Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Resignation
55 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haldeman, Ziegler, Bull
When Resignation comes up
Related topics: WatergateJohn D. EhrlichmanH. R. HaldemanJohn W. Dean IIIWhite House staffPublic relationsHenry KissingerWilliam P. RogersPersonnel managementObstruction of justiceJohn B. ConnallyJ. Edgar HooverForeign PolicyWhite House administration
An unidentified individual discussed the timeline of their departure, explicitly stating they would remain in their current position until September. The brief exchange appears to concern staffing or transition planning within the administration. No further context or policy decisions were documented during this segment of the recording.
President Nixon met with U.S. Ambassador to Denmark Guilford Dudley, Jr. and advisor Harry S. Dent to discuss Dudley’s desire to step down from his diplomatic post. Dudley requested a sabbatical for 1972, citing his intention to focus on Nixon’s reelection campaign and to settle personal business affairs. The President expressed appreciation for Dudley’s service and agreed to coordinate the transition to ensure a suitable successor for the ambassadorship.
President Nixon and personal secretary Rose Mary Woods coordinate administrative logistics, including a memorandum for Ray Price and Woods' upcoming travel. Woods informs the President of Ambassador John S.D. Eisenhower's intention to resign by July 1, citing personal reasons regarding his housing. They also discuss positive public reception to a recent presidential speech and share concerns regarding the ongoing criticism and political vulnerability of J. Edgar Hoover.
President Nixon spoke with J. Edgar Hoover to offer personal support following recent public criticism and media speculation regarding the FBI Director's potential resignation. Nixon reassured Hoover that he had publicly defended him during a recent interview with newspaper editors, framing the attacks as malicious and unwarranted. The call concluded with Henry Kissinger joining the conversation to echo his admiration for the President’s stance and provide further support to Hoover.
President Nixon, Henry Kissinger, and David K. E. Bruce met to discuss the terms of Bruce's resignation from his role in the Vietnam negotiations and his future potential as a presidential consultant. The participants reviewed the status of the Paris peace talks, including the challenges regarding prisoner of war issues and the need for a graceful exit strategy for Bruce. Additionally, Nixon and Kissinger solicited Bruce’s insights on potential diplomatic outreach to the People's Republic of China, emphasizing that his future involvement would be most effective after he had officially left his current position.
President Nixon and his advisors, including Henry Kissinger and Peter Peterson, discussed the political challenges surrounding the textile trade industry and the upcoming announcement of a new agreement. The conversation also touched upon the necessity of managing various personnel issues, including the potential resignation of a Supreme Court justice and growing concerns regarding the deteriorating leadership and internal stability of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. Nixon expressed frustration with staff members threatening resignation, ultimately asserting that he would prioritize decisive administrative control over such internal pressures.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discussed the potential forced resignation of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover and the administrative details surrounding his potential departure. The pair also addressed damaging allegations in Newsday regarding Bebe Rebozo’s financial dealings, specifically concerning Fisher Island stock transactions. They weighed the strategic benefits of filing a lawsuit against Newsday to force a retraction and generate positive publicity to counter the reports.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman spoke briefly to clarify the specific resignation dates of Supreme Court Justices Hugo L. Black and John M. Harlan. The President sought confirmation of the exact dates, establishing that Black resigned on September 17 and Harlan on September 23. This exchange served to finalize the timeline of the vacancies for administrative or political record-keeping.
On October 29, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 1:30 pm to 1:31 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 302-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss a range of strategic concerns, focusing heavily on National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger’s volatile state of mind and his frustration regarding U.S. policy toward India, Pakistan, and the Soviet Union. The conversation explores Kissinger's suggestions of resigning and his desire to have taken a tougher stance on the Soviets weeks earlier, which Nixon and Haldeman analyze as a byproduct of personal disillusionment. Additionally, they review current polling data, the health of labor leader George Meany, and the scheduling of meetings with John Connally to address administrative and political strategy.
President Nixon met with departing Deputy Secretary of Defense David Packard and Alexander Haig to discuss the transition of Packard's office and the administration’s upcoming defense budget priorities. Nixon expressed strong appreciation for Packard’s service during various international crises and sought his advice on managing relationships with the business elite upon his return to private life. The group also evaluated specific defense spending adjustments, including potential investments in F-111 aircraft and airborne command posts, to signal military strength while managing domestic economic impacts.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the internal tensions between Secretary of State William P. Rogers and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger, specifically addressing Kissinger’s fragile emotional state and reported threats of resignation. They strategize on managing Rogers' grievances regarding communication and bureaucratic exclusion while ensuring White House control over foreign policy, particularly concerning the upcoming trips to China and the Soviet Union. Additionally, the pair reviews the President's upcoming schedule, including the State of the Union address and meetings with Republican leadership and Cabinet members.
President Nixon, Alexander Haig, and J. William Middendorf, II discussed the logistics surrounding Middendorf's upcoming resignation from his post. The participants coordinated the timing of the announcement and the transition process, with the President advising Middendorf to work out specific details with Maurice Stans. The meeting concluded with the President presenting a presidential money clip to Middendorf as a token of appreciation for his service, particularly regarding U.S.-Dutch relations.
President Nixon instructed H. R. Haldeman via telephone to inform Herbert Stein, Ezra Solomon, and Marina von N. Whitman that all future statements on international monetary affairs require presidential word-by-word clearance. Nixon also directed Haldeman to tell Nathaniel Samuels that his recent speech was not approved, did not represent policy, and that his resignation was expected the following morning.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to strategize the press narrative surrounding Treasury Secretary John B. Connally’s resignation, specifically aiming to preempt speculation linking the departure to the recent shooting of George C. Wallace or Texas political dynamics. They discussed the content of the President’s statement, emphasizing that the timing was pre-planned during a January meeting in San Clemente rather than reactive. Additionally, they touched upon the personal transition for Nellie Connally, comparing her reluctance to leave Washington with the Nixons' own past experiences with relocation.
President Nixon informed his wife, Pat, via telephone that John Connally had agreed to resign from his position after the Russian trip, a decision driven by his wife's dislike of Washington D.C. The President expressed that Connally's departure would be a significant loss due to his crucial need in his current role.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman, John Connally, George Shultz, Caspar Weinberger, and Ronald Ziegler to coordinate the logistics and press strategy surrounding Connally's resignation as Secretary of the Treasury. The participants discussed handling media inquiries regarding Connally's potential political future, including questions about the Vice Presidency and the Democratic National Convention. Following the discussion, the group planned a walk to the Treasury Department to introduce Shultz to the staff and address the transition publicly.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to coordinate the communication of John N. Mitchell’s resignation. During a brief telephone exchange, Nixon arranged to call Ronald Reagan to discuss the resignation, as well as the strategic value of Reagan's previous trips to Asia and Europe. The discussion prioritized the management of political messaging regarding Mitchell's departure and outreach to key figures like Reagan.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discussed the impending resignation of HUD Secretary George Romney and his recent efforts to secure a private meeting with the President. They reviewed Romney’s tactical attempts to leverage potential resignation rumors to gain approval for additional staffing from the Office of Management and Budget. Nixon ultimately authorized the requested personnel increase through Caspar Weinberger while planning to address Hurricane Agnes relief efforts during the broader meeting with Romney and General George A. Lincoln.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinated logistical arrangements for their departure from Camp David, focusing on managing press exposure by staggering helicopter flights for staff and family. They also discussed the impending resignation of HUD Secretary George Romney, with Nixon criticizing Romney’s handling of the situation and instructing Haldeman to have John Ehrlichman contact him for further guidance on the matter. The conversation reflects the President's desire to minimize negative media coverage while managing personnel issues similar to the prior departure of Wally Hickel.
President Nixon met with Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) George Romney and John Ehrlichman to discuss Romney’s impending departure from the administration and his post-government career plans. They reviewed potential leadership roles for Romney in the private sector, focusing on his interest in merging the Urban Coalition and the National Center for Volunteer Action to create a new, non-partisan "think tank" for community development. The participants also discussed the structural reorganization of HUD for Nixon’s second term, emphasizing decentralization and the necessity of finding a suitable successor to maintain momentum on domestic policy goals.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to deliberate on the status of Vietnam peace negotiations and the potential resignation of Henry Kissinger. The discussion focused on evaluating internal and external perceptions regarding a possible departure by Kissinger. No final actions were finalized, but the participants weighed the strategic implications of such a resignation on the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to discuss administrative changes, specifically focusing on the resignation of Science Advisor Edward E. David, Jr. The President also reviewed his upcoming schedule, which included meetings with Israeli President S. Zalman Shazar and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger. Nixon expressed his desire to streamline his agenda and effectively manage the transition following David's departure.
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.
On March 8, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 1:33 pm and 2:20 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 872-016 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen regarding the strategic timing for the resignations of John Dean, H.R. Haldeman, and John Ehrlichman amid the deepening Watergate investigation. Petersen advised the President to delay these resignations to avoid interfering with ongoing prosecutorial efforts and to ensure that potential testimony could be woven into a coherent legal narrative. The two also discussed the status of various witnesses, including Jeb Stuart Magruder, and the importance of coordinating their actions to maintain control over the evolving situation.
President Nixon met with John Dean and Stephen Bull to discuss the potential resignations of Dean, H.R. Haldeman, and John Ehrlichman in light of ongoing investigations. Nixon sought Dean's advice on the best way to handle these resignations, whether as a leave of absence or outright resignation, and stressed the need to have these documents in hand to manage the public relations aspect of the unfolding Watergate scandal. Dean agreed to draft resignation letters for himself and the others, and they also discussed the legal complexities and the importance of truthfulness in testimony.
President Nixon met with William P. Rogers, H.R. Haldeman, and John Ehrlichman to discuss the deepening Watergate scandal and potential legal strategies for the administration. The conversation focused on managing the fallout from emerging testimony, the necessity of forcing the resignation of compromised staff members, and the strategic importance of legal representation and public image. The President expressed significant concern regarding the loyalty of his staff and the risk of being implicated in obstruction of justice, ultimately leaning toward a policy of full disclosure and cooperation with investigators to mitigate further political damage.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the escalating political crisis surrounding the Watergate scandal, specifically debating the potential resignation or termination of top aides H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and John Dean. Nixon expresses frustration over the situation while emphasizing the need for hard evidence before taking any personnel actions, rejecting advice from Leonard Garment to act prematurely. Additionally, they coordinate strategy for managing bipartisan congressional leaders regarding Soviet Jewish emigration and the importance of maintaining foreign policy initiatives despite the domestic political turmoil.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discussed the mounting political pressure from the Watergate scandal and the potential necessity of forcing the resignations of top aides H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. Kissinger advised that the President must proactively and "brutally" distance himself from his staff to preserve the integrity of the presidency and ensure the continued conduct of foreign policy. The two explored potential personnel replacements, such as Kenneth Rush or James T. Lynn, and considered a strategy of suspending lower-level staff to create a framework for the eventual departure of senior officials.
President Nixon met with attorneys John J. Wilson and Frank H. Strickler to discuss legal strategies regarding H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman in the context of the unfolding Watergate scandal. The participants debated the potential impact of indictments, the legal risks associated with hush money payments to defendants, and the potential testimony of John Dean. They also explored the possibility of Haldeman and Ehrlichman resigning to protect the presidency, weighing the timing of such actions against the desire to maintain public confidence and operational continuity.
In this extensive meeting, President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and John Ehrlichman deliberate over the escalating Watergate crisis and the potential political and legal fallout for their administration. The participants assess the risks associated with various strategies, including whether to resign, take leaves of absence, or maintain a defensive posture while awaiting the findings of the prosecutor. They express significant concern over the cooperation of John Dean, the threat of potential blackmail, and the urgent need to manage press perceptions to protect the presidency from irreparable damage.
John Ehrlichman meets with President Nixon to discuss his impending departure from the administration amidst the mounting pressures of the Watergate investigation. Ehrlichman updates the President on his communications regarding his professional future and legal exposure, specifically addressing the risks of being drawn into public testimony or project leadership roles. The conversation centers on navigating potential prosecutorial scrutiny and the strategic necessity of Ehrlichman stepping down from his official duties.
President Nixon and Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst discuss pending legal developments in the Daniel Ellsberg case and the potential resignation of FBI Director L. Patrick Gray. The conversation focuses on a damaging New York Times report regarding Gray's destruction of sensitive documents from E. Howard Hunt’s safe. Nixon emphasizes his commitment to transparency, tasking Kleindienst and Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen with evaluating the political and legal implications of the situation overnight.
President Nixon and Acting Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen discussed the political fallout surrounding FBI Director L. Patrick Gray’s admission that he destroyed documents related to E. Howard Hunt. The two men coordinated the timing of Gray's expected resignation and the subsequent appointment of an interim successor to minimize public damage. Additionally, they reviewed legal strategies regarding John Dean, H.R. Haldeman, and John Ehrlichman, focusing on the necessity of obtaining plea deals to secure evidence and avoid potential blackmail attempts during the ongoing Watergate investigation.
President Nixon and Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen discuss the legal and political implications of testimony regarding L. Patrick Gray III and potential orders to destroy documents. They focus on the fallout surrounding John Ehrlichman and John Dean, specifically addressing the optics of Gray’s possible resignation and the necessity of managing conflicting narratives. Ultimately, they decide to exercise caution and avoid taking immediate action to force Gray out, acknowledging the need to verify details before proceeding.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler met to strategize the handling of the escalating Watergate scandal and the required departures of key staff members, H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. Ziegler briefed the President on John Dean's recent assertions, which implicated Haldeman and Ehrlichman in the cover-up while notably excluding the President from personal involvement. Nixon confirmed his intent to demand the resignations of his top aides to project a standard of accountability, though he sought to time these moves carefully to manage political fallout and minimize the impact on the administration's operations. The discussion also touched upon the selection of new leadership for the FBI and the Department of Justice, as well as the timing of a planned public address by the President to take responsibility for cleaning up the administration.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed the escalating Watergate crisis and the necessity of managing the potential departures of key staff members, specifically John Dean, H. R. Haldeman, and John Ehrlichman. Nixon pushed for the resignation or leave of absence of his aides to stabilize his administration and neutralize political threats, while emphasizing the need to maintain control over the narrative regarding their past conversations. They also evaluated internal staff loyalty and debated the content of a potential presidential speech to address the ongoing scandal.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the strategic handling of Haldeman’s and John Ehrlichman’s potential departures from the White House staff in the wake of the Watergate scandal. Haldeman conveys concerns from his legal counsel that resigning or taking a leave of absence could remove the protective 'mantle' of the White House and potentially influence grand jury decisions regarding future indictments. They weigh the optics of various options, ultimately considering a temporary leave of absence for the month of May to provide distance from the investigation while maintaining their positions.
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.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the escalating Watergate crisis, specifically focusing on the timing of their impending resignation leaves and the President’s forthcoming national address. Nixon seeks to maintain distance from legal negotiations involving John Dean and considers proposing that Attorney General William P. Rogers take charge of a special investigation to restore public confidence. They also review the handling of sensitive White House documents and the importance of appearing resilient and in control amid mounting political pressure.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler consulted on the impending resignations of top aides H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and John Dean in the wake of the Watergate scandal. Nixon discussed implementing a new administrative strategy that emphasized his own direct leadership while managing the fallout from emerging reports regarding the 'Plumbers' activities, including the Pentagon Papers break-in and forged diplomatic cables. The President also evaluated a potential plan—proposed via Secretary of State William Rogers—to require Dean's resignation if he sought amnesty for his testimony, contrasting this with the voluntary cooperation of Haldeman and Ehrlichman.
President Nixon consulted Secretary of State William P. Rogers regarding the strategic management of the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the necessary resignations of H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. Nixon sought Rogers's advice on how to handle the duo's apparent reluctance to leave, ultimately concluding that their continued presence hindered government operations and that full resignations were unavoidable. Additionally, they discussed the upcoming public announcement regarding the appointment of a new FBI director and the oversight of the ongoing investigation.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler strategize on the public framing of the resignations of H. R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. They aim to draft resignation letters that pivot away from a mere leave of absence to account for the prolonged uncertainty surrounding the upcoming Ervin Committee hearings. By emphasizing the aides' confidence in their eventual exoneration, Nixon seeks to manage the political optics of the departures.
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 and close confidant Bebe Rebozo discuss the President's intense personal distress following the resignations of top aides H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman amid the Watergate scandal. The two men reflect on the overwhelming public support Nixon has received, while the President contemplates the emotional toll of the situation and his upcoming televised address. To cope with the crisis, Nixon plans a brief retreat to Florida, arranging for Rebozo to join him after the broadcast to provide personal support.
President Nixon rehearsed his televised address to the nation regarding the Watergate scandal, in which he publicly accepted responsibility for the actions of his administration while announcing the resignations of several close associates. During the speech, he emphasized the need to restore public trust, detailed his directive for full cooperation with investigations, and announced the appointment of Elliot Richardson as the new Attorney General with the authority to potentially name a special prosecutor. The practice session allowed the President to refine his message of accountability and his pledge to ensure that justice would be pursued impartially.
Secretary of State William P. Rogers calls President Nixon to offer praise and support following the President's televised address regarding the Watergate scandal. The two discuss the effective delivery and tone of the speech, as well as the difficult resignations of H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. Additionally, Rogers updates the President on positive feedback from congressional leaders regarding a potential role for David Packard and expresses his commitment to supporting the administration. Tricia Nixon Cox also joins the call to reiterate the family's appreciation for Rogers's loyalty during the crisis.
Secretary of the Treasury George Shultz called President Nixon to express personal support following the high-profile resignations of H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman amid the Watergate scandal. Shultz commended the President’s recent televised address and reaffirmed his commitment to the administration's continued governance. Nixon discussed his upcoming schedule, specifically confirming his intent to attend an upcoming Labor Management Advisory Board meeting and a Cabinet meeting to project stability and resolve.
President Nixon received a call from Hobart D. Lewis shortly after delivering a televised address regarding the Watergate scandal. The two men discussed the resignation of H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, with Lewis offering strong praise for the President's tone and sincerity in handling the difficult situation. Nixon characterized the original Watergate break-in as an ineffective and amateurish operation, and the pair concluded by affirming the need to move forward beyond the scandal.
President Nixon met with House Minority Leader Gerald Ford to solicit political support during the escalating Watergate scandal. Nixon expressed deep personal anguish over the forced resignations of H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, while urging Ford to rally Republican members of Congress to defend his administration. He specifically requested that allies push back against critics like Senator Charles Percy and publicly support his leadership during the crisis.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the potential resignation of Henry Kissinger and his future role as Secretary of State. The President considers the strategic timing of offering Kissinger the position to ensure political stability. The conversation focuses on navigating this sensitive cabinet transition and determining the best approach for delivering the offer.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate their strategy for responding to the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on the President's upcoming speech and the issuance of a 'White Paper' to address public disclosures. They discussed the legal risks surrounding John Dean, John Mitchell, and their own involvement, while emphasizing the necessity of maintaining a firm, confident public image to combat political enemies. The President and Haldeman reiterated their commitment to remain in office, rejecting the notion of resignation while preparing for intense scrutiny from the Ervin Committee.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss the development of a formal White House statement intended to provide a defense against ongoing Watergate allegations. The President emphasizes a strategy of aggressive public response, including challenging the credibility of committee witnesses and declassifying sensitive information from prior administrations to pressure political opponents. Throughout the call, Nixon reaffirms his commitment to fight the scandal rather than resign, citing national security concerns and the need to maintain public confidence in his leadership.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed the potential resignation of Attorney General Elliot Richardson regarding his professional loyalty and trust in the administration. The conversation centered on Richardson's concerns regarding the Watergate scandal and his involvement in the ITT investigation. Nixon expressed firm resistance toward Richardson’s potential departure, emphasizing that he would not force the issue before a jury or capitulate to demands based on internal distrust.