Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Presidential appointments
66 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Bull, Haldeman, White House photographer
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and various staff members, including Peter Flanigan, Henry Kissinger, and John Ehrlichman, to deliberate on high-level personnel appointments, government reorganization, and legislative strategy. A primary focus was identifying a strong, business-oriented candidate for an ambassadorial role to navigate international economic negotiations and counter State Department bureaucracy. The group also discussed managing the President’s public image regarding economic policy, the Alaska pipeline, and Vietnam, while addressing the need to discipline administration officials who publicly diverged from official policy. The President emphasized a preference for direct, high-level policy control and instructed his staff to bolster communication efforts and strengthen the administration’s political messaging.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to coordinate a briefing session with Peter G. Peterson. The primary objective was to arrange a meeting between the President and Peterson regarding his official schedule. Nixon provided specific instructions to facilitate the call and ensure Peterson could be brought into the Oval Office for the discussion.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to review administrative logistics regarding upcoming appointments. The discussion focused on coordinating the President's schedule, specifically regarding a meeting with Senator John L. McClellan and staff members Kenneth E. BeLieu and Clark MacGregor. The brief exchange centered on finalizing these arrangements before Bull concluded the meeting.
President Nixon consulted with Attorney General John Mitchell’s assistant, Sue Morrison, to coordinate a meeting with Mitchell. The President reviewed Mitchell's morning schedule, specifically ensuring he would not miss an HEW staff meeting, before ultimately deciding to schedule the appointment for the afternoon when his own workload with other officials would be lighter. Nixon directed Morrison to clear time in Mitchell’s calendar to accommodate the meeting.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman to discuss a wide range of administrative and political concerns, including public messaging on drug policy and the vetting of potential presidential appointees. The two reviewed preparations for the 1972 campaign, with a focus on convention scheduling and state-level political strategy in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois. Additionally, they deliberated on personnel assignments, specifically evaluating Donald Rumsfeld for a leadership role in the Office of Emergency Preparedness and addressing the ongoing challenges regarding John Volpe’s performance in the Cabinet.
President Nixon directs H. R. Haldeman to coordinate the appointment of Bryce N. Harlow to a delegation accompanying Vice President Spiro Agnew. The President intends for Harlow to act as a confidant and informal advisor to Agnew during the trip. Haldeman agrees to the plan and commits to contacting Harlow, along with Senators Hugh Scott and Gale W. McGee, to organize the details.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his upcoming schedule and manage administrative logistics for an assembly of presidential appointees. The discussion specifically focused on arrangements for Frederic V. Malek and the coordination of a group photograph session. This meeting served to finalize protocols for official staff interactions and documentation within the White House.
President Nixon met with a group of administration officials and appointees, including Frederic Malek and several representatives from the Department of the Interior, for a brief introductory session. The President utilized the opportunity to express appreciation for the sacrifices made by individuals serving in government and to acknowledge the bureaucratic challenges inherent in Washington work. The meeting concluded with the exchange of presidential gifts for the attendees and their spouses.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to review logistical arrangements for an upcoming meeting with Robert J. Jamison. The brief discussion focused on scheduling and the preparation required for the President's engagement with Jamison. No further policy or strategic developments were recorded during this brief encounter.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Henry Kissinger discussed the positive political reception of the recent announcement regarding the opening of relations with the People's Republic of China, emphasizing its favorable impact among the nation's leadership class and broad public support. The group reviewed early poll data that suggested strong approval for the initiative, noting that this shift in sentiment potentially countered negative political fallout from the ongoing Pentagon Papers controversy. Additionally, the President and his staff discussed the potential appointment of David M. Kennedy as Ambassador to Japan and reviewed logistical arrangements for upcoming presidential schedule items.
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 Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield and Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his daily schedule and manage pending administrative tasks. Key discussions centered on the timeline for an urgent appropriations bill and the logistics of a White House tour for broadcaster Paul Harvey. Nixon sought to streamline these appointments to accommodate upcoming meetings with the Council of Economic Advisers and other staff members.
President Nixon held a brief meeting with an unidentified individual to facilitate a scheduled appointment with Charles W. Colson. The discussion served as a logistical arrangement to ensure a future consultation between the President and his special counsel. No substantive policy matters were addressed during this short exchange.
President Nixon met with his senior staff and other officials to coordinate legislative strategy, manage public relations, and oversee administrative appointments. Key discussions included the use of polling data to pressure members of Congress on pending tax and pay legislation, the need for Cabinet members to adopt more aggressive public stances against political opponents like Edmund Muskie, and the management of White House press relations. The President also reviewed personnel matters within the military aide office and logistical arrangements for upcoming events and appearances.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to handle routine administrative tasks, including the signing of presidential documents and the review of a briefing book. The two discussed the security clearance and political background of Irving Brown, comparing his ideological history to Jay Lovestone. Nixon provided brief instructions regarding the handling of specific memoranda and materials located on his desk in the Oval Office.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Henry Kissinger met to discuss domestic and foreign policy priorities, including the administration's upcoming economic 'Phase II' announcements, potential personnel changes, and the President's diplomatic strategy. The conversation focused on balancing the President's public image and economic messaging with the complexities of managing international relations, particularly regarding the Soviet Union and China. Nixon and Kissinger also evaluated the political implications of recent events, such as the funeral of Justice Hugo Black and the handling of the prisoner of war issue, while coordinating the President's schedule and approach for high-level meetings with foreign officials.
President Nixon held a brief meeting in the Old Executive Office Building with an unidentified individual to discuss scheduling matters. The discussion centered on an incoming request for a formal meeting. No further substantive details regarding the nature of the request or the identity of the participant were recorded.
President Nixon met with Charlotte T. Reid and her family, along with several officials including Donald Rumsfeld and Dean Burch, to conduct a swearing-in ceremony for Reid. During the proceedings, the President offered formal congratulations and presented gifts to commemorate the occasion. Nixon also took the opportunity to explain his rationale for Reid's appointment, emphasizing that it was based on merit and capability rather than gender.
Donald Rumsfeld briefs President Nixon on a private discussion with pollster George Gallup, who indicated that Nixon’s approval ratings are expected to see a significant rise. The two also discuss economic strategy, specifically addressing volatility in the stock market and public uncertainty regarding the upcoming Phase II wage and price controls. Nixon emphasizes the necessity of uncertainty in the transition toward free-market controls while tasking Rumsfeld with finalizing appointments to the pay and price commissions, including the potential addition of Robert Ellsworth.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place an outgoing call to Lewis F. Powell, Jr. The purpose of this communication was to facilitate a direct conversation between the President and the future Supreme Court nominee. This interaction served as a logistical step in the administration's judicial appointment process.
President Nixon consults with the White House operator regarding the professional background and qualifications of a potential judicial or administrative appointee. The discussion centers on the candidate’s legal experience, age, and professional standing in comparison to another individual named Smith. Nixon expresses concern over the candidate's stature, ultimately deciding on a strategy to handle the individual if he initiates further contact.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinate the final logistics for announcing two pending Supreme Court nominations. The President decides to bypass a full prime-time television address, opting instead for a 7:00 p.m. announcement the following evening. This decision finalized the timing for a sensitive political maneuver intended to manage the public reveal of his judicial selections.
President Nixon utilized this session to dictate notes intended for a formal speech regarding his upcoming nominations for the Supreme Court. The President specifically focused on incorporating perspectives or commentary from journalist Walter Lippmann into the draft. This process served as a preparatory step in shaping the administration's public messaging strategy for the judicial appointments.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate the scheduling of a private meeting involving H.R. Haldeman. Nixon directed Bull to arrange for an individual named Bob Hogan to briefly step away from his desk to facilitate the encounter. The discussion focused on managing the President's afternoon appointments and maintaining discretion regarding these movements.
President Nixon met with a group of new administrative appointees, including Stanley M. Greenfield and others, to welcome them to the administration and acknowledge their upcoming roles. The brief, informal meeting served as an opportunity for the President to express his appreciation for their loyalty and dedication, emphasizing the importance of their work to the success of his office. The discussion included casual anecdotes about football rules and previous travels in Texas, concluding with the President presenting gifts to the appointees.
President Nixon consulted with an unidentified individual regarding the professional background of Earl L. Butz. The discussion focused specifically on the duration of Butz’s experience with farm ownership and operations. The conversation concluded with the President requesting a follow-up phone call to confirm these details.
President Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon discussed the formation of a U.S. delegation for an upcoming trip to the Ivory Coast. The President expressed specific concerns regarding the composition of the delegation, particularly regarding the recommendations provided by Jeremiah Milbank of the Republican National Committee. The two agreed to review and revise the list of potential attendees to ensure the appointments met the President’s standards.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Henry Kissinger, George Shultz, and Arthur Burns to coordinate key administrative priorities, including the upcoming presidential trip to the People's Republic of China, ongoing defense budget negotiations, and personnel appointment procedures. A primary focus was establishing stricter internal control over government leaks—specifically regarding Yeoman Charles Radford—and reaffirming the President's authority over Federal Reserve Board appointments. The participants also discussed the President's recent television documentary, strategies for managing the money supply to address economic concerns, and the administration's stance on federal pay raises.
President Nixon held a brief, unscheduled meeting with an unidentified individual in the Oval Office. The primary purpose of the gathering was to coordinate a subsequent meeting with Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler. The interaction concluded quickly when the visitor departed shortly before 10:34 am.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to review the physical specifications and illustrative content of a forthcoming book project involving Ronald S. Berman. The discussion touched upon the book's size and the potential inclusion of French language components. Additionally, the two briefly coordinated the President's upcoming schedule regarding appointments at the Executive Office Building.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to facilitate the scheduling of an upcoming visit by entertainer Bob Hope. The primary objective of the meeting was to coordinate Hope's arrival and manage his interactions with Alexander M. Haig, Jr. and Ronald L. Ziegler. Nixon emphasized the urgency of the logistics, specifically tasking Bull with capturing photographs of the guest before anticipated weather complications.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed the leadership transition at the FBI following the death of J. Edgar Hoover, including the strategic timing of the official announcement. The conversation also touched upon the appointment of Lt. Gen. Vernon A. Walters to the CIA, focusing on his Senate confirmation prospects and personal loyalty. Nixon expressed concerns regarding the delay in managing the public announcement of Hoover's passing, tasking staff with expediting the process.
President Nixon and former President Lyndon B. Johnson engaged in a brief discussion regarding the political risks of replacing leadership within a specific government agency during a contentious legislative period. Nixon expressed his reluctance to remove the current director, citing the need for institutional stability while facing a significant political struggle in the Senate. The conversation served as a moment of informal political alignment between the two presidents regarding the management of federal appointments.
President Nixon hosted a ceremony in the Oval Office for Vernon A. Walters to mark his promotion and official swearing-in as Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Joined by Walters's family, Judge Edward Tamm, and CIA Director Richard Helms, the President administered the oath of office and acknowledged Walters's 31 years of military service. The meeting concluded with a photography session and the distribution of presidential gifts to the attendees.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss funeral arrangements for J. Edgar Hoover and the political strategy for appointing his successor. Nixon decided to participate in the funeral services while opting to delay the nomination of a new FBI director until after the upcoming presidential election to avoid political fallout. They concluded that L. Patrick Gray should be installed as an interim appointment without a formal long-term commitment. The two also coordinated the preparation and release of an official public statement regarding these decisions.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate logistics for an upcoming White House visit by musician Ray Conniff, including arrangements for photographs, certificates, and a tour of the Oval Office. The discussion also addressed a brief meeting between the President and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger. Bull oversaw these administrative details before concluding his meeting with the President.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual to facilitate a requested meeting with National Security Advisor Henry A. Kissinger. This brief interaction served as a logistical bridge to ensure coordination with Kissinger regarding ongoing diplomatic or national security matters. No further details regarding the specific intent or outcome of the requested appointment are preserved in the available record.
President Nixon instructs Marjorie P. Acker to organize and formalize a memorandum regarding key administration figures and advisors, including Barry Goldwater, Thomas Moorer, Kenneth Rush, Spiro Agnew, and Edward Teller. The President emphasizes highlighting the importance of these individuals' roles and their alignment with administration goals. Additionally, Nixon requests that efforts be made to bring physicist Edward Teller back for further consultation.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull coordinate the scheduling of a meeting with an unidentified individual, agreeing to set the time for approximately 2:00 or 2:30 p.m. During the discussion, Nixon also requests access to an original press book to review its background contents. This brief exchange serves primarily as an administrative check-in to manage the President's afternoon appointments and document retrieval needs.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate a brief, time-sensitive meeting with Henry Kissinger. The discussion focused on locating Kissinger, who was stationed in the White House Situation Room, to facilitate his immediate arrival at the Oval Office. Nixon directed Bull to summon Kissinger for a fifteen-minute consultation before the President's scheduled departure.
President Nixon met with an unknown female visitor in the Oval Office to coordinate scheduling logistics. The brief discussion centered primarily on finalizing the timing for a forthcoming meeting with Special Counsel Charles W. Colson. The exchange concluded with the setting of a 9:00 a.m. appointment.
President Nixon hosted a meeting and swearing-in ceremony for Dixy Lee Ray, who was appointed as a commissioner to the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). The event included the participation of several AEC officials, presidential aides, and members of the press to highlight the administration's commitment to appointing qualified women to high-level government positions. During the session, the President emphasized the importance of developing atomic energy for peaceful purposes and formally concluded the proceedings by distributing presidential gifts to the attendees.
President Nixon met with aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate administrative logistics regarding the White House schedule. The primary focus of the brief discussion was determining the optimal timing for a forthcoming meeting with Patrick J. Buchanan. No major policy decisions were reached, as the conversation served as a functional check on the President's calendar.
President Nixon met with George Shultz, John Ehrlichman, and others to discuss international economic policy ahead of an upcoming International Monetary Fund (IMF) meeting. Shultz presented a systematic plan for currency convertibility and reserve management, which Nixon approved for use in his upcoming IMF address. The conversation also covered the potential for wage and price control adjustments following the 1972 election and finalized the decision to provide Secret Service protection for Senator Edward M. Kennedy based on specific threats.
President Nixon met with representatives from the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs (BPW) to discuss their organization's role and the Administration's efforts regarding women's appointments. The conversation included a photo opportunity, a discussion on the importance of economic equality and the elimination of discrimination, and a brief comparison of Chinese cultural apparel. During the visit, the participants exchanged gifts, including 1896 Republican National Convention tickets presented to the President by Jeanne Squire.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss White House staff reorganization, upcoming inauguration ceremonies, and public relations strategy. They reviewed the logistics of the inaugural worship service—specifically balancing religious representation—and debated how to manage personnel departures, including Dwight Chapin and Alexander Butterfield, to avoid political damage. Additionally, the President expressed reluctance to issue formal statements regarding the Watergate and Segretti controversies before trial proceedings concluded, opting instead to maintain a low profile to protect his credibility.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman briefly review the President's upcoming daily schedule and internal staff movements. The discussion centers on coordinating meetings involving John Ehrlichman, Stephen Bull, and Charles Colson to ensure the President remains fully briefed on ongoing administrative matters. No major policy decisions are reached, as the participants focus on logistics and the management of executive appointments.
President Nixon dictates a memorandum to H. R. Haldeman establishing a strict protocol for the handling of high-level administration appointments. Nixon directs Haldeman to oversee the process and participate in all appointment discussions to ensure that competing interests from the RNC, Charles Colson, and Cabinet members are properly balanced and vetted. This directive serves to centralize control over personnel decisions while insulating the President from internal staff conflicts and potential disputes with Congress.
President Nixon called Secretary of Labor-designate Peter J. Brennan to offer encouragement and support regarding his ongoing confirmation process. The two discussed the challenges Brennan faced during the hearings, specifically noting the critical coverage by The Washington Post. Nixon dismissed the negative press as predictable, affirming his confidence in Brennan’s ability to navigate the scrutiny successfully.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate key administrative personnel appointments, specifically prioritizing the exclusion of unauthorized intermediaries in the decision-making process. The discussion focused on strategies for managing press relations, particularly regarding negative coverage from the Washington Post and CBS, and leveraging potential influence over political figures like Lyndon B. Johnson. They also touched upon staffing roles for figures like Charles Colson and H. R. Haldeman, ensuring tighter control over news summaries and organizational responses to political pressure.
President Nixon held a brief meeting with Alexander P. Butterfield to discuss personnel matters. The discussion centered on the status and transition of Brent Scowcroft. No further substantive details regarding the meeting's outcome are available due to the lack of a transcript.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate the scheduling of Henry Kissinger. The discussion focused on finalizing the logistics and timing for Kissinger’s upcoming appointments. Bull acted to ensure that the meeting arrangements were properly facilitated according to the President's instructions.
President Nixon consulted with his aide Stephen B. Bull regarding the scheduling of a meeting with George H.W. Bush. The discussion centered on adjusting the timing of Bush's visit, with Nixon requesting that Bull coordinate the appointment around other existing obligations. Ultimately, Nixon directed Bull to reach out to his staff to finalize the updated meeting time.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate the scheduling of a meeting with George H.W. Bush. The conversation centered on establishing a specific time for the appointment, with the discussion concluding on the need to set the engagement for 4:00 pm. No other policy matters were addressed during this brief logistical exchange.
President Nixon calls Harry Dent to coordinate an immediate meeting at the White House. The President requests that Dent provide a briefing on the political climate in South Carolina. Additionally, the conversation serves to arrange for a formal photograph to be taken during Dent's visit.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual in the Executive Office Building to coordinate upcoming scheduling arrangements. The brief interaction focused exclusively on logistical planning for a forthcoming meeting. No further substantive policy matters or major developments were recorded during this encounter.
President Nixon held a brief, informal meeting with an unidentified individual to discuss scheduling arrangements. The conversation remained procedural in nature, focusing on the coordination of the participant's upcoming time commitments. No substantive policy matters or major administrative decisions were recorded during the exchange.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull briefly coordinated logistical arrangements for an upcoming meeting. The discussion focused on confirming a scheduled appointment time, specifically evaluating whether a 2:30 p.m. slot was feasible. The pair concluded with an agreement to proceed with the proposed timing.
President Nixon instructed his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to coordinate meetings with Henry Kissinger and Bob Haldeman. The President requested that a meeting with Hayes be scheduled around 11:00 a.m. and directed Bull to contact relevant staff to confirm the availability of others, including Art, for morning appointments.
Admiral Thomas H. Moorer called President Nixon to express support following the President's televised address regarding the Watergate scandal. The two discussed the appointment of Elliot Richardson as the new Attorney General and the subsequent vacancy within the Department of Defense. Nixon signaled his intention to recruit a successor from California to fill the leadership gap created by Richardson's move.
President Nixon and Rose Mary Woods discussed the management of his presidential schedule, emphasizing the need for stricter screening of appointments and visitor access to minimize distractions. The conversation further addressed the administration's reaction to Nixon's April 30 Watergate speech, with the two reviewing incoming phone calls and feedback from prominent supporters. Nixon expressed personal frustration regarding Vice President Spiro Agnew's conduct and discussed his reliance on Woods to organize incoming correspondence and messages during this period of political pressure.
President Nixon and Secretary of State William P. Rogers discussed the recruitment of David Packard for an appointment, agreeing that Nixon should personally call Packard to address his reluctance and concerns regarding potential stock conflicts. Rogers confirmed that congressional leaders, including Mike Mansfield and George Mahon, strongly supported Packard as the best candidate for the position. Additionally, Nixon briefed Rogers on a recent meeting with Vice President Spiro Agnew, during which he instructed Agnew to refrain from making public political statements.
President Nixon met with an unidentified individual in the Old Executive Office Building to facilitate a specific staffing request. During this brief encounter, the President explicitly requested that William J. Baroody, Jr. be brought in to join the discussion. The meeting concluded shortly thereafter, with the guest departing before 7:15 pm.
President Nixon met with newly appointed Attorney General Elliot L. Richardson to discuss the administration of the Justice Department, personnel appointments, and the ongoing Watergate scandal. Nixon emphasized the importance of maintaining strict executive privilege regarding presidential papers while encouraging Richardson to take a proactive leadership role in national security and law enforcement issues. The two also addressed the necessity of curbing government leaks, which Nixon argued were damaging to sensitive foreign policy negotiations, including those involving the Soviet Union and China.
President Nixon and Melvin R. Laird called AFL-CIO President George Meany to personally inform him of Laird's appointment as Counselor to the President for Domestic Affairs. During the conversation, Laird clarified that his new role would include overseeing the Cost of Living Council and wage-price policy. The participants agreed to meet once Meany recovered from a recent bout of tendinitis to discuss these economic issues in greater detail.
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.