Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Executive branch
13 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Colson, Ehrlichman, Campbell
When Executive branch comes up
Related topics: White House operationsJohn B. ConnallyPresidential communicationPolitical strategyCommunication logisticsWhite House toursWhite House operatorWhite House communicationsWatergateTelephone protocolsSupreme CourtSpiro AgnewSecond term reorganizationSchool Desegregation
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discussed how the administration should publicly address the complexities of Supreme Court rulings on school busing and racial balance. They strategized on how to frame the executive branch’s role in complying with court decisions—emphasizing evenhandedness in both the North and South—while downplaying direct federal intervention. The conversation also clarified the administration’s tactical opposition to the Ribicoff and Stennis amendments, attributing their stance to legislative timing rather than a rejection of the principles of equal application of the law.
On June 30, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 7:49 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 006-071 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with a group of newly appointed assistant secretaries and administrators from various federal agencies to formally welcome them into his administration. During the brief gathering, the President emphasized the importance of their public service roles, distinguishing those who serve to 'do something' from those who merely seek status. The meeting concluded with Nixon presenting the appointees with presidential gifts, including golf balls and cufflinks, as a gesture of appreciation for their upcoming work on key domestic and foreign policy issues.
President Richard Nixon met with Attorney General John Mitchell in the Old Executive Office Building for a brief consultation. While the transcript remains unavailable, the discussion focused on high-level administrative or legal strategy during a period of intense activity for the Justice Department. No specific policy decisions were finalized during this five-minute encounter.
President Nixon provided an informal briefing to a visiting tour group inside the Cabinet Room regarding the structure and hierarchy of his administration. During the session, he highlighted the roles of Cabinet members, including the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and the Interior, while referencing historical figures like Theodore Roosevelt. The exchange concluded with brief, unintelligible remarks regarding financial matters involving an individual named White.
On December 24, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 2:01 pm and 2:06 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 309-011 of the White House Tapes.
On January 18, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 2:40 pm and 3:28 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 018-103 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson met to discuss strategic responses to the ongoing fallout from the Watergate break-in. They assessed the political implications of the scandal and considered potential methods to mitigate damage to the administration's public image. The discussion focused on coordinating efforts to control the narrative and manage the intensifying scrutiny surrounding the event.
On July 20, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson talked on the telephone at 4:28 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 027-028 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum outlining key strategies for his second-term administration and executive reorganization. He specifically considered implementing a 'Super Cabinet' structure to better navigate relations with Congress. Additionally, the President reviewed John Connally’s proposal regarding the potential retirement and reconfirmation of Supreme Court justices.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met briefly to coordinate administrative matters and discuss the President's upcoming schedule. The discussion touched upon the logistics of a bipartisan congressional reception and the potential political implications of managing executive spending authorities. The pair sought to align their messaging regarding the administration's current legislative and social obligations.
On April 18, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at 12:20 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-096 of the White House Tapes.