STRANGE The 'Smoking Gun' Tape (June 23, 1972)
Six days after the break-in, Nixon and Haldeman plotted to have the CIA tell the FBI to halt its Watergate probe; the tape's court-ordered release on Aug 5, 1974 collapsed his congressional support — he resigned three days later.
Oval Office conversation, Nixon–Haldeman, June 23, 1972, released Aug 5, 1974: Nixon and Haldeman plan to have the CIA tell the FBI to halt the Watergate investigation on false 'national security' grounds. It proved Nixon knew of the White House link to the burglaries within days and approved obstructing the FBI; congressional support collapsed; Nixon resigned Aug 8, 1974. Full tape portal at the Nixon Library.
Evidence status: Confirmed by primary sources — court records, government reports, declassified documents.
AI DOCUMENT REVIEW
Generated from the primary source document. How we review.
AI review of the June 23, 1972 Oval Office transcript (10:04-11:39 am), read in full: - Haldeman warns the FBI is tracing the money 'in some directions we don't want it to go'; the two agree to have the CIA tell the FBI to stand down on false national-security grounds. - Proves Nixon knew of the White House link to the burglaries within days and approved obstructing the FBI. - Release ordered by the Supreme Court in United States v. Nixon (unanimous, July 24, 1974); Nixon released the tape Aug 5. - After release, the 11 Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee who had voted against impeachment said they would change their votes. - Nixon announced his resignation Aug 8, 1974. Record summary verified accurate.