Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Executive decision-making
22 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haig, Haldeman, Bull
When Executive decision-making comes up
Related topics: John B. ConnallyEconomic policyWhite House administrationVietnam WarPresidential administrationHenry KissingerDiplomacyAdministration strategyWilliam P. RogersWhite House operationsWhite House correspondenceWhite House communicationsUnited NationsTrade policy
President Nixon convened an extensive afternoon meeting in the Oval Office with his key economic advisors, including George Shultz, John Connally, Arthur Burns, and Paul Volcker, to deliberate on pressing fiscal and monetary policy issues. The discussion focused on addressing the nation's ongoing economic instability, involving high-level strategy sessions with administration officials and cabinet members. These deliberations were critical in shaping the Nixon administration's approach to inflation and international monetary concerns, ultimately informing the direction of domestic economic policy.
President Nixon and Secretary of the Treasury John B. Connally arranged an urgent, in-person meeting to discuss a sensitive parole decision. Connally initiated the contact, noting the complexity of the matter and his preference for a direct, private briefing. The two agreed to meet shortly at the White House to deliberate on the specific case.
On June 7, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:41 pm and 2:40 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 255-009 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and an unidentified interlocutor engage in a brief, informal consultation regarding potential personnel appointments or administrative candidates. The discussion centers on evaluating the suitability of individuals for a specific role, with a focus on a candidate referred to as 'Ffwrdd' and mentions of 'Judd.' The dialogue concludes without a finalized decision, though the participants affirm the perceived quality of the prospective appointees.
On October 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:53 am and 12:42 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 011-126 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consults with the White House operator regarding the professional background and qualifications of a potential judicial or administrative appointee. The discussion centers on the candidate’s legal experience, age, and professional standing in comparison to another individual named Smith. Nixon expresses concern over the candidate's stature, ultimately deciding on a strategy to handle the individual if he initiates further contact.
President Nixon and Richard A. Moore discussed the recent backlash and media speculation surrounding his Supreme Court nominations, specifically addressing leaks and the public reaction to his decision-making process. The President also held a telephone conversation with Mexican President Luis Echeverria Alvarez to lobby for Mexico's support during a critical upcoming United Nations vote regarding the status of Taiwan. Throughout the meeting, the participants emphasized the importance of maintaining confidentiality in high-level executive decisions and strategized on how to manage negative press coverage.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield discussed a draft letter intended for Representative Otto E. Passman that involved input from Clark MacGregor, William E. Timmons, and Henry A. Kissinger. After reviewing the document, the President determined that he should not sign the letter. The meeting concluded with the decision that the administration would instead proceed with a vote on the matter.
President Nixon utilized this session in the Old Executive Office Building to dictate a memorandum regarding a specific government matter. The brief recording captures the President expressing a clear directive for the removal or release of information, emphasizing the urgency of his decision. The substance of the directive remains obscured by the lack of clear transcript details and a subsequent period of withdrawn material.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discussed the reaction of Treasury Secretary John Connally to the President's recent policy proposals. Nixon affirmed his decision to move forward with the initiatives, noting that Connally had expressed his approval and agreement to proceed. The discussion centered on securing support for these upcoming executive actions.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to discuss the military situation in Vietnam and the strategic necessity of upcoming air strikes despite potential opposition from Defense Secretary Melvin Laird and Admiral Thomas Moorer. Nixon expressed resolve to proceed with the strikes, dismissing concerns about field commander reactions and skepticism regarding Laird's intentions. Kissinger agreed to receive a military briefing first to better inform the President's final decision on whether to attend the briefing himself.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman meet to discuss administrative reports and the operational status of an unspecified project. During the exchange, they review performance feedback regarding the project's launch and overall execution. Nixon ultimately confirms his intent to move forward with the initiative.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger met to coordinate strategy following the President's recent discussions regarding sensitive foreign policy matters. The brief consultation served as a follow-up to earlier deliberations, likely centering on ongoing diplomatic efforts in Vietnam or preparations for international summits. No formal transcript is available to detail specific directives, but the meeting functioned as a high-level synchronization of executive decision-making.
On May 8, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 8:43 am and 8:54 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 721-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with First Lady Pat Nixon regarding his concerns over a document concerning price controls. He expressed dissatisfaction with the report's overly optimistic tone and decided to solicit a critique from National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger. The President instructed that a copy of the material be sent to Kissinger for a quick review to inform further revisions.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman engaged in a brief, directive-oriented discussion concerning ongoing negotiations. The President instructed Haldeman to direct George—presumably a high-level negotiator or official—to present an alternative proposal. This exchange highlights the President's hands-on management of diplomatic or administrative strategy through his Chief of Staff.
President Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. confer regarding sensitive administrative preparations and the management of high-level political communications. The President emphasizes a cautious approach to ongoing negotiations, explicitly instructing Haig to avoid committing to formal treaties or definitive agreements that could compromise their leverage. This discussion centers on maintaining strategic ambiguity to ensure favorable resolutions while minimizing potential political fallout.
Stephen B. Bull contacted President Nixon regarding an urgent decision required on piano tariff rates before the existing escape clause expired at midnight. Bull sought approval to deliver the memorandum from Peter M. Flanigan for the President's signature. Nixon instructed Bull to send the document over, noting that Manolo Sanchez would handle the delivery to ensure the deadline was met.
On March 14, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:30 pm and 4:09 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 419-037 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Secretary of State William P. Rogers consult on the appropriate method for communicating a sensitive recommendation, debating whether a formal letter or a direct phone call is more suitable. Nixon expresses hesitation regarding the timing and nature of the call, ultimately seeking Rogers’s advice on the matter. Following their brief exchange, the President decides to proceed with the communication.
Alexander M. Haig, Jr. and President Nixon discuss the timing of a forthcoming public announcement, ultimately deciding to schedule it for Saturday. The brief exchange confirms coordination regarding the release strategy for an unspecified story or policy initiative. Haig expresses readiness to manage the logistics and communications surrounding the project as instructed by the President.
On June 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:51 am and 9:58 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 942-008 of the White House Tapes.