Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Personnel management
263 conversations · page 3 of 3 · frequently with Nixon, Bull, Haig, Haldeman
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Rose Mary Woods, and Marjorie Acker to discuss the technical operations, portability, and functionality of various dictation machines for use in his offices and during travel. The conversation also covered logistical details regarding the President's attire and protocol for the upcoming 1973 Inauguration, including coordination with family members. Additionally, the group touched on broader administrative matters, including personnel considerations for the second-term reorganization and the public perception of press relations staff.
President Nixon directs Stephen B. Bull to monitor the progress of specific administrative or logistical tasks involving Soviet personnel. The President explicitly requests information regarding the anticipated completion time of these activities while emphasizing a desire to limit the scope of the Russians' involvement. This brief exchange serves to track the status of ongoing diplomatic or bureaucratic arrangements.
President Nixon met with Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler to discuss the selection and management of personnel for upcoming administrative roles. The two conferred on the necessity of choosing individuals who could effectively handle significant responsibilities and carry a substantial workload. They concluded by considering the internal dynamics of these prospective appointees, weighing whether professional friction might actually serve as a constructive mechanism for mutual oversight.
On February 2, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:59 am and 9:39 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 847-004 of the White House Tapes.
On February 5, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:59 am and 10:05 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 848-008 of the White House Tapes.
An unidentified man and woman met in the Oval Office to coordinate a departure or transition involving personnel. The participants briefly discussed the logistics of opening a door to facilitate their exit and noted the presence of a crowd outside. The conversation concludes abruptly as the individuals prioritize moving away from the immediate area.
President Nixon met with Charles W. Colson to discuss Colson’s upcoming diplomatic travel to the Soviet Union and Romania, as well as broader issues of administration strategy. The conversation covered political public relations, specifically the need to project strength regarding the recent return of Vietnam POWs and a firm stance against amnesty for draft dodgers and deserters. Additionally, they reviewed personnel appointments for the Department of Labor and Commerce, emphasizing the necessity of hiring staff with political loyalty over neutral systems analysts, while also strategizing on how to manage potential congressional investigations into the Watergate scandal.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate the President's schedule, specifically regarding farewell meetings with departing staff members. The discussion touched upon the professional standing of White House personnel compared to assistant secretaries and cabinet members. Nixon also expressed personal interest in the status of his friend Curtis Thompson, who was associated with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, and confirmed an upcoming meeting with Charles Colson.
President Nixon and Secretary of Defense-designate Elliot L. Richardson discuss the strategic messaging and format for Richardson’s upcoming visits to various military agencies. The President emphasizes the importance of boosting military morale and ensuring service secretaries and military chiefs feel included in the decision-making process. They finalize plans for a meeting the following day to discuss policy initiatives and personnel attendance, aiming to present a unified and appreciative front to the armed services.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate administrative and logistical arrangements regarding upcoming photography sessions and staff schedules. The discussion focused on ensuring specific staff members were included in photographs and managing travel logistics for General Brent Scowcroft’s visit to the Pentagon. Additionally, they briefly touched upon the scheduling of Ronald L. Ziegler and other personnel matters.
Secret Service agents gathered in the Oval Office to discuss the President’s current location and movements. The conversation centers on the President's frustration regarding the tardiness of staff members associated with the Executive Office Building. The agents conclude the discussion by suggesting a follow-up phone call to address the President's anger.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, coordinate plans for a potential family trip to Florida and discuss the President's upcoming schedule. The conversation also features a detailed explanation from the President regarding personnel changes within his Secret Service detail, specifically concerning agents William L. Duncan and Robert H. Taylor. Despite Julie’s reservations about the circumstances of these staff reassignments, the President defends the administrative decisions as career-building moves for the agents involved.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinate the recruitment of an unnamed woman for a new position, agreeing that Haldeman should manage the negotiation to distance the President from the personnel matter. They identify the need to move her out of an agency facing impending budget cuts and into a more prestigious role. To incentivize her acceptance, Nixon instructs Haldeman to highlight an upcoming major announcement regarding the People's Republic of China and a promised summer trip there.
President Nixon and Representative F. Edward Hébert met briefly to follow up on the resolution of an unspecified personnel or procedural matter. The participants confirmed that the issue had been successfully settled and that appropriate credit would be granted. The conversation concludes with a brief, cryptic remark regarding the successful handling of the situation without collateral impact on uninvolved parties.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his upcoming schedule, specifically focusing on the management of White House social events and public relations strategies. They discussed minimizing repetitive guest lists for dinners and church services, while also addressing the President's concerns about press coverage and the need to control the administration's public goals for his second term. The conversation included decisions on the handling of potential Nobel Prize recognition and planning for future state visits, reflecting Nixon's desire to streamline operations and project a more disciplined executive image.
On February 27, 1973, 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 11:50 am and 12:31 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 415-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Secretary of Labor Peter J. Brennan to discuss current political optics and personnel management strategies. The dialogue centered on the administration's approach to labor and economic leaders, specifically regarding the handling of individuals like Shelton and the broader implications of currency fluctuations. The discussion concluded with the President indicating a relaxed stance toward certain administrative staffers, suggesting a desire to move past recent controversies.
President Nixon met with Charles L. Ill and Stephen B. Bull to discuss Ill’s past service during the 1968 campaign and his recent tenure working with the Navy. Ill expressed frustration regarding his forced resignation and the lack of clarity surrounding his dismissal despite his prior dedication to the administration. The conversation served as a professional exit for Ill, with the President acknowledging his frank feedback regarding personnel changes and administration staffing challenges.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed several administrative and political matters, including coordinating entertainment for White House events and managing personnel issues related to the Department of the Navy. They also reviewed political strategy regarding L. Patrick Gray’s FBI confirmation hearings, the potential testimony of Maurice Stans concerning Watergate, and the media impact of the President's press conferences. Additionally, the President expressed interest in publicizing a letter from Captain Jeremiah Denton Jr. to counter anti-war narratives regarding the recent release of prisoners of war.
On March 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Manolo Sanchez met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 4:07 pm and 4:10 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 416-020 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon dictated a memorandum for his files covering several high-level administrative and foreign policy matters. The recording details his reflections on a Quadriad meeting involving Arthur F. Burns, observations from Henry A. Kissinger regarding the Treaty of Versailles, and personnel discussions concerning the reassignment and loyalty of John Lodge. The President also noted considerations related to Israel during this administrative review.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed the protocol for managing meetings with departing staff members and senior departmental officials. The President outlined criteria for granting exit interviews, specifically distinguishing between those moving to other government positions versus those leaving the administration entirely. They also addressed the inclusion of personal friends in farewell photograph sessions as part of these transitions.
On March 8, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at 2:20 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 872-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss personnel matters, the administration's public image, and strategy for managing Congress. They assessed potential roles for individuals like David Packard and discussed the political challenges of relying on administrative assistants for legislative liaison work. Additionally, they reviewed criticisms of the President's perceived coldness and explored the difficulties of humanizing his image in a hostile media environment.
President Nixon and his advisors discussed strategic communication, particularly the need for effective framing and "phrasemaking" for the administration’s legislative agenda, including a forthcoming crime speech. The participants reviewed the status of high-level ambassadorial appointments, aiming to balance career diplomats with political appointees and prioritizing the inclusion of minority representatives. Additionally, Nixon and Kissinger finalized plans regarding the release of prisoners from the People's Republic of China, emphasizing the need to manage the announcement to maximize political credit and handle sensitive diplomatic back-channel communications.
President Nixon consulted with his close friend Charles G. "Bebe" Rebozo regarding internal salary adjustments, confirming that compensation had already increased from 28 to 32 since their previous review. Nixon noted that he had tasked H.R. Haldeman with investigating the matter to ensure the pay structure remained appropriate. Additionally, Rebozo shared that a telegram from the President, facilitated by Rose Mary Woods, had been successfully delivered to Desi Arnaz prior to his emergency brain surgery.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum for the record detailing recent engagements with Senator Russell B. Long and Ambassador Daniel P. Moynihan. The discussion centers on strengthening congressional relations, addressing U.S.-India diplomatic tensions regarding Indira Gandhi, and managing public relations strategies for veto messages and administration policy. Nixon also reflects on his 1972 electoral victory and evaluates the performance of various staff members and Cabinet officials.
President Nixon utilized this session to record a formal memorandum for his files regarding ongoing administrative and personnel matters. The dictation touched upon several internal issues, including personnel appointments involving Charles Colson and George Shultz, logistics regarding a new presidential aircraft, and follow-up requirements for a meeting with Alexander Haig. This record-keeping activity served as a brief administrative update on White House operations and personnel management.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, engage in an informal discussion concerning the career advancement and professional aspirations of a mutual acquaintance named Taylor. They analyze Taylor's strategic career moves, specifically his preference for gaining broad experience in the field over accepting a high-level position in Washington. The conversation concludes with brief, casual remarks regarding leisure activities and future social plans.
President Nixon held an undocumented meeting with unidentified individuals in the Oval Office to address internal administrative matters. The discussion centered on an unspecified presidential request regarding personnel or operational logistics. The interaction concluded with a directive involving a call to a duty station, though the lack of a transcript prevents further clarification of the participants or specific policy objectives.
H. R. Haldeman coordinates with White House staff and William E. Timmons to discuss administrative logistics and legislative outreach efforts. The discussion touches upon recent communications with Lowell P. Weicker, Jr. and concerns regarding the reliability and performance of internal staff. No major policy decisions are finalized, as the call serves primarily to exchange updates on scheduling and personnel availability.
President Nixon instructed Stephen B. Bull to modify the attendee list for an upcoming Thursday meeting by adding domestic cabinet members. Nixon specifically excluded the Attorney General from this session, directing Bull to prioritize select officials such as Roy Ash and Caspar Weinberger. The exchange focused on finalizing the guest list composition for these executive deliberations.
On April 13, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:40 am and 11:41 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 895-015 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with his staff to coordinate his response to the intensifying Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the drafting of a forthcoming public address and the management of White House personnel. The President discussed the impending forced resignations of H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, the necessity of distancing his administration from John Dean, and the strategy of taking responsibility for staff conduct without engaging in public self-pity. Nixon emphasized the need for a firm tone to preserve the integrity of the presidency and decided to consult with his aides while planning a brief period of isolation to finalize his speech.
On April 28, 1973, Camp David operator and William P. Rogers talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 11:23 am and 3:30 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 164-016 of the White House Tapes.
Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler briefs President Nixon on his efforts to secure the resignations of H. R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. Ziegler confirms that while Haldeman has agreed to comply with the President's decision, he anticipates greater resistance from Ehrlichman and intends to coordinate the process during an upcoming helicopter ride. The two men also discuss the logistical challenge of ensuring the departing aides have sufficient financial support during their transition.
President Nixon directs his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to investigate whether Secretary of State William Rogers is hosting a lunch for a foreign chancellor. Simultaneously, the President expresses significant anger regarding an instance of reported fraud, instructing Bull to inform Carmen that such poor judgment is unacceptable. Nixon emphasizes that the individuals involved are not dependents and demands immediate action to address the situation.
President Nixon met with Representative Leslie C. Arends to discuss the ongoing political pressure surrounding the Watergate scandal. Comparing his current personnel difficulties to President Eisenhower's dismissal of Sherman Adams, Nixon expressed his resolve in managing the crisis and his administration's staffing changes. The conversation focused on maintaining political support and addressing the contentious push from figures like Senator Charles Percy for the appointment of a special prosecutor.
On May 2, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:50 am and 9:53 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 909-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss managing the fallout from the unfolding Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the roles of staff members like David Young and the implications of past national security wiretaps. Kissinger expressed concerns regarding the lack of administrative discipline and the resulting leaks, advocating for more traditional procedures to involve the State Department in ongoing foreign policy negotiations. They also discussed personnel challenges, including the transition of Alexander Haig and the potential departure of Secretary of State William Rogers, while coordinating their messaging strategy for upcoming press briefings and foreign policy initiatives.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to discuss ongoing personnel management and administrative transitions, as well as developing a strategy to counter potential damaging disclosures by former White House counsel John Dean. Nixon expressed concern over Dean’s access to sensitive documents and his possession of self-serving memoranda, specifically regarding a previously unacknowledged September 15, 1972, meeting. The two agreed on a strategy of limited public comment, emphasizing the necessity of protecting the presidency by framing Dean’s actions as self-interested and unreliable while maintaining a defensive posture regarding White House staff.
On May 10, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at 3:10 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 435-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon instructed Alexander Haig to direct J. Fred Buzhardt to adopt a more supportive and optimistic tone when communicating with H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman regarding their legal strategy. Nixon emphasized that Buzhardt must project confidence that the Watergate situation is manageable to counter the anxiety caused by Leonard Garment’s more alarming counsel. Additionally, the two discussed John Connally’s potential leave of absence from his law firm, with Nixon approving the move to address concerns regarding professional conflicts of interest.
President Nixon held a brief, informal meeting with an unidentified individual, potentially a staff member, to discuss personal logistical arrangements and travel plans. The dialogue touches upon the President's upcoming schedule at Camp David, the use of transportation, and the attendee's personal life, including a potential marriage. The conversation concludes with the President confirming the attendee's departure as he prepares to transition to his own transport.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed the President's upcoming schedule to manage his time commitments and prioritize meetings. They discussed various appointments, including prospective visits with political figures and reports from individuals returning from official trips. Nixon explicitly directed that certain visitors, such as Peter G. Peterson, must undergo extensive vetting and reporting to other administration officials like John B. Connally and Henry Kissinger before being granted an audience with him.
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.
President Nixon and John B. Connally met to discuss upcoming administration challenges, specifically focusing on the President's public relations strategy, necessary personnel changes, and impending foreign policy milestones, including the Soviet summit. Nixon expressed his determination to press forward with major international initiatives, such as nuclear non-proliferation and Middle East negotiations, despite the political turmoil caused by the Watergate scandal. Connally advised the President on restructuring White House operations, including potential staffing changes in the press office and cabinet, and recommended that Nixon adopt a more aggressive, resilient posture to regain public confidence.
Secret Service agents and unidentified individuals met briefly in the Oval Office to receive administrative instructions regarding security protocols and the movement of files. The interaction primarily involved logistical coordination, including guidance on how to navigate the office and manage staff entry. The meeting concluded shortly after these operational directions were provided and the departure of the participants was facilitated.
President Nixon directs Stephen B. Bull to ensure Rose Mary Woods is included on an upcoming trip to Florida. Nixon expresses concern that Woods felt excluded from the invitation list and insists she participate because of potential work to be conducted during the visit. The President confirms he has updated the list to include her and notes his previous assumption that Alexander M. Haig, Jr. had already coordinated her attendance.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull engage in a brief administrative discussion regarding the personal security or presence of an unidentified female individual. The President issues a directive to ensure her continuous availability or protection. The exchange serves as a logistical instruction concerning the management of staff or personnel protocols within the White House.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss ongoing personnel changes within the administration, specifically regarding the planned departure of Secretary of State William P. Rogers and the recruitment of Melvin R. Laird for a senior White House role. Haig confirms that Rogers prefers to delay the announcement of his exit to avoid complications related to the Watergate scandal. Meanwhile, the two coordinate a strategy to persuade Laird to accept a position as a domestic policy advisor, scheduling a meeting at Camp David to finalize the offer with support from Bryce Harlow.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met briefly to discuss administrative personnel, travel arrangements, and the status of ongoing internal investigations. The conversation centers on staff management, including the travel policies for certain individuals, and an assessment of tape recordings related to internal probes. The pair also acknowledged the confirmation of Elliot Richardson as Attorney General as a significant positive development for the administration.
President Nixon and Congressman Gerald Ford discussed strategies to neutralize potential political disruption from Representative Pete McCloskey regarding Watergate-related initiatives by choosing to ignore his actions. The pair also reviewed ongoing personnel shifts, specifically the hiring of Melvin Laird and the sensitive, confidential return of Bryce Harlow to the White House staff. Additionally, Nixon agreed to contact William Timmons to clarify that recent leadership discussions were not intended as a criticism of his congressional relations efforts.
President Nixon and Gerald Ford discuss administration staffing and internal management strategies while emphasizing the need to focus on national governance despite the distractions of the Watergate scandal. Nixon outlines plans for personnel changes, specifically mentioning the upcoming return of an individual named Rice and addressing potential conflict of interest concerns. The President expresses his desire to maintain a strong, unified team to handle legislative and administrative legwork.
President Nixon met with Melvin Laird and Alexander Haig to discuss personnel shifts and the restructuring of responsibilities within the White House staff. The conversation focused on reassigning George Shultz’s duties, specifically moving him out of his energy portfolio to prioritize trade policy. The participants also touched upon the organizational roles of Roy Ash and other administrative adjustments to long-term policy management.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinate travel logistics regarding a planned trip to Carlisle, Pennsylvania. They discuss the movement of personnel, specifically considering how to transport an individual named Conway. The conversation focuses on balancing these transport arrangements with other ongoing White House obligations.
President Nixon met with Deputy Press Secretary Gerald Warren for a brief discussion regarding the internal pressures and frustrations facing White House staff. The conversation focused on the exhaustion and morale challenges resulting from ongoing administrative difficulties. No major policy decisions were reached, as the exchange primarily served as an informal check-in on the staff's ability to cope with persistent operational stressors.
On June 7, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 3:48 pm to 3:58 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 441-034 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to coordinate administration responses to economic challenges, including potential price freeze legislation and export regulation policies. The two discussed personnel management and morale within the White House staff, addressing friction between Roy Ash and other key advisors while emphasizing Haig’s role as the primary operational authority. Additionally, they reviewed political strategies regarding Congressional relations and the ongoing Watergate investigations, specifically regarding anticipated testimony from John Dean.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the recruitment of William W. Scranton for an energy-related appointment, noting that minor legal issues regarding Scranton's corporate involvement should not impact his candidacy. Nixon decides to meet with Scranton the following day at the White House rather than in Florida to finalize the plans. They agree to delay the public announcement until Saturday to avoid competing with other ongoing news stories.
President Nixon met with Secretary of the Treasury George Shultz to discuss the administration's economic policies, specifically the challenges surrounding wage and price controls and the need for greater congressional cooperation. Amidst the ongoing Watergate investigation and staff turnover, Shultz expressed personal frustration and a desire to depart his post, but Nixon strongly urged him to remain, emphasizing Shultz's indispensable expertise and credibility in managing the economy. The two agreed to delay any final decision regarding Shultz's tenure, scheduling a follow-up meeting in California to further evaluate the administration's future course.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to discuss ongoing personnel conflicts within the White House, specifically the tensions between Roy Ash and other senior staffers, and George Shultz’s role and potential future in the administration. They evaluated the political and economic implications of the President’s domestic programs, with a focus on managing energy policy, labor relations, and Congressional relations. Additionally, the President and Haig touched on the unfolding Watergate investigations, including the credibility of key witnesses like Jeb Magruder and the potential political fallout for the administration.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the positive television coverage of Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev's visit, while also finalizing negotiations regarding SALT and MBFR. The pair reviews the political fallout of the Watergate scandal, specifically monitoring media reports regarding John Dean's upcoming testimony and Senator Hugh Scott's remarks. Additionally, they coordinate the timing of personnel announcements for the SEC and John A. Love to avoid negative headlines, and they clarify the future advisory role of John Connally to mitigate public misperception.