Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Staffing
47 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Bull, Haldeman, Woods
When Staffing comes up
Related topics: White House administrationWhite House operationsPublic relationsPersonnel managementPresidential schedulingLogisticsSchedulingEconomic policyCamp DavidWilliam E. TimmonsWhite House personnelRose Mary WoodsPolitical strategyPhotography
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 consulted with various staff members regarding administrative matters and staffing inquiries. The primary focus of the discussion involved evaluating the professional background and political reliability of Joseph E. Parker, a Washington insider with extensive experience in Congress and agricultural policy. Nixon sought to assess Parker's suitability for a potential role, specifically noting his Democratic affiliation and his reputation for being savvy on Capitol Hill.
On June 30, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at 12:08 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 532-013 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman and Martin Anderson to discuss staffing needs and the strategic direction of domestic policy, specifically emphasizing the need for conservative viewpoints to balance his administration's economic and social programs. The discussion focused on reforming or dismantling Great Society-era initiatives, such as the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) and various model city programs, while addressing challenges in housing integration and international trade. Nixon encouraged Anderson to rejoin the White House staff to provide essential input on the 1973 federal budget and to ensure that his administration's policy development reflects a more distinct ideological alternative to existing bureaucratic approaches.
President Nixon and speechwriter William Safire briefly touched upon Safire’s need for additional assistance in his role. The President encouraged Safire to reflect on the matter, suggesting they reconvene later to discuss potential support arrangements. They also briefly coordinated the initiation of a phone call to a third party.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss public relations strategies and the administration's political positioning regarding upcoming economic challenges and polling data. They review the potential negative impact of certain staffing losses while emphasizing the need to maintain a positive public narrative through effective media management. The conversation concludes with directives to bolster the visibility of Donald Rumsfeld and prepare for shifting political tides within the Democratic Party.
President Nixon consults his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, regarding the scheduling of professional photography sessions in the Old Executive Office Building and the Lincoln Sitting Room to support upcoming press publicity. The two coordinate travel plans to Camp David and discuss staff assignments, including the appointment of John K. Andrews, Jr. to handle editorial work for the First Family. Nixon also confirms that H.R. Haldeman is coordinating with David N. Parker to ensure staff harmony regarding upcoming trip logistics.
President Nixon and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, coordinate logistical details regarding a forthcoming photo session featuring the President. Julie discusses staffing assignments for an upcoming project involving the First Lady, specifically mentioning the appointment of a young editor named Andrews. The brief exchange also addresses family scheduling, including the President's work obligations and their shared plans for an upcoming trip to Camp David.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary Rose Mary Woods to discuss various administrative, scheduling, and personnel matters. The conversation included coordinating details for upcoming White House events and travel, as well as evaluating the efficiency and size of his White House staff. The President expressed concerns regarding office space, staffing levels during trips, and general administrative organization.
President Nixon, Rose Mary Woods, and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate the President's upcoming travel schedule and discuss various administrative logistics. The conversation included planning for a dinner with Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, reviewing Rose Mary Woods' personal schedule, and evaluating potential staff roles for Robert L. King. Additionally, the President briefly addressed a tax-related inquiry from Clark MacGregor during the session.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met to discuss the staffing transition of Christine Wilde, the secretary to Jon M. Huntsman. The conversation focused on her departure and the assessment of her professional qualifications for future placement. The President evaluated the timing for a potential meeting with Wilde as part of these personnel considerations.
On January 13, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 3:41 pm and 3:50 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 314-003 of the White House Tapes.
On January 26, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 7:47 am and 7:52 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 656-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler briefly reviewed the status of a recent press briefing and staffing challenges. The discussion focused on personnel recruitment difficulties, with Ziegler confirming that no suitable candidates meeting the administration's criteria were currently available for specific positions. Nixon expressed frustration regarding the quality of external associations while acknowledging the perceived fairness of the administration's public messaging strategy.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and other staff members to discuss political strategy, staffing concerns, and crisis management related to the ITT anti-trust controversy. The group focused on controlling the public relations fallout from the ITT affair, determining the President's upcoming travel and meeting schedule, and assessing the political impact of the China trip and current primary elections. Nixon expressed a desire to distance the White House from the ITT scandal, emphasizing that any necessary clarifications should come from the Justice Department rather than the President or his staff.
President Nixon coordinates logistics for an overnight working session at Camp David, instructing the White House operator to facilitate the travel of a staff member, identified as Ellis. The President intends to complete a specific project or document at the retreat and requests that his materials be brought to him by 4:30. This brief exchange serves to finalize staffing and logistical arrangements for the President's upcoming time at the presidential retreat.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss the staffing requirements for an upcoming presidential trip. The President expresses a preference for recruiting a specific individual, Nellie L. Yates, to join the travel party. He instructs Woods to approach her on the basis of operational necessity, while also authorizing her to seek an alternative candidate should Yates be unavailable.
Unknown person(s) talked on the telephone at Camp David on an unknown date, sometime between 12:00 am on May 18, 1972 and 11:49 pm on June 6, 1972. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 132-022 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon advises George Shultz on the reorganization of his staff and the management of his new department, emphasizing the need for fresh perspectives and independent aides. Nixon encourages Shultz to recruit outside advisors, such as Milton Friedman, to foster new ideas and urges him to begin planning tax reform initiatives immediately rather than waiting for the next legislative session. The President grants Shultz broad autonomy to manage his team and administrative appointments as he sees fit.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss logistical preparations and travel concerns ahead of an upcoming trip to Moscow. The conversation shifts to the difficulties of funding support staff and personnel for official travel, specifically noting that government funds cannot cover these expenses for certain individuals. Nixon directs Woods to coordinate with other staff to finalize these arrangements, emphasizing the need for external financing.
On May 19, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and Henry A. Kissinger talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:51 am and 11:16 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 024-156 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Henry Cabot Lodge, Charles Colson, and Henry Kissinger to review recent presidential press coverage, including his return from the Soviet Union and comparisons between George McGovern and Dwight Eisenhower. The discussion focused heavily on Lodge’s diplomatic experiences and personal relationship with the Vatican, particularly concerning the influence and support of American Cardinals. Furthermore, the group evaluated potential future diplomatic appointments for the Lodge family and discussed various strategic administrative staffing assignments.
President Nixon met with staff aides Stephen B. Bull and Bruce A. Kehrli to manage administrative tasks, specifically focusing on the review and signing of pending legislation. During the brief session, Nixon verified the identity of the incoming Staff Secretary, identified as Wilson. The participants also coordinated logistical arrangements regarding the President’s upcoming schedule, including travel to California and associated press and well-wishing activities.
Kenneth R. Cole, Jr., Alexander M. Haig, Jr., and others met to discuss administrative staff duties, specifically concerning Lewis A. Engman. The participants also addressed logistics for an upcoming group photo session, expressing frustration regarding previous failed photography attempts. They ultimately decided to reschedule a photographer to ensure successful commemorative images.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, to discuss various administrative and personal matters, including the hiring of an aide to assist First Lady Pat Nixon with travel and wardrobe. The President also provided instructions regarding a report by financial analyst Pierre Rinfret, specifically directing that John Ehrlichman address the perceived liberal bias of financial writers. Additionally, the pair discussed the President’s reading habits and health concerns regarding the family dog, King Timahoe.
On September 14, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:36 am and 11:39 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 776-011 of the White House Tapes.
On October 3, 1972, H. R. ("Bob") Haldeman and Frederic V. Malek talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:56 am and 12:06 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 030-043 of the White House Tapes.
On October 26, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building from 2:40 pm to 2:41 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 375-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss personnel management and the perception of the administration's internal culture. Nixon directs Haldeman to address sensitive staffing matters with Larry and expresses concern over reports from family members, including Julie and Tricia, that his administration is perceived as being overly cold and hard-hearted. The President seeks to evaluate the administration's public standing and communications strategies in response to these criticisms.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman met at Camp David to discuss staffing decisions and potential cabinet appointments for the second term. They evaluated various candidates for high-level positions, emphasizing the need for political loyalty and effective public relations, including the potential appointment of a woman to a major cabinet role like Commerce or Interior. The President instructed Haldeman to coordinate with George Shultz to ensure specific political appointments were offered and finalized.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman engage in a brief, informal exchange that touches on personal updates and administrative coordination. The President requests that Haldeman facilitate a connection with John Popover prior to a scheduled meeting, noting a need to consult with a freshman representative. The dialogue reflects routine staffing management and scheduling adjustments within the White House inner circle.
President Nixon and Charles Colson met at Camp David to discuss staffing and administrative strategy following the 1972 election. They reviewed personnel decisions regarding various appointments, including the retention of Erwin Griswold and the strategic selection of individuals based on demographics such as religion, geography, and gender. Nixon directed Colson to coordinate with colleagues on building political capital in the House and establishing the framework for the administration's future organizational and foundation goals.
President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, and Stephen Bull discussed the President’s upcoming meeting with the Productivity Commission, specifically delegating a brief, non-deliberative appearance to thank labor leaders. Haldeman and the President also reviewed restructuring the White House staff management process, deciding to shift away from daily large staff meetings in favor of a core group of senior advisors coordinating the agenda. Finally, they addressed personnel issues involving Rose Mary Woods and managed the optics regarding Charles “Bebe” Rebozo’s recent real estate investment.
President Nixon and Charles W. Colson discussed political strategy and personnel matters, focusing on public relations management regarding the Harry S. Truman memorial service and the President's Vietnam War policy. They weighed the political risks and benefits of the President's attendance at various public events, ultimately coordinating a low-key approach to avoid political exploitation. Additionally, they reviewed organizational staffing for the second term, including the reassignment of White House personnel and the importance of maintaining an enthusiastic and disciplined political apparatus to counter Democratic opposition.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Charles Colson, and other senior advisors to discuss staffing appointments, media relations, and legal developments concerning the Watergate scandal. The participants focused on identifying candidates for key government positions, including the IRS commissioner, and debated the management of the administration’s public image amid mounting investigative pressures. Additionally, they reviewed potential risks associated with the ongoing Watergate legal proceedings and the potential for congressional inquiries resulting from upcoming trials.
On January 19, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Henry A. Kissinger met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 11:26 am and 11:52 am. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 397-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to coordinate logistics for upcoming White House events, including state dinners for foreign leaders and the management of Congressional guest lists. They discussed the protocol for hosting high-profile figures such as King Hussein of Jordan and Edward Heath, while addressing the need to balance traditional rank with a desire to broaden the invitation list to include new members. Additionally, they reviewed administrative staffing issues at the Department of Labor and strategies for ensuring positive press coverage regarding the Vietnam settlement.
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.
Two unidentified individuals met in the Oval Office to discuss operational staffing, logistics, and the movement of personnel within a unit. The participants conferred on the status of absent team members and the necessity of fortifying their current position. The discussion concluded with a directive to relocate a corporal to address these staffing gaps.
On February 7, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull talked on the telephone from 8:29 pm to 8:30 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 043-047 of the White House Tapes.
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.
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.
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 John Ehrlichman met to discuss staffing, the administration's economic and domestic policy messaging, and strategies for navigating political crises. They coordinated the appointment of new Labor Department officials and planned a briefing strategy to address public concerns regarding food prices and economic instability. Additionally, the pair strategized on managing public relations regarding the Watergate scandal, the FBI, and upcoming summer youth programs, with Nixon emphasizing a 'counter-reformation' narrative to define his domestic agenda.
On March 29, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 4:45 pm and 4:53 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 426-006 of the White House Tapes.
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 8:29 am and 8:49 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 895-002 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the recruitment of William W. Scranton to lead administration energy initiatives. They evaluate Scranton's administrative credentials, his strong ties to the oil and coal industries, and the positive press reception his appointment would generate despite his past political differences with the White House. Haig is instructed to contact Scranton to solicit his services, with the goal of finalizing the offer during a meeting in order to facilitate a formal announcement by Thursday.