Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Peter J. Brennan
23 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Bull, Colson, Brennan
These are conversations about Peter J. Brennan. For the 49 conversations Brennan took part in, see Peter J. Brennan’s page →
When Peter J. Brennan comes up
Related topics: Presidential schedulingWhite House operationsLabor relationsPresidential communicationLabor unionsGeorge MeanyWhite House administrationPublic relationsPolitical appointmentsCabinet appointmentsWhite House StaffingWhite House schedulingWhite House protocolWhite House logistics
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss strategies to leverage public support for the administration in the wake of anti-war demonstrations. They specifically examine the role of Peter J. Brennan and the potential for a 'hardhat' labor mobilization to counter protesters, including a proposed march on Wall Street. Additionally, the pair discusses the political implications of Edward M. Kennedy's involvement in recent demonstrations and the perceived need for congressional allies to speak out in support of the administration.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed managing media narratives regarding positive economic and military indicators, specifically focusing on falling unemployment statistics and reduced Vietnam War casualties. The President expressed frustration with Bureau of Labor Statistics staff who characterized the positive unemployment data as a "statistical fluke" and ordered an immediate investigation to identify and potentially terminate the responsible party. Additionally, the pair strategized on securing labor support, specifically through Peter J. Brennan and organized labor groups, by prioritizing the replacement of Arthur A. Fletcher and emphasizing national security alignment.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to initiate telephone calls to Herbert Brownell and labor leader Peter J. Brennan in New York. These requests were made to facilitate communication with these two specific individuals on Christmas Day. No further policy discussions or significant substantive developments occurred during this brief administrative exchange.
On May 5, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:44 am and 8:55 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 023-163 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the final phase of staffing for the second presidential term and political strategy following the 1972 election. They review the successful appointment of Peter J. Brennan as Secretary of Labor and coordinate personnel planning for cabinet and subcabinet positions, specifically targeting Catholic, Democratic, and minority representation. Additionally, the President tasks Colson with working alongside H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman to develop a strategic game plan for political operations and administration retention during an upcoming visit to Camp David.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the overwhelmingly positive reception to the appointment of Peter J. Brennan as Secretary of Labor, noting his effective television appearance and the strategic appeal of his "hardhat" background to the administration's constituency. The two strategize on organizational changes within the Department of Labor, specifically targeting the removal of Bureau of Labor Statistics personnel and the potential recruitment of George D. Webster for a position within the IRS. Additionally, Colson provides an update on the final 1972 election results, expressing confidence that the President's victory margin will remain at 61.1 percent.
On January 11, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:36 am and 9:04 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 035-127 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon called Secretary of Labor-designate Peter J. Brennan to offer encouragement and support regarding his ongoing confirmation process. The two discussed the challenges Brennan faced during the hearings, specifically noting the critical coverage by The Washington Post. Nixon dismissed the negative press as predictable, affirming his confidence in Brennan’s ability to navigate the scrutiny successfully.
President Nixon held a brief introductory meeting with Secretary of Labor Peter J. Brennan following Brennan's confirmation. The discussion served as a formal greeting between the President and his new cabinet member. No substantive policy decisions or action items were addressed during this minute-long exchange.
On February 7, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull talked on the telephone at 8:36 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 043-049 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon coordinated his upcoming trip to Florida with Stephen B. Bull, confirming a departure time and potential stop in Jacksonville. The President instructed Bull to hold the public announcement until the following morning and to consult with Secretary of Labor Peter J. Brennan regarding a potential meeting with AFL-CIO leadership, including George Meany. This request was intended to facilitate a diplomatic encounter with labor officials during the President’s weekend stay in Florida.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and Stephen B. Bull to coordinate his upcoming travel schedule, including a trip to Florida, and to manage White House social outreach to key congressional members and political contributors. They also discussed public relations regarding Prisoners of War (POWs), specifically highlighting the positive public statements made by Col. Robinson Risner in support of the administration. Additionally, the group reviewed logistics for upcoming meetings with labor leaders George Meany and Peter J. Brennan, and solidified plans for announcing these engagements.
President Nixon, John Ehrlichman, and George Shultz met to discuss labor department personnel, specifically the management and staffing challenges facing Labor Secretary Peter J. Brennan. The participants coordinated travel plans involving Ehrlichman and Brennan, while also addressing George Meany’s inquiries regarding tax reform and presidential authority. Finally, the group discussed political strategy concerning potential aid to North Vietnam and how to frame domestic spending relative to historical post-war investments in Germany and Japan.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to coordinate his daily schedule and logistical arrangements for an upcoming weekend trip to Camp David. The discussion focused on rescheduling various meetings with officials, including Peter J. Brennan and Henry Kissinger, and designating the Executive Office Building for specific briefings. Additionally, Nixon provided instructions regarding transportation and travel plans for himself and Pat Nixon, contingent upon weather conditions.
President Nixon calls Assistant Secretary of Labor Willie J. Usery, Jr. to commend his successful mediation of the Philadelphia strike. The President also expresses appreciation for the collaboration with Secretary of Labor Peter J. Brennan and Philadelphia Mayor Frank L. Rizzo, noting the political value of maintaining support among the city’s labor unions. Nixon instructs Usery to convey these congratulations to Brennan and the Mayor, while explicitly declining to call the Mayor himself to avoid anticipated requests for federal funding.
On March 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:10 am and 9:17 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-039 of the White House Tapes.
On March 3, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:10 am and 9:17 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 868-003 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon calls Secretary of Labor Peter J. Brennan to advise him to visit the site of a recent building collapse to demonstrate the administration's commitment to construction safety. Nixon emphasizes the importance of Brennan 'showing the flag' to improve the administration's public image and suggests that Brennan announce that the President has expressed personal concern regarding potential safety regulation violations. Brennan confirms his intent to visit the site and agrees to report his findings back to the President.
On April 13, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at 11:50 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 895-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met to finalize scheduling arrangements for an upcoming Building Trade Association conference. They reviewed the logistics for the event, including Nixon’s attendance at a VIP reception involving Secretary of Labor Peter J. Brennan. Nixon directed Bull to coordinate with Kenneth R. Cole, Jr. to ensure the President was briefed on the delay of the event and the specific protocol for his appearance.
On April 16, 1973, Stephen B. Bull, unknown person(s), and Peter J. Brennan met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 10:40 am and 10:50 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 897-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and George Shultz discussed adjustments to the administration's minimum wage bill to facilitate progress in congressional committee negotiations. They agreed to drop the proposed youth differential for 18 and 19-year-olds, implement a notification-based policing process for 16 and 17-year-olds, and concede on the coverage of state and local employees. Additionally, they reaffirmed the decision to avoid concessions on common-situs picketing, agreeing that Secretary of Labor Peter Brennan should lead the minimum wage negotiations to allow him to claim a legislative victory.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to review administrative scheduling matters, including the availability of Alexander M. Haig, Jr. The primary objective involved coordinating invitations for an upcoming meeting with Secretary of Labor Peter J. Brennan. Nixon instructed Bull to relay a message to a secretary regarding a personal acquaintance from Long Island, ensuring that the appropriate follow-through was acknowledged despite an initial lapse in memory.