Julie Nixon Eisenhower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Julie Nixon Eisenhower
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Julie Nixon Eisenhower in 2010
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Julie Nixon
July 5, 1948 Washington, D.C., U.S.
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| Education | Smith College |
| Occupation | Author |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 3, including Jennie |
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Julie Nixon Eisenhower (born July 5, 1948) is an American author. She is the younger daughter of former U.S. president Richard Nixon and his wife, Pat Nixon. Her husband, David Eisenhower, is the grandson of former U.S. president Dwight D. Eisenhower. This means their marriage brought together two very famous American political families.
Julie grew up in the public eye. Her father was a Congressman when she was born in Washington, D.C. in 1948. He later became a U.S. Senator and then Vice President. During her father's time as president (1969-1974), Julie was known as the "First Daughter." She was a strong supporter of her father. She was even named one of the "Ten Most Admired Women in America" for several years in the 1970s. After her father left office, she wrote a best-selling book about her mother. Today, she continues to work to honor her parents' lives and contributions.
Contents
Growing Up in the Spotlight
Julie Nixon was born in Washington, D.C.. Her father, Richard Nixon, was a Congressman at the time. Much of her childhood happened while her father was Vice President (1953–1961). Julie remembered her father as romantic and her mother as practical. Her mother tried to protect Julie and her sister from some of the challenges of political life.
Family Life and School
When Julie was eight, President Eisenhower joked with her during a photo. He told her to hide a black eye she got from sledding. She turned her head towards David Eisenhower, making it look like he was staring at her! Her grandmother, Hannah Nixon, often watched Julie and her sister when their parents traveled. One of Julie's favorite pets was a cocker spaniel named Checkers. This dog became famous because of one of her father's speeches in 1952.
While her father was Vice President, Julie attended the Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C. After her father lost the 1960 presidential election, Julie felt very sad. She felt the votes had been "stolen." The family then moved to California and later to New York City. Julie went to Smith College and later earned a master's degree in education.
Meeting David Eisenhower
While Julie was at Smith College, David Eisenhower was at Amherst College nearby. David is the grandson of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. A local club invited both Julie and David to speak. They both decided not to go. But they met later when David visited Julie with his roommate. They went out for ice cream, and the girls ended up paying because the boys forgot their wallets!
A Special Wedding
Julie and David started dating in the fall of 1966. They were both freshmen in college. They got engaged a year later. David's grandmother, Mamie Eisenhower, played a big part in their relationship. She encouraged David to call Julie.
Julie was introduced to high society at the International Debutante Ball in New York City in 1966. David Eisenhower was her escort at the event.
Julie and David got married on December 22, 1968. This was after her father was elected president but before he officially took office. They chose not to have a White House wedding because they wanted less publicity. Their wedding was held at the Marble Collegiate Church in New York City.
The couple left Massachusetts in 1970 when their college classes were canceled. After her father resigned from office, they lived in California. Later, they moved to the suburbs of Philadelphia. Julie and David have three children: Jennie Elizabeth (born 1978), Alexander Richard (born 1980), and Melanie Catherine (born 1984).
Life as the First Daughter
During the 1968 presidential election, Julie felt she needed to do more to help her father's campaign. She spent hours shaking hands and greeting people. Even though she didn't like the publicity, she did everything she could to support her father.
Helping Her Father
While her father was president (1969–1974), Julie was very active at the White House. She became a spokesperson for important topics like children's issues, the environment, and the elderly. She gave tours to children with disabilities and sometimes filled in for her mother at events. She also showed interest in foreign policy.
In 1971, Julie and her sister Tricia were in charge of Caroline Kennedy and John F. Kennedy, Jr. when they visited the White House. The sisters gave the young Kennedys a tour of their old home. This included showing them their former bedrooms and the Oval Office.
From 1973 to 1975, Julie worked as an Assistant Managing Editor for The Saturday Evening Post magazine. She also helped start a book division for the company. During this time, she wrote a book called Eye On Nixon. It was filled with photographs from her father's first years as president.
Supporting Her Dad
When news of the Watergate scandal began to spread, Julie bravely spoke to reporters. She defended her father at home and abroad. One journalist noted that Julie became like her father's "First Lady" in how she supported him.
Julie began publicly defending her father in May 1973. She gave many interviews across the country. She told reporters that her father had thought about resigning, but his family convinced him not to. In May 1974, Julie announced that her father planned to finish his term. Just before her father resigned on August 9, 1974, Julie stood by him as he gave his farewell speech. She later said it was a very difficult moment for him.
After the White House
Julie and David settled in Berwyn, Pennsylvania. There, Julie wrote several books. These included Pat Nixon: The Untold Story about her mother, and Going Home to Glory; A Memoir of Life with Dwight D. Eisenhower, which she wrote with her husband.
Author and Advocate
Julie has done a lot of community service. She is especially interested in helping young people who are facing challenges. For over twenty years, she was on the board of directors for Jobs for America's Graduates. This group helps young people finish high school and find their first job. She was also recognized as a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania for her good work.
She is very active with the Richard Nixon Foundation, serving on its board. From 2002 to 2006, she led the President's Commission on White House Fellowships. This program helps develop leaders among the nation's most talented young adults.
Keeping Her Parents' Legacy Alive
Julie was with her mother when she passed away in 1993. She attended her mother's funeral at the Richard Nixon Library. Ten months later, she was by her father's side when he died. Julie also attended his funeral. After her father's death, she and her sister received his diaries and other important papers.
Julie has expressed that she didn't like some movies about presidents. She felt they gave young viewers a "twisted sense of history." This included a film about her father's presidency.
Julie and her sister had a disagreement about money left for the Richard Nixon Library. Julie wanted the library's board to control the money. She said the disagreement was "very heartbreaking" because she loved her sister very much. Eventually, the issue was resolved.
One of Julie Eisenhower's biggest wishes was for the Nixon Library to become part of the National Archives system. She felt it was important for her father's legacy to be part of the official collection of presidential libraries. Thanks to her efforts, the Nixon Library joined the National Archives and Records Administration system in July 2007.
Julie has supported different political candidates over the years. She donated to Barack Obama in 2008. She also supported Mitt Romney in 2012 and Donald Trump in 2016, 2020, and 2024.
In March 2012, Julie and her sister visited Yorba Linda, California. They were there to celebrate what would have been their mother's 100th birthday. In November 2013, Julie and her husband opened a holiday exhibit at the Nixon Library.
Images for kids
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Julie Nixon Eisenhower spoke at Southern Arkansas University in September 2013 (top) and signed copies of her books for students (below).
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