging a press conference involving Julie Nixon Eisenhower and Rose Mary Woods to publicize Julie's idea about photographing White House furnishings. Nixon instructed Bull to coordinate with David N. Parker, Donald H. Rumsfeld, and H.R. Haldeman, with Rumsfeld tasked to call the President after checking with Haldeman.
On December 24, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:39 pm and 4:41 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 017-023 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and his personal secretary Rose Mary Woods discussed the positive public and political reception of the President's recent television interview with Dan Rather. Woods relayed enthusiastic feedback from William P. Rogers and Donald Rumsfeld, both of whom praised Nixon's composed performance and criticized Rather's unprofessional, combative questioning. The conversation also touched upon the President's firm stance regarding amnesty for draft evaders and the treatment of prisoners of war, positions that Woods felt resonated well with the public.
This recording captures a White House tour group in the Cabinet Room, with unidentified men present, including Donald Rumsfeld and George Shultz. The tour appears to have included a discussion of the room's use for Cabinet and National Security Council meetings, as well as a mention of the Oval Office. No specific decisions or action items are discernible from the limited transcript.
President Nixon and Alexander Butterfield confer regarding final adjustments to the President's upcoming schedule. They determine that Donald Rumsfeld will attend the Quadriad meeting to observe the discussion on economic controls. Additionally, Nixon approves a request from Charles Colson to grant a photo opportunity to Bill Marsh of the American Society of Association Executives to facilitate positive outreach to their membership.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to discuss staffing and organizational plans for the upcoming second term, focusing on personnel management and political maneuvering. The two men criticized the recent conduct of Donald Rumsfeld, labeling him an opportunist, and evaluated the power struggle between Henry Kissinger and William Rogers. They also coordinated strategy for an upcoming meeting with Nelson Rockefeller, with Nixon emphasizing the need to limit the scope of discussions regarding the State and Defense Departments.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate a logistical plan for sending floral arrangements and personalized messages to the wives and mothers of returning prisoners of war. The discussion also addressed adjustments to the President's upcoming schedule, specifically prioritizing meetings with Donald Rumsfeld regarding his NATO assignment and Richard Helms prior to his departure. Nixon finalized these scheduling priorities, emphasizing the need for photographic records of these personnel transitions.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull coordinate a brief meeting or phone call with Donald Rumsfeld before his departure for Brussels. Nixon expresses a desire to bid Rumsfeld farewell, tasking Bull with determining whether a personal meeting at the National Airport or a telephone call would be more convenient given Rumsfeld’s travel schedule. The discussion serves as a logistical arrangement to facilitate this brief high-level interaction.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to review and coordinate the President's daily schedule and upcoming appointments. The discussion focused on the logistics regarding Donald Rumsfeld’s arrival and departure, as well as preparations for a telephone call with Secretary of State William P. Rogers concerning trade legislation and George P. Shultz. The conversation served primarily as an administrative briefing to manage the timing and sequence of these high-level meetings.
President Nixon met with Donald Rumsfeld to confirm his travel arrangements for a commercial flight to Europe, with specific attention paid to his departure schedule from National Airport. Following this logistical check, Stephen Bull joined the discussion to coordinate a photo opportunity for Rumsfeld in the Rose Garden. The meeting concluded with the participants preparing to head outside for the scheduled photographs before Rumsfeld's departure.
President Nixon and Donald Rumsfeld met to discuss U.S. foreign policy challenges, particularly the strain on NATO and European allies' criticism of American actions in Vietnam and recent diplomatic overtures to the Soviet Union and China. The President expressed frustration with the lack of European self-sufficiency and the necessity of convincing allies that the U.S. is indispensable to their security. Following this, the conversation shifted to domestic politics, with Nixon offering his support for Rumsfeld’s potential Senate candidacy and criticizing the perceived weakness and lack of leadership in both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives.