Top 10 Surprising Facts About Richard Nixon

Even if you only recognize him as a character on Futurama, Richard Nixon’s legacy is undeniably complex and multifaceted. The 37th president of the United States is often associated with scandal, deception, and contentious foreign policies. Yet, there’s more to Nixon than the caricature of a “crook” and a “liar.” Here are ten surprising facts that reveal another side of this polarizing figure.

1. Harry Potter Fan?

Believe it or not, Nixon had a fondness for the fantastical. He was an avid fan of literature, including science fiction. In fact, he once expressed admiration for the work of J.R.R. Tolkien, who paved the way for an entire genre. Thus, his tastes were not entirely limited to politics and statesmanship.

2. A Complex Relationship with Jewish Americans

While Nixon indeed harbored anti-Semitic sentiments—discussed in detail through his secretly recorded conversations—his administration also included several prominent Jewish figures. His appointment of Jewish officials, such as Henry Kissinger as National Security Advisor, illustrates the contradictions in his stance toward the Jewish community, highlighting a tangled web of beliefs and policies.

3. Champion of the Environment

Nixon’s record on environmental issues may surprise many. He established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970 and signed the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act into law. His commitment to environmental protection demonstrates that even a president with a contentious reputation made strides in critical national issues.

4. A Diplomatic Pioneer

While many remember Nixon for the Watergate scandal, few acknowledge his groundbreaking approach to foreign relations with China. His 1972 visit to China ended decades of isolation and opened diplomatic relations that reshaped global geopolitics. Nixon is often credited with the phrase “triangular diplomacy,” as he balanced relations with both China and the Soviet Union.

5. The Anti-War Activist’s Worst Nightmare

In a stunning turn of events, Nixon’s administration significantly escalated U.S. involvement in Vietnam, leading to a surge in anti-war protests. Ironically, he also implemented a policy known as “Vietnamization,” which aimed to shift the responsibility of the war to South Vietnamese forces, emblematic of the internal contradictions in his presidency.

6. Late Life Redemption

After his presidency, Nixon worked diligently to rehabilitate his public image. He authored several books, including RN: The Memoirs of Richard Nixon, and traveled extensively overseas, where he was often met with a more favorable reception than in his own country. He engaged in diplomacy, and many world leaders treated him with the respect often denied at home.

7. A Nixon in Space?

Richard Nixon had a notable role in the NASA space program. He presided over the Apollo lunar missions, famously delivering a congratulatory message to Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin shortly after they became the first humans to set foot on the Moon. His administration was marked by a significant investment in space exploration.

8. A Family Man

Despite his political persona, Nixon was a dedicated family man. He maintained close relationships with his daughters, Tricia and Julie, and was deeply affected by the deaths of his brother and mother. His love for his family often contrasted with the hard-nosed politician he projected to the public.

9. The War on Drugs – A Double-Edged Sword

Nixon launched the War on Drugs in 1971, introducing policies that have had lasting implications. However, his administration also recognized addiction as a public health issue, and he initiated programs aimed at treatment and rehabilitation before the narrative shifted toward stricter law enforcement only in subsequent administrations.

10. Legacy of Paradox

The most surprising fact about Richard Nixon may be that he remains one of the most complex figures in American political history. His presidency was characterized by deep contradictions: a man who sought peace in Vietnam while escalating war efforts; a leader who advanced civil rights yet struggled with issues of race; a master strategist who also became synonymous with political scandal.