Richard Nixon: Family Ties and Controversial Financial Links
The public life of Richard Nixon was often intertwined with complex personal relationships and financial dealings that sparked significant political scrutiny. Beyond his role as President of the United States, Nixon's private associations—particularly those involving his brother Donald and the eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes—created a backdrop of controversy that persisted throughout his career.
Family Foundations
In 1942, Richard Nixon married Clara Jane Lemke (1920–2013). Together, they had three children: two sons, Richard C. Nixon and Donald A. Nixon, and a daughter, Lawrene Mae Nixon Anfinson.
The Howard Hughes Connection and the Whittier Restaurant
One of the most enduring financial controversies began in January 1957. Howard Hughes, a wealthy aviation pioneer and businessman, lent Nixon $205,000—an amount equivalent to approximately $2,350,000 in 2025—to bail out a drive-in restaurant called "Nixon's" located in Whittier, California. Despite this significant infusion of capital, the restaurant filed for bankruptcy less than a year later.
This loan led to persistent questions regarding whether the money was a political favor. These allegations followed Nixon during his presidential campaigns and his later pursuit of the governorship of California.
Political Intrigue and the Watergate Era
The relationship with Howard Hughes continued to cast a shadow over Nixon's presidency. Some speculators suggested that one of the motives behind the 1972 Watergate burglary—the break-in at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters—was a desire to find evidence that DNC chairman Larry O'Brien was secretly working for Hughes.
During this period, John H. Meier, a former business advisor to Hughes, collaborated with former vice president Hubert Humphrey to use Donald Nixon as a conduit for misinformation. Meier informed Donald that the Democrats possessed unreleased information regarding Richard Nixon's illicit dealings with Hughes, claiming that Larry O'Brien held this evidence to ensure a Democratic victory.
Family Interventions and Financial Allegations
Nixon's presidency also saw the use of government resources for family matters. He dispatched Anthony Ulasewicz, a White House investigator, to a hippie commune in the California mountains to "rescue" his nephew, Donald Nixon Jr. According to political columnist Jack Anderson, Ulasewicz persuaded the young man to cut his hair and return home. Subsequently, White House aide John Ehrlichman delivered a two-hour lecture to Donald Jr., instructing him to behave and avoid embarrassing the President.
Further financial scrutiny emerged in 1974. The Senate Watergate committee staff revealed evidence suggesting that Charles Rebozo had given or lent a portion of a $100,000 campaign contribution to Nixon's personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, as well as to his brothers, Donald and Edward Nixon.
Key Facts
- Financial Bailout: Howard Hughes lent Nixon $205,000 in 1957 for a restaurant in Whittier, CA.
- Business Failure: The "Nixon's" drive-in went bankrupt within a year of the loan.
- Watergate Motive: Speculation exists that the 1972 burglary sought proof of a link between Larry O'Brien and Howard Hughes.
- Family Intervention: A White House investigator was used to retrieve Donald Nixon Jr. from a hippie commune.
- Campaign Funds: Allegations surfaced that $100,000 in campaign contributions from Charles Rebozo reached Rose Mary Woods and Nixon's brothers.
| Person/Entity | Role/Relation | Key Event/Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Howard Hughes | Billionaire | Lent $205,000 to Nixon's restaurant in 1957 |
| Donald Nixon | Brother | Target of misinformation by John H. Meier |
| Donald Nixon Jr. | Nephew | Rescued from a hippie commune by White House staff |
| Charles Rebozo | Contributor | Linked to $100,000 contribution shared with Nixon's inner circle |
| Rose Mary Woods | Secretary | Alleged recipient of funds from Charles Rebozo |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Howard Hughes lend Richard Nixon?
Howard Hughes lent Nixon $205,000 in January 1957, which is equivalent to roughly $2,350,000 in 2025 currency.
What happened to the restaurant in Whittier, California?
The drive-in restaurant, known as "Nixon's," went bankrupt less than a year after receiving the loan from Howard Hughes.
Who was Anthony Ulasewicz?
Anthony Ulasewicz was a White House investigator and former private eye sent by President Nixon to retrieve his nephew, Donald Nixon Jr., from a hippie commune.
What was the alleged link between the Watergate burglary and Howard Hughes?
It has been speculated that the burglary was motivated by a desire to find proof that Democratic National Committee chairman Larry O'Brien was secretly working for Howard Hughes.
Which family members were allegedly involved with Charles Rebozo's contributions?
Senate Watergate committee staff indicated that part of a $100,000 contribution from Charles Rebozo may have been given or lent to Donald Nixon, Edward Nixon, and Rose Mary Woods.