Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on FBI investigation
19 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haldeman, Colson, Ehrlichman
When FBI investigation comes up
Related topics: WatergateH. R. HaldemanWatergate investigationVietnam WarSecret ServicePublic relationsMedia strategyJohn W. Dean IIIJohn D. EhrlichmanGeorge WallaceGeorge McGovernAssassination attempt1972 electionWhite House strategy
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the legal strategy regarding the New York Times' publication of the Pentagon Papers and the potential risks of initiating a grand jury investigation. They express concern over the possibility of an adverse court ruling during the temporary restraining order period and the optics of halting a grand jury process prematurely. Consequently, they decide to coordinate with Attorney General John Mitchell to assess the timing of the legal proceedings while allowing the FBI investigation into the source of the leak to continue vigorously.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed the timing and potential reaction to an upcoming Vietnam troop withdrawal announcement, as well as the agenda for a National Security Council meeting focused on the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). They also addressed the handling of a Daniel Schorr FBI investigation and the public relations strategy for Julie Nixon Eisenhower's speeches and schedule, including concerns about her overexposure and the need for better coordination between the East and West Wings. Additionally, the conversation touched upon First Lady Pat Nixon's reluctance to participate in White House events and presidential trips.
Charles W. Colson and Kenneth W. Clawson discuss the ongoing investigation into the attempted assassination of George C. Wallace. Clawson provides intelligence updates, noting that the FBI traced the perpetrator's gun to a recent purchase in Milwaukee by Arthur H. Bremer. Colson instructs Clawson to keep him updated every 15 minutes and to ensure any new findings are immediately relayed to him at the Oval Office.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Charles Colson received an update from W. Mark Felt regarding the investigation into the attack on George C. Wallace. Felt confirmed the assailant was Arthur Bremer, provided details about his background and the weapon used, and assured Colson that the FBI was taking full responsibility for Bremer's safety and the investigation, including questioning him as soon as medically possible. Colson relayed rumors about potential Kennedy connections and anti-war radicalism, urging Felt to ensure these avenues were explored during the interrogation.
Following the assassination attempt on Governor George Wallace, President Nixon and his aides, including H. R. Haldeman and Charles Colson, discussed strategies to manipulate public perception of the assailant's political affiliations. They explicitly directed staff to leak a story portraying the gunman as a supporter of Democratic candidates George McGovern and Edward Kennedy to associate the act with the political left. Additionally, the President reviewed the security implications for his own public appearances and coordinated with John Connally regarding future travel assignments.
President Nixon spoke with W. Mark Felt regarding the investigation into the assassination attempt on George C. Wallace. Felt reported that the assailant, Arthur H. Bremer, was physically stable but disturbed and required constant observation. The FBI had searched Bremer's apartment, finding writings that suggested mental instability, including titles like "How to Become Notable." Nixon emphasized the need for thorough follow-up to avoid criticism similar to that following the Kennedy assassination and noted Bremer's prior arrest for carrying a concealed weapon. Felt assured the President that the FBI was fully responsible for the investigation and would ensure no slip-ups.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed the investigation into the attack on George Wallace, with Nixon emphasizing the need for careful handling to avoid the mistakes made in the Kennedy assassination investigation. Colson reported that he had gained FBI control over the investigation, which had initially been hampered by the Secret Service, and detailed information about the attacker, Arthur Bremer, including his past arrests and mental state. They also touched upon potential political leanings of Bremer and the timing of a presidential visit to Wallace.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discussed the arraignment and custody of Arthur H. Bremer, the assailant of George C. Wallace, with Ehrlichman relaying FBI Director Felt's reports on Bremer's mental state, refusal to speak without an attorney, and the FBI's security measures. Nixon emphasized his desire for close control over the investigation, drawing a parallel to the "badly handled" John F. Kennedy assassination investigation, and instructed Ehrlichman to ensure the press is aware he is monitoring the situation, while also pushing for the swift appointment of an attorney for Bremer.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed the assassination attempt on George Wallace, focusing on the investigation into Arthur Bremer's motives and political leanings, and the potential impact on the upcoming election. They also touched on the need for public relations efforts to shape the narrative around gun control and the importance of providing security for political candidates.
President Nixon, John Ehrlichman, and H.R. Haldeman discussed the investigation into Arthur Bremer, the assailant of George Wallace, including Bremer's political leanings and the evidence recovered from his apartment, with Ehrlichman recommending the FBI take full control of the investigation. They also reviewed the critical medical condition of George Wallace following surgery for a gunshot wound, noting the bullet's trajectory and the guarded prognosis, and discussed the propriety of presidential visits and public statements regarding the incident.
In this pivotal Oval Office meeting, President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Ronald Ziegler discussed the Watergate investigation. Haldeman informed Nixon of a plan to use the CIA to impede the FBI's inquiry, and Nixon agreed to this strategy. This conversation, later known as the "smoking gun," significantly contributed to Nixon's eventual resignation.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and Charles Colson to discuss the ongoing fallout from the Watergate break-in, specifically the FBI's investigation and the risks of it uncovering CIA connections or sensitive political associations. The participants analyzed the political landscape and current polling data to strategize for the upcoming election against George McGovern. They ultimately decided to prioritize aggressive negative campaigning against McGovern, concluding that focusing on the opponent's weaknesses was more effective for swaying undecided voters than emphasizing the administration's own policy achievements.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Charles Colson, and Henry Kissinger to discuss sensitive political and national security matters, specifically the ongoing Watergate investigation and Vietnam peace negotiations. The group reviewed the potential for indictments involving Jeb Stuart Magruder and examined the strategic handling of federal investigations to protect the White House from entanglement. Additionally, the President and Kissinger discussed managing domestic opposition to the war, coordinating press strategy, and preparing for an upcoming meeting with congressional leaders regarding Vietnam.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the media reception of recent political messaging and the strategic necessity of repetitive public attacks regarding the FBI investigation. They specifically evaluate the political optics of Roger [likely William P. Rogers] and the potential involvement of Clark MacGregor in managing these narratives. The conversation emphasizes the importance of controlling the public discourse by consistently reinforcing key talking points to ensure they gain sufficient traction.
President Nixon met with John Dean and H.R. Haldeman on the day of the first Watergate indictments. Nixon praised Dean's handling of the situation and discussed using government power against political enemies. They also discussed the possibility of the Democratic National Committee planting a bug, the ongoing FBI investigation, and strategies to counter potential negative press and congressional hearings. Nixon expressed a strong desire to use government agencies to retaliate against political opponents after the election.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies to neutralize political controversies regarding the administration's Soviet grain deals and ongoing 1972 campaign developments. They agree to expedite an FBI report to clear any suspicions of scandal while emphasizing the economic benefits of grain sales to farmers. Additionally, they discuss the campaign performance of George McGovern, noting with satisfaction the negative confrontations he has faced during plant visits, particularly regarding his stance on amnesty and Vietnam policy.
President Nixon and John Dean discussed the ongoing media coverage and investigations related to the Watergate break-in and its aftermath. Dean reported on efforts to counter "innuendo" and "character assassination" in the press, particularly concerning Dwight Chapin's hiring of individuals for opposition research. They also touched upon the lack of media attention to the FBI's investigation into bugging devices found at the Democratic National Committee, and strategies for introducing specific questions into congressional hearings to address these issues, including the role of Senators Hruska and Gurney.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to strategize on limiting the scope of documents provided to FBI agents currently stationed at the White House for the Watergate investigation. Nixon expressed deep frustration with the broad language of proposed document requests, which he deemed overly restrictive regarding his personal papers and presidential staff memoranda. He directed Bull to ensure that all national security files and executive privilege materials remain protected, explicitly ordering that the language of the document releases be narrowed to exclude his private files and sensitive national security records.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinate the administration's public response to ongoing Watergate-related pressures, specifically addressing critical statements made by William D. Ruckelshaus. They discuss drafting a formal White House statement intended to emphasize the administration's cooperation with the FBI. The two men also strategize on how to frame internal narratives regarding John D. Ehrlichman and the handling of the investigation to minimize political damage.