Angry Reagan Raps Regan Book’s ‘Attack’ on 1st Lady

President Reagan assailed former Chief of Staff Donald T. Regan today for choosing “to attack my wife” instead of the President in his forthcoming book.

Regan’s new book, “For the Record,” will hit the book stalls next week and deals with the former White House top aide’s trials and tribulations with Nancy Reagan.

Earlier this week, it was disclosed that in his book, Regan discusses President and Mrs. Reagan’s interest in astrology and said the First Lady guided the President’s travel and scheduling on the basis of consultations with astrologers.

Asked if he felt betrayed by Regan and other close advisers who have written books, Reagan said: “I would have preferred that he attacked me and apparently, from what I hear, he has chosen to attack my wife, and I don’t take kindly to that at all.”

The Regan book is just the latest “insider-tells-all” book to come out recently that has raised Reagan’s ire.

Former presidential spokesman Larry Speakes published a book last month that touched off a minor Washington furor when he admitted making up quotes for the President.

Asked about the “kiss-and-tell” books today, Reagan said, “I doubt they will be on my reading list.”

“I trust all these people,” Reagan said when asked what advice he would give his remaining advisers and Cabinet officials.

Reagan made the comments at the start of a meeting with top officials, including Housing Secretary Samuel Pierce and White House Chief of Staff Howard H. Baker Jr., who succeeded Regan when the First Lady led the charge in ousting Regan from the top White House job.