Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Executive authority
21 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Kissinger, Ziegler, Colson
When Executive authority comes up
Related topics: Congressional relationsWatergateState DepartmentSecurity protocolsPublic relationsPolitical strategyPersonnel managementOval OfficeMedia strategyWhite House staffWhite House administrationWage-price freezeTelevision addressSecret Service
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler coordinated the messaging strategy regarding Lieutenant William L. Calley, Jr., specifically emphasizing the need to distance the administration from the prosecutor, Captain Aubrey M. Daniel, III. Nixon directed Ziegler to finalize technical preparations for his upcoming televised address, including strict instructions to edit the broadcast length to exactly 50 seconds. The President emphasized a concise media rollout, instructing Ziegler to prioritize visual impact and strictly manage the dissemination of the speech.
President Nixon consulted with Henry Kissinger regarding the administration's strategic response to congressional efforts to curtail executive war powers. The discussion focused on formulating a firm stance against the Javits resolution, which sought to limit the President's authority over military engagements. Nixon directed Kissinger to ensure that representatives from the State and Defense Departments testify in direct opposition to these legislative restrictions.
On June 10, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at 12:56 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 516-007 of the White House Tapes.
On June 17, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 6:55 pm to 6:56 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 261-018 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss a sensitive special project intended to curb government leaks and centralize control over security clearances. Nixon instructs Kissinger to coordinate with General Alexander Haig to inventory individuals holding clearances and potentially revoke them, specifically excluding the State and Defense Departments from the deliberation process. The President emphasizes his intention to issue an immediate executive directive without consulting other agencies to ensure strict adherence to these new security protocols.
President Nixon directs Henry Kissinger to aggressively restrict access to classified information by cutting off institutions like the Brookings Institution, RAND Corporation, and the Council on Foreign Relations. The President mandates a 90% reduction in the number of personnel cleared for top-secret documents across the government, including embassies and the Departments of State and Defense. This directive serves as a strategic move to secure sensitive information and limit external exposure to government intelligence.
President Nixon directs Charles Colson to initiate polygraph examinations for Department of Labor officials, specifically targeting Harold Goldstein, regarding unauthorized comments labeling recent unemployment figures a "statistical fluke." Nixon expresses extreme frustration with the perceived lack of resolve from George Shultz and James Hodgson in addressing internal leaks, viewing the incident as a test of his administration's authority. He mandates that any employee refusing the test or failing to pass it must be terminated immediately to ensure control over the bureaucracy.
President Nixon and Secretary of the Treasury John Connally discuss the urgent need to address the destabilizing gold market and the potential for a major economic policy shift. The two evaluate various tactical options, including the possibility of a wage-price freeze implemented via executive authority to bypass congressional delay. They also debate the timing and sequence of announcing international monetary reforms, such as closing the gold window, versus domestic economic measures to mitigate market panic and strengthen their negotiating position.
In this meeting, President Nixon first met with Arthur A. Fletcher and Kenneth R. Cole, Jr. to discuss the promotion of an economic development initiative aimed at supporting schools and securing campaign funding for the 1972 election. Following a brief photo opportunity, Henry A. Kissinger joined the President to address diplomatic frustrations regarding the State Department's resistance to executive directives concerning the conflict between India and Pakistan. The two concluded that the President would reassert his authority to ensure that his administration's policy, which favored a less pro-Indian stance, was implemented without further bureaucratic obstruction.
President Nixon instructed H. R. Haldeman to ensure Charles W. Colson was included on the guest list for an upcoming White House dinner with Cabinet officers. Nixon emphasized that Colson’s presence was essential to signal his high-level authority and influence to the administration's leadership. Haldeman acknowledged the directive, confirming that Colson would be added to the event if he was not already scheduled to attend.
On May 19, 1972, 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 1:58 pm and 3:20 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 339-025 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Mitchell discussed the political climate following the President’s recent trip to Moscow and its influence on congressional behavior. The conversation centered on the favorable outcome of a recent legislative vote, noting that even political opponents like Senator Charles Percy had shifted their stance. Nixon expressed a desire to maintain a firm, aggressive posture in his administration's dealings, emphasizing that he should not become overly conciliatory or 'tender' following tough confirmation processes.
President Nixon and his daughter, Tricia Nixon Cox, discuss her desire for greater privacy regarding her Secret Service protection during personal outings. Tricia argues that she does not require agents to follow her inside stores during unannounced visits, citing the lack of past incidents and the intrusive nature of the close surveillance. The President acknowledges her concerns and agrees to consult with staff to determine if current security protocols can be adjusted in a manner consistent with the law.
President Nixon met with Ronald H. Walker and Dwight L. Chapin to discuss reforming the National Park Service by eliminating special privileges and private facilities previously reserved for members of Congress. Nixon expressed disapproval of the exclusive use of government-maintained properties, such as Coco Lobo, and directed his staff to repurpose these assets for public use as an economy measure. Additionally, the President criticized the agency's lack of promotional support for his administration and emphasized the need for better public relations and the promotion of loyal personnel within the organization.
President Nixon directed Stephen B. Bull to coordinate an immediate investigation into an unspecified security violation involving a United States Senator. Nixon demanded that the FBI, the Washington police, and other relevant authorities be mobilized instantly, explicitly sidelining the Secret Service. The President emphasized the urgency of the matter by setting a ten-minute deadline for a status report and insisting that John Dean facilitate the FBI's involvement.
On February 6, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler met in the Oval Office of the White House from 11:16 am to 11:17 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 850-006 of the White House Tapes.
On March 21, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Gen. Brent G. Scowcroft met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 3:48 pm to 3:49 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 421-010 of the White House Tapes.
On April 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Richard G. Kleindienst talked on the telephone from 3:48 pm to 3:49 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-045 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to discuss administrative staffing, legal strategies regarding the Watergate scandal, and the political climate surrounding U.S. military operations in Cambodia. The pair evaluated the potential selection of a special counsel to handle ongoing investigations and assessed the likelihood of a difficult vote in the House of Representatives regarding war funding. Throughout the conversation, Nixon emphasized the need for his staff to maintain morale and adopt a more combative stance in defending his administration's policies.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:15 pm and 12:21 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 915-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig held a brief, informal meeting in the Old Executive Office Building to discuss administrative strategy and personnel considerations. Their conversation touched on the potential involvement of John Connally and the management of federal programs to ensure effective executive control. The discussion primarily focused on navigating internal political maneuvers and reinforcing the administration's authority in the wake of ongoing institutional pressures.