Nixon in the Den

In “Nixon in the Den”, documentary maker David Reynolds scrutinises the contentious career of former US President Richard Nixon, drawing on rare recordings and previously unseen footage. The material highlights Nixon’s obsessive secrecy and his deep mistrust of senior aides.

Nixon in the Den is a one‑off television programme that focuses on the life and political legacy of former United States President Richard Nixon. Classified as a single‑episode documentary, it aims to provide a concise yet thorough overview of his time in office and the controversies that surrounded him. The episode is presented by historian David Reynolds, who steers the narrative through the most disputed phases of Nixon's public service. Reynolds draws on a range of sources to map out the pivotal moments that defined the president’s reputation, shedding light on decisions that have long provoked debate among scholars and the public alike. To support the analysis, the programme incorporates rare audio recordings and previously unseen footage, giving viewers access to material that has rarely been broadcast. These archival elements serve as visual and auditory evidence, allowing the audience to witness the atmosphere within the administration and to hear the tone of conversations that were previously concealed. Through this material, Reynolds points to Nixon's obsessive need for secrecy and his pervasive mistrust of key aides. The documentary underscores how these traits influenced the president’s decision‑making process, shaping both his domestic policies and foreign‑policy strategies, and ultimately contributing to the enduring controversies that still surround his legacy today.