Bebe Rebozo
Charles Gregory "Bebe" Rebozo | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | May 8, 1998 (aged 85) |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, entrepreneur |
| Known for | Close personal relationship and advisor to President Richard Nixon |
Charles Gregory "Bebe" (pronounced ) Rebozo (November 17, 1912 – May 8, 1998) was a prominent banker and entrepreneur based in Florida, recognized primarily for his close personal relationship and role as a trusted advisor to President Richard Nixon. His business ventures spanned banking and real estate, granting him considerable influence within Florida's financial community.
Rebozo's connection with Nixon extended beyond friendship into political and financial spheres, with reports indicating that he managed funds associated with Nixon's electoral campaigns. He came under investigation for receiving a $100,000 cash contribution from industrialist Howard Hughes, which was tied to Nixon’s political activities. Despite facing scrutiny amid the Watergate scandal, Rebozo maintained steadfast loyalty to Nixon during and following his presidency.
Early life
Born as the youngest among twelve siblings to Cuban immigrant parents Matias and Carmen, Rebozo earned the nickname "Bebe," meaning "Baby" in Spanish. Prior to establishing his own financial institution, Key Biscayne Bank & Trust in Florida in 1964, he operated various enterprises including a gas station and laundromats. He was a regular attendee of Key Biscayne Community Church, occasionally accompanied by Nixon.
Friendship with Richard Nixon
Rebozo first encountered then-Congressman Nixon in 1950 through Florida Representative George Smathers, who recommended Key Biscayne as an ideal vacation destination. Nixon subsequently acquired a residence there, often referred to as the "Winter White House." The two developed a close friendship, with Rebozo acting as Nixon’s advisor on financial and real estate matters. In 1968, Rebozo changed his political affiliation from Democrat to Republican.
He was present when Nixon received news of the Watergate break-in in June 1972 and stood by him during the decision to resign. John Dean testified that he was instructed to direct agencies to retaliate against a journalist who labeled Rebozo as "Nixon's bagman." Investigations also targeted Rebozo for allegedly accepting $100,000 in secret payments on behalf of Nixon.
Journalist Jack Anderson suggested that the dismissal of Watergate Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox partially stemmed from Cox’s inquiry into Rebozo’s involvement with these payments.
In 1975, materials related to a planned biography of Rebozo by Thomas Kiernan—including interview recordings and research documents—were stolen from Kiernan’s residence, while valuable items such as jewelry were left untouched.
Rebozo received a death threat letter in 1974. Two years later, he faced scrutiny over a bank fraud investigation involving a loan application that misrepresented its intended use; however, he repaid the loan with interest and no formal charges were filed. Additionally, mobster Vincent Teresa confessed to laundering illicit funds through Rebozo's Key Biscayne Bank.
Role in firing of NPS director George Hartzog
Rebozo played a role in persuading Richard Nixon to dismiss National Park Service director George Hartzog after Hartzog issued him a citation for illegally mooring his boat at an NPS dock within Biscayne National Park. Despite objections from Interior Secretary Rogers Morton, Nixon removed Hartzog from his position in December 1972.<ref>
Following this, Nixon appointed Ron Walker—his travel arrangements chief—as Hartzog’s replacement; Walker openly admitted having little knowledge about the National Park Service’s mission. Rebozo’s involvement in this personnel change is documented in multiple sources including Dr. Gil Lusk's National Parks: Our Living National Treasures and Thomas G. Smith's A Conservative Environmentalist. Former NPS director Jonathan B. Jarvis acknowledges Rebozo's influence in ushering in a politicized period within park administration, marked by directors typically resigning with each presidential transition.<ref>
Personal life
Following his graduation from Miami High School in 1930, Rebozo wed his longtime high school companion, Claire Gunn. Their marriage was annulled three years later; however, they remarried in 1946 before ultimately divorcing again four years afterward. He subsequently married Jane Lucke, who outlived him.
Death
Rebozo passed away on May 8, 1998, due to complications arising from a brain aneurysm.
Sources
- Fulsom, Don (February 5, 2006). "The Mob's President: Richard Nixon's Secret Ties to the Mafia." Crime Magazine.
- Leinster, Colin (July 31, 1970). "Nixon’s Friend Bebe." Life, vol. 69, no. 5, pp. 18-26.
- Summers, Anthony (2000). The Arrogance of Power: The Secret World of Richard Nixon.