Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on George Shultz
62 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haldeman, Bull, Shultz
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to review and finalize the President's upcoming daily schedule. The discussion centered on coordinating specific appointments with key administration officials, including George P. Shultz, Paul W. McCracken, and Peter G. Peterson. No major policy decisions were recorded during this brief administrative briefing.
President Nixon held a social meeting in the Oval Office with the Ulmer family and their associates to reminisce about past personal connections and exchange presidential memorabilia. Following an informal tour of the office and family pleasantries, the conversation shifted toward potential professional coordination between Ralph E. Ulmer and administration officials George Shultz and Caspar Weinberger regarding the National Association of County Administrators (NACA). The meeting concluded with the President facilitating arrangements for further discussions between these parties to address administrative and organizational matters.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to review and refine his daily schedule for upcoming meetings. The discussion centered on coordinating sessions with key advisors, including Harry Dent, Peter Flanigan, Henry Kissinger, John Ehrlichman, and George Shultz. A primary focus of the planned deliberations with Ehrlichman and Shultz was the ongoing development of welfare reform policy.
President Nixon met with his senior advisors, including H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, to discuss domestic economic policy and management of cabinet officials. The discussion focused on addressing maneuvering by cabinet members, such as Arthur Burns and Maurice Stans, who were attempting to bypass the established Domestic Council system regarding economic issues. Nixon decided that these matters should be handled exclusively through the formal Domestic Council process rather than through uncoordinated committee meetings, effectively asserting control over his economic advisors and cabinet structure.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to coordinate the scheduling of upcoming meetings with key advisors, including Henry Kissinger, John Ehrlichman, and George Shultz. They specifically addressed the timing of appointments to ensure the President's agenda remained manageable. The discussion concluded with a firm decision to slot a meeting into the 12:30 p.m. time block.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman coordinate a strategy to thank supporters who participated in recent demonstrations, a proposal Nixon had previously discussed with H.R. Haldeman. The pair plans to finalize the logistics of these meetings, determining whether to slot the supporters and a separate session with George Shultz around 2:30 or 3:00 p.m. Nixon delegates the final scheduling decisions to Ehrlichman and Haldeman, instructing them to act promptly.
President Nixon, John Connally, and George Shultz discussed newly revised Gross National Product (GNP) figures for the first quarter of 1971. The data indicated a stronger-than-expected 7.1% real increase, surpassing the $30 billion growth mark. The participants expressed satisfaction with these economic indicators, noting that the strong start to the year would favorably impact annual projections ahead of the official public announcement scheduled for Friday.
President Nixon and OMB Director George Shultz discussed the upcoming release of Gross National Product (GNP) figures to ensure the data was handled appropriately to avoid perceptions of political manipulation. They reviewed positive underlying economic indicators, specifically noting downward revisions in inventories and an increase in corporate profits, while strategizing on how to secure favorable press coverage without appearing overly celebratory. Ultimately, they decided to allow the report to be released through standard channels while tasking Press Secretary Ron Ziegler with providing necessary context to explain the data's impact.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman consulted via telephone regarding personnel or policy matters involving George Shultz. The brief exchange focused on coordinating a specific administrative or cabinet-level action. No definitive final decision was recorded, as the conversation served as a preliminary coordination effort.
President Nixon and George Shultz spoke to review the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures. Shultz reported a consistent upward trend of approximately two to three-tenths of a percent for the year, which Nixon acknowledged as a positive outcome. The conversation served as a brief progress update on economic indicators.
President Nixon initiates a brief request for the White House operator to place a call to George Shultz. This interaction serves as a functional step to facilitate communication with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. No policy discussions or substantive developments occur during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon and Gerald L. Warren coordinated the administration’s messaging regarding the ongoing Apollo 15 mission and the sensitivity of the pending steel strike. They finalized logistics for the President to view the Apollo lift-off from the Executive Office Building and discussed the need for further briefings from George Shultz and John Connally. The discussion emphasized the delicate nature of the labor negotiations and the need for careful public positioning on the economy.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss coordinating a diplomatic signing ceremony with Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko, slated for September 30th, and the necessity of managing State Department involvement through William Rogers. The conversation also addresses the administration's fiscal strategy, specifically balancing the push for increased national security and defense spending against the political liability of raising taxes. Nixon directs Kissinger to coordinate with George Shultz and David Packard to develop a budget approach that maintains military strength without necessitating immediate tax hikes.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his daily schedule and manage upcoming meetings. The discussion focused on rescheduling an appointment with Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler and determining the timing for briefings with George Shultz and Attorney General John Mitchell. This interaction served to finalize the President's immediate administrative agenda and personnel availability for the day.
President Nixon and George Shultz discuss the implementation of Phase II economic controls following the initial wage-price freeze. Nixon emphasizes the necessity of giving economic policies enforcement mechanisms, famously noting that one cannot have "jawbone without teeth." The two coordinate their messaging strategy to ensure the public perceives the forthcoming economic program as effective and decisive.
President Nixon initiates a call to the White House operator to facilitate a connection with George Shultz, then serving as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. The exchange serves as a brief administrative bridge to reach the cabinet member for policy discussions. No further substantive policy matters are addressed in this short operational recording.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman and other staff to review administrative and political matters, including the handling of the Pentagon Papers and the reorganization of the Council on International Economic Policy (CIEP). The President emphasized the need to move beyond current staffing limitations by centering economic policy work around George Shultz and John Connally, rather than Peter Peterson. Additionally, the group discussed potential candidates for Secretary of Agriculture, the legislative strategy for a Supreme Court appointment, and the necessity of managing Vice President Agnew's role leading into the upcoming campaign.
President Nixon and George Shultz discuss messaging strategies for an upcoming speech regarding the national economy and the administration's policy goals. They express concerns over business sector confidence and agree to maintain a general, conciliatory public tone while deferring detailed policy questions to later Congressional testimony. The two agree to conduct further substantive discussions on economic planning during an upcoming flight to the West Coast.
President Nixon and Patrick J. Buchanan discuss media strategy for promoting the administration's economic agenda to the public. Nixon directs Buchanan to emphasize optimistic economic indicators and domestic quality-of-life improvements rather than focusing on complex trade negotiations or bureaucratic personnel appointments. The objective is to craft a simplified, positive narrative that resonates with the general public rather than the press corps.
President Nixon and speechwriter William Safire discuss the strategy for an upcoming Phase II economic speech, specifically focusing on how to manage the release of accompanying letters to the press. Nixon instructs Safire to withhold the letters from the prepared text to maintain a spontaneous appearance, preferring they emerge as a secondary story. Regarding a report from George Shultz on labor cooperation, Nixon decides against including a reference to George Meany’s support, choosing instead to let labor leaders speak for themselves to avoid potential public contradiction.
President Nixon and Patrick J. Buchanan discussed the status of labor-related negotiations involving George Shultz and James Hodgson. Nixon informed Buchanan that he was currently meeting with the two officials to address the issue and consequently requested a delay in preparing further materials. The President ultimately decided to refrain from immediate public comment on the subject and invited Buchanan to his office for a follow-up discussion.
President Nixon and Nelson Rockefeller discussed the political impact of Robert Finch’s upcoming trip to Latin America in the context of the U.S. 10 percent import surcharge. Rockefeller advised the President that the surcharge's removal should be announced prior to the trip to ensure Finch receives a positive reception. Nixon agreed with the strategy, noting his administration's plan to prioritize Western Hemisphere nations for trade concessions and pledging to have George Shultz coordinate the timing and negotiations.
President Nixon and Nelson A. Rockefeller discuss a strategy to leverage the lifting of U.S. import surcharges as a diplomatic tool to reward allies, specifically focusing on Latin American countries and Canada. Nixon outlines a plan to negotiate oil security commitments with Canada while considering a staggered removal of trade barriers to benefit cooperative nations like Mexico following their support in a recent U.N. vote. The two agree to coordinate these efforts with George Shultz and Robert Finch to ensure that diplomatic visitors can announce the policy changes during upcoming international tours.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss the strategic implications of Senator Charles Percy’s proposed amendment to H.R. 1, the pending tax bill. Nixon argues that yielding to Percy on the amendment creates a legislative scenario where the bill might fail or require a presidential veto, whereas avoiding the amendment ensures the passage of a bill he is obligated to sign. After confirming that George Shultz concurs with this assessment, they reach a consensus to prioritize the bill's passage over legislative confrontation.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinate the timing of a critical phone call between George Shultz and AFL-CIO leader George Meany regarding the organization's participation in the Pay Board. They discuss whether to pre-emptively announce a meeting time to curb public speculation or wait for the outcome of the AFL-CIO convention proceedings. Ultimately, the pair decides to postpone the announcement until the labor union's position becomes clearer later that afternoon.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinate a follow-up briefing regarding a meeting between John Connally, George Shultz, and Henry Kissinger. Haldeman proposes a preliminary debriefing involving himself, Donald Rumsfeld, and Charles Colson, but Nixon insists on the importance of Connally’s direct participation in the final policy discussions. The President directs the group to proceed with their scheduled meeting while scheduling an interim briefing with Haldeman to prepare for a larger, formal sit-down with the full group.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to finalize scheduling arrangements for upcoming meetings with key cabinet members and advisors, including John Connally, George Shultz, John Ehrlichman, and Henry Kissinger. The brief discussion served to coordinate the sequence of these sessions and confirm logistical responsibilities for the afternoon. No major policy decisions were made, as the primary focus remained on administrative agenda management.
President Nixon and Rose Mary Woods discussed the arrangements for First Lady Pat Nixon’s attendance at an upcoming funeral and planned for the President’s scheduled NBC filming the following day. The majority of the conversation focused on finalizing the guest list and seating capacity for a White House dinner featuring international monetary discussions, specifically resolving conflicts regarding the inclusion of George Shultz and the removal of Peter Flanigan or Dr. Edward David. Nixon directed Woods to prioritize Shultz due to his role in economic negotiations and instructed her to handle the diplomatic adjustment of the guest list.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman coordinated their upcoming schedules to ensure availability for a meeting with George Shultz. They confirmed a meeting time of 4:30 PM to be held in the Executive Office Building. The brief exchange focused exclusively on logistics and confirming the participants' readiness for this administrative discussion.
President Nixon reached out to AFL-CIO President George Meany to offer private briefings regarding ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations and defense budget priorities. Nixon proposed that Henry Kissinger and George Shultz meet with Meany to provide detailed insights into the administration's strategic efforts, specifically emphasizing the necessity of an honorable withdrawal from Vietnam and the need to counter the growing Soviet naval threat. Meany agreed to the briefings, and both parties discussed the importance of maintaining a firm stance against congressional deadline amendments that could undermine the administration's bargaining position.
President Nixon calls George Shultz to commend his performance on 'Face the Nation,' particularly his confrontation with journalist Daniel Schorr. The two discuss positive economic trends, specifically a drop in insured unemployment, while expressing skepticism regarding the reliability of volatile monthly economic statistics. Nixon also mentions his plan to send a firm note to Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns concerning the money supply and praises the recent appointment of Marina von N. Whitman to the Council of Economic Advisers.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed the performance of Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird during his recent appearance on 'Face the Nation.' The President followed up on an earlier conversation with Charles Colson regarding George Shultz's potential involvement in similar media appearances. Haldeman committed to investigating the status of the situation and reporting back to the President.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to discuss administrative coordination, specifically reviewing recent interactions between John Connally, Arthur Burns, and George Shultz. The discussion touched on personnel management and the strategic handling of upcoming statements, particularly concerning busing and welfare reform. Nixon emphasized the need for clear accountability within his staff to ensure key policy objectives were effectively communicated.
President Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule, specifically regarding meetings involving Elliot Richardson and George Shultz. They discussed whether Richardson should participate in a scheduled Republican Congressional leadership gathering, with Nixon deciding to proceed despite expected objections. The pair also briefly reviewed the timing and logistics of a subsequent nine-minute agenda item.
President Nixon and George Shultz discussed the upcoming diplomatic assignment of Robert S. Ingersoll, who was preparing to travel to Tokyo to serve as ambassador. Shultz reported that Ingersoll’s decision to accept the position was directly influenced by his high regard for Shultz’s own appointment within the administration. The President confirmed that he would send private letters to Japanese leaders Eisaku Sato and Takeo Fukuda to facilitate a smooth transition for the new ambassador.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman conducted a wide-ranging review of domestic and foreign policy priorities, including the administration's messaging strategy, upcoming travel, and staff management. They discussed organizational shifts within the Domestic Council under John Ehrlichman, the economic outlook provided by George Shultz, and the need for more aggressive public positioning on issues like busing and the environment. Additionally, the conversation covered debriefings on the recent Gridiron Dinner and logistical planning for press relations regarding the President’s upcoming trip to the Soviet Union.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman to discuss the impending resignation of Treasury Secretary John Connally, focusing on the political timing and the need to frame his departure as a supportive transition rather than a sign of administration instability. They strategized on potential replacements, specifically identifying George Shultz as the ideal successor due to his expertise and free-market philosophy. Additionally, the President and his staff coordinated a cover story for Henry Kissinger’s secret diplomatic mission to Moscow, deciding to utilize a fake 'periodic staff planning session' at Camp David to distract the press.
President Nixon and John Connally met to discuss the administration's aggressive response to the North Vietnamese invasion, including the strategic use of bombing and the potential for a naval blockade. Amidst this foreign policy crisis, they reviewed Connally’s planned departure from his position as Secretary of the Treasury and discussed his successor, with George Shultz emerging as the preferred choice. The conversation further explored domestic economic policy, including plans for austerity budgets and welfare reform, as well as the political necessity of maintaining a strong, decisive image for the upcoming 1972 election.
President Nixon met with George Shultz, Caspar Weinberger, and H.R. Haldeman to discuss the immediate aftermath of the attempted assassination of George Wallace and to formalize upcoming cabinet shifts. The group reviewed the details of the shooting and coordinated the administration's public response and schedule. Additionally, Nixon confirmed the appointment of George Shultz as Secretary of the Treasury and Caspar Weinberger as Director of the Office of Management and Budget, emphasizing the necessity of a stringent fiscal policy and budget control.
President Nixon met with his Cabinet and key staff to discuss the upcoming departure of Secretary of the Treasury John B. Connally and to address broader administration matters. The discussion covered the timing of administrative changes, the transition of economic policy responsibilities to George Shultz, and the status of ongoing federal investigations following the recent shooting of George C. Wallace. Connally reflected on his tenure as Treasury Secretary and his future plans, while the President reaffirmed his commitment to his current economic program and leadership agenda.
President Nixon and John Connally discussed political strategy for the 1972 election, focusing on the performances of George Wallace, Hubert Humphrey, and George McGovern in recent primaries. Nixon advised Connally’s brother to focus his campaign on the single issue of busing to gain electoral traction. The two also addressed personnel transitions within the Treasury Department, specifically emphasizing the importance of George Shultz retaining key staff like James W. Donley, and reviewed upcoming diplomatic travel plans for Connally.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the transition of duties to George Shultz in light of an upcoming ten-day window for Kissinger to finalize his outstanding responsibilities. They confirm that Shultz is prepared to assume his acting role, ensuring a seamless handover of tasks. The exchange serves to solidify the timeline for finalizing Kissinger's current portfolio before shifting focus to new priorities.
President Nixon consulted with the White House operator to facilitate a telephone connection with Admiral Thomas H. Moorer, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The brief administrative exchange touched upon scheduling logistics regarding George Shultz's transition into a new role and the associated timeline for completing relevant tasks. The conversation served primarily as a logistical step to coordinate high-level communication between the President and military leadership.
President Nixon and Admiral Thomas Moorer discuss the logistical timeline for a forthcoming international trip, specifically focusing on travel duration and comfort. They conclude that the transit will require approximately three weeks to complete. The brief exchange confirms that Moorer's scheduling conflicts, specifically his commitments involving George Shultz, will be resolved in time to accommodate this mission.
President Nixon and Patrick Buchanan discuss media strategy and legislative maneuvering regarding a specific congressional vote, likely related to fiscal policy or tax legislation. The President seeks to refine messaging for upcoming speeches and media appearances, specifically referencing an op-ed piece by Robert Novak. Additionally, Nixon instructs Buchanan to consult with George Shultz to clarify his position on a pending tax bill and ensure administration unity.
President Nixon and Charles W. Colson met at Camp David to discuss administration strategy regarding economic policy, media management, and the political opposition. Nixon expressed frustration with the business community's performance and emphasized the need for Treasury Secretary George Shultz to take a more aggressive, visible role in economic matters. The two also strategized on utilizing the controversial elements of George McGovern's platform, such as abortion and defense cuts, to mobilize voters through targeted campaign materials.
This recorded session includes a substantive meeting between President Nixon, H.R. Haldeman, Ronald Ziegler, and others regarding the 1972 presidential campaign and potential political messaging. Key discussions focused on the health of Democratic vice-presidential nominee Thomas Eagleton, the Republican response strategy, and assessments of Cabinet members like George Shultz. Following this, the President held a ceremonial meeting that included photographs, the display of White House state gifts, and casual conversation with visitors.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman reviewed upcoming scheduling commitments, including a dinner for George Shultz and a State Department event. They discussed the political challenges of maintaining traditional social accessibility amidst the constraints of the presidency, with Nixon emphasizing that the nature of his office precludes returning to previous personal interactions. The pair also touched upon personnel matters, specifically regarding Emil Mosbacher’s duties and rewards, and confirmed a scheduled meeting with John Dean.
President Nixon and Alexander Butterfield met to coordinate the President's upcoming schedule and administrative engagements. The discussion focused on arranging a meeting with George Shultz to review tax policy and the involvement of John Ehrlichman in these deliberations. They further addressed the logistics of a press conference and the scheduling of a photo session with official photographer Ollie Atkins.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discussed adjustments to the President's upcoming schedule to ensure his availability for critical international matters. Nixon instructed that his planned meeting with George Shultz proceed without his attendance to avoid unnecessary distractions. Furthermore, the President coordinated the timing of Henry Kissinger’s return, specifically directing Alexander Haig to delay Kissinger’s arrival until Nixon had returned from New York.
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 H.R. Haldeman discussed managing the professional portfolio of George Shultz regarding East-West trade initiatives. Nixon directed Haldeman to strategically position Shultz to incorporate scientific expertise from Peter Flanigan to bolster European trade relations. The objective was to subtly frame these responsibilities to provide Shultz with broader authority while facilitating future collaborative work.
President Nixon tasks his close friend Bebe Rebozo with calling Paul Keyes to postpone their planned visit to Florida. The President explains that he must prioritize upcoming meetings with Henry Kissinger and George Shultz at Camp David to manage ongoing Vietnam peace negotiations. Rebozo agrees to handle the rescheduling, emphasizing that the President’s travel is contingent upon the successful conclusion of these high-level diplomatic discussions.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate the scheduling of upcoming meetings, specifically requesting the inclusion of George Shultz and John Hurt. Nixon emphasized a desire for careful logistical planning to ensure specific interactions took place at controlled times while avoiding unauthorized or conflicting appointments. He expressed a strong preference for maintaining strict control over the composition of meeting participants to preserve administrative order.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger coordinate a follow-up meeting to address European-American economic relations. They reach a consensus to include Treasury Secretary George Shultz in these discussions, noting his proximity within the building. The participants finalize plans to relocate the meeting to another office to facilitate a more productive environment.
President Nixon directed Stephen B. Bull to coordinate a cabinet meeting scheduled for the following Friday. Bull was tasked with verifying the availability of Vice President Spiro Agnew and George Shultz to provide briefings at the session. Nixon emphasized his preference for both officials to attend but authorized the meeting to proceed if at least one of them was confirmed.
President Nixon met with Treasury Secretary Edwin Cohen and his wife, along with Stephen Bull, to discuss Cohen's recent minor surgery and his impending departure from his government position. The President expressed his appreciation for Cohen's service and advised him to pursue lucrative opportunities in the private sector, referencing advice from George Shultz. A photograph was taken to commemorate Cohen's time in service.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman to address administrative oversight, White House personnel, and specific policy concerns. Key topics included the management of Soviet trade negotiations involving George Shultz and Henry Kissinger, potential adjustments to the Property Review Board, and the strategy for deregulating natural gas prices. The two also discussed personnel transitions, including the placement of Donald Santarelli and Balzano, and resolved to improve staff morale by addressing complaints regarding segregated dining facilities at the White House.
President Nixon and Representative Wilbur Mills discussed legislative priorities, specifically the scheduling of Treasury Secretary George Shultz's testimony on tax reform and trade legislation. They agreed on a timeline that would have Shultz testify on taxes on April 30, followed immediately by the start of hearings on trade legislation on May 1. Nixon emphasized the urgency of trade reform to support the dollar and American jobs, while Mills proposed strategies for incentivizing foreign investment to improve the balance of payments.
President Nixon met with Melvin Laird and Alexander Haig to discuss personnel shifts and the restructuring of responsibilities within the White House staff. The conversation focused on reassigning George Shultz’s duties, specifically moving him out of his energy portfolio to prioritize trade policy. The participants also touched upon the organizational roles of Roy Ash and other administrative adjustments to long-term policy management.
President Nixon consulted with his aide Stephen B. Bull regarding an upcoming meeting with bipartisan congressional leaders, including Speaker Carl Albert. Due to scheduling delays, Nixon instructed Bull to inform William E. Timmons that the President would deliver a brief statement and depart early rather than remaining for a lengthy Q&A session involving George P. Shultz. This decision effectively curtailed the President's planned engagement with the congressional leadership.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to discuss ongoing personnel conflicts within the White House, specifically the tensions between Roy Ash and other senior staffers, and George Shultz’s role and potential future in the administration. They evaluated the political and economic implications of the President’s domestic programs, with a focus on managing energy policy, labor relations, and Congressional relations. Additionally, the President and Haig touched on the unfolding Watergate investigations, including the credibility of key witnesses like Jeb Magruder and the potential political fallout for the administration.