Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Price controls
41 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Shultz, Haig, Ziegler
President Nixon and George P. Shultz discussed the administration's public response to a surprise 8% price increase announced by U.S. Steel. They coordinated a statement emphasizing that the White House had no prior knowledge of the hike and warning that such increases undermine the domestic industry’s competitive position and job security. Nixon directed Shultz to strengthen the statement by mandating that labor and management prioritize productivity improvements to address these systemic issues.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss the preparation and framing of a forthcoming economic policy statement. Nixon emphasized the need for a concise, punchy document that clarifies the administration's stance on price increases and clearly defines responsibility for current economic conditions. He instructed Haldeman to oversee the drafting process, coordinating with staff such as Raymond Price and Patrick Buchanan to ensure the message is delivered effectively.
President Nixon and speechwriter William Safire discuss the framing of economic policy regarding corporate profits and price controls to avoid business alarm. Nixon emphasizes the need for language that frames cost savings as a benefit passed to the consumer while explicitly rejecting the implementation of an excess profits tax. He instructs Safire to coordinate with administration officials George Shultz and John Connally to revise the messaging and remove references to mandatory controls that might threaten business confidence.
President Nixon met with speechwriter William Safire to refine a public statement regarding inflation, economic policy, and public support for his administration. Nixon emphasized the need to address the psychology of rising prices, specifically suggesting that the rhetoric should include a call for price reductions on "windfall" goods. The conversation focused on balancing the messaging to acknowledge the economic frustrations of the American public while maintaining a positive tone about the administration's goals.
President Nixon met with his Vice President and Cabinet to discuss the state of the U.S. economy, the administration's fiscal policy, and the upcoming 1973 budget. Key areas of focus included interpreting unemployment data—specifically the impact of new entrants to the workforce—and managing inflation through Phase II price and wage controls. Nixon urged his department heads to aggressively implement approved spending programs to stimulate the economy, while simultaneously directing them to more effectively communicate and promote the administration's economic achievements and social policy investments to the public.
President Nixon and John B. Connally discussed the need for greater presidential control over conflicting economic statements issued by the Council of Economic Advisors and the State Department. The pair specifically addressed concerns regarding currency controls, international monetary policy, and recent press statements made by Herbert Stein, Marina von N. Whitman, and Nathaniel Samuels. Connally briefed the President on his upcoming speech to the Foreign Policy Council in New York, aiming to align the administration's public position on economic and trade issues.
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 met with his economic advisors, including George P. Shultz, Arthur F. Burns, Caspar Weinberger, and Herbert Stein, to review the status of the U.S. economy, specifically focusing on inflation, unemployment rates, and price stability. The discussion covered the political implications of economic indicators ahead of the 1972 election, particularly regarding potential campaign issues against George McGovern, and touched upon international currency problems and foreign policy matters involving Latin America. The group debated the efficacy of various economic interventions, including wage and price controls and potential actions to address rising meat prices, while weighing the impact of these policies on business and public perception.
President Nixon met with his economic advisors, including George Shultz, Caspar Weinberger, and Herbert Stein, to address public and political concerns regarding rising food and beef prices. The group analyzed potential government interventions, such as suspending import quotas, utilizing government food stockpiles, and the political implications of implementing price controls. Following this, the President consulted with Kermit Gordon regarding the administration's economic policies and engaged in a broader discussion concerning the political orientation of intellectuals and the Brookings Institution.
President Nixon met with Charles Colson and Henry Kissinger to coordinate administration messaging and policy strategy. The discussion focused on preparing for an upcoming press conference, specifically regarding Vietnam negotiations, potential troop withdrawal announcements, and the current posture of North Vietnamese negotiators. The participants also consulted polling data and analysis from George Shultz concerning the political impact of economic price controls, particularly among the farming community.
President Nixon and Charles Colson met to discuss administrative personnel assignments for a forthcoming Sequoia cruise and to analyze current economic conditions. They evaluated the political impact of rising food prices on housewives and considered various policy options regarding price controls and staples. Additionally, the President reviewed economic data, specifically examining recent revisions to business indicators and unemployment figures to better gauge the health of the economy.
President Nixon met with his senior advisors, including H. R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, to discuss administrative strategy, personnel changes, and political damage control ahead of the 1972 election. A significant portion of the discussion focused on managing rising food prices and the potential political fallout, with the President exploring aggressive options like a temporary price freeze on meat. Additionally, they reviewed plans to leverage the IRS to investigate political opponents, such as Lawrence O'Brien, and finalized shifts in cabinet and sub-cabinet personnel to ensure greater control in a potential second term.
President Nixon met with members of the Committee on the Health Services Industry, along with administration officials including Herbert Stein and Donald Rumsfeld, to address the escalating costs of medical care. The discussion centered on balancing price controls with the need to maintain quality, specifically debating how to curb the proliferation of unnecessary services and the duplication of facilities without stifling the voluntary health system. Nixon emphasized the administration's goal of fostering cooperation with the medical profession to ensure federal health spending remains efficient and avoids a shift toward socialized medicine.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman, H.R. Haldeman, and others to discuss management strategies for the ongoing Wounded Knee incident and the unfolding Watergate scandal. The participants deliberated on whether to involve White House staff directly in PR for Wounded Knee, weighing the benefits of projecting control against long-term political risks. Regarding Watergate, they explored the possibility of the President appointing a special commission or cooperating with a grand jury to regain the initiative, while also addressing concerns about potential testimony from staff members like John Dean and Jeb Magruder.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler coordinate their strategy for upcoming press briefings, agreeing to maintain a 'stonewall' stance on the Watergate scandal while James W. McCord, Jr. testifies before the grand jury. They plan to deflect media attention from Watergate by announcing an upcoming presidential speech focused on national security and domestic policy, specifically withholding details about impending price controls to avoid market anticipation. Additionally, Nixon instructs Ziegler to maintain a firm 'hardline' position regarding the enforcement of the Vietnam cease-fire agreement in Cambodia.
President Nixon and George P. Shultz met to refine the messaging and strategy for an upcoming presidential address concerning economic policy, specifically the implementation of price controls and ceilings to combat inflation. They discussed the political necessity of restraining domestic spending and federal budget growth, while also addressing the public's anxiety regarding food and energy crises. The participants finalized the tone and content of the speech, aiming to frame the administration’s actions as a decisive effort to stabilize the economy without appearing to commit to an open-ended regulatory freeze.
President Nixon and Treasury Secretary George Shultz discussed the specific language for the President's upcoming speech regarding meat price controls, finalizing a statement that the ceilings would remain in effect as long as necessary. Shultz also reported a significant labor agreement between the United Steel Workers and steel companies, which included a no-strike provision and a focus on arbitration. The two men coordinated plans for the President to call I.W. Abel and R. Heath Larry the following morning to acknowledge the breakthrough.
President Nixon and George Shultz discuss the administration's policy on price ceilings, aiming to maintain them indefinitely until consumer food prices decrease. Nixon emphasizes the importance of public rhetoric, instructing Shultz to signal that the ceilings will persist as long as necessary to stabilize the market. The two also coordinate their schedules for an upcoming meeting and a follow-up telephone call.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to rehearse a televised address to the nation regarding his administration's domestic and foreign policy goals. The speech focused on the end of U.S. military involvement in Vietnam, the implementation of price controls on meat to curb inflation, and the President's commitment to fiscal restraint by opposing congressional spending increases. Nixon emphasized the necessity of maintaining military strength to ensure national security and leverage in future international arms negotiations.
President Nixon rehearsed a televised address aimed at rallying public support for his domestic and foreign policies following the end of direct U.S. military involvement in Vietnam. He justified his recent imposition of price ceilings on meat as a necessary measure to combat inflation and defended his strict federal budget requests against congressional spending initiatives. Additionally, he emphasized the necessity of maintaining current levels of defense spending to ensure a position of strength in ongoing international arms limitation negotiations.
President Richard Nixon utilizes this address to frame the post-Vietnam War era by emphasizing the need for economic stability and sustained military strength. He highlights his administration's commitment to curbing inflation through price ceilings on meat and a strict federal budget policy, signaling his intent to veto congressional spending measures. Nixon also warns against unilateral defense cuts, arguing that maintaining military power is essential for future international negotiations and preserving global stability.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and Leonard Garment to discuss administrative strategies regarding the Watergate investigation and the management of economic policy. The group focused heavily on establishing a "hard-line" stance on executive privilege to navigate upcoming Senate hearings and protect the President's position amidst the unfolding scandal. Additionally, they reviewed economic concerns, including inflation and the challenges of transitioning away from government price controls.
President Nixon met with his economic advisors, including George Shultz, Arthur Burns, and Roy Ash, to discuss the administration's ongoing struggle with inflation and the potential implementation of Phase III economic stabilization measures. The participants analyzed the political and psychological impact of price controls, the efficacy of pre-notification requirements for major corporations, and the necessity of maintaining public confidence amid rising prices. Nixon emphasized the importance of fiscal discipline, particularly regarding the federal budget, while rejecting broad, disruptive price freezes in favor of targeted economic management.
President Nixon and Roy Ash discussed the administration's economic policy, specifically affirming their rejection of a price freeze despite pressure from some advisors. They also coordinated cabinet management strategies, with Nixon tasking Ash to reassure Caspar Weinberger regarding his continued importance as a key domestic counselor. Finally, the President reflected on the recent, painful resignations of H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, reiterating that these departures were necessary steps for the administration to move past the Watergate scandal.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discussed the administration's economic policy strategy, specifically critiquing current proposals for being insufficiently prepared for a formal briefing. Nixon expressed strong opposition to implementing a price freeze or a gas tax, directing Haig to remove these items from the economic package and separate energy issues from the broader policy plan. Additionally, the pair touched upon the President's schedule and the status of J. Fred Buzhardt's ongoing review of John Dean's Watergate-related files.
President Nixon met with his economic advisors and John Connally to evaluate potential policy responses to the national economy, specifically focusing on the impact of food prices and the potential implementation of an export freeze. The group debated the efficacy of a 60-day price freeze versus alternative measures to curb inflation and addressed the political risks associated with such interventions. Additionally, Nixon and Connally discussed Connally's ongoing advisory role, navigating the potential for public speculation regarding his conflict of interest and the administration's need to maintain a strong, proactive image amid the escalating Watergate scandal.
President Nixon met with Alexander Haig and J. Fred Buzhardt to strategize on managing ongoing Watergate disclosures and to discuss potential personnel changes within the White House staff. The conversation focused heavily on the administration's public relations response to subpoenas and media coverage, specifically regarding wiretap information and the handling of presidential papers. Additionally, the participants deliberated on potential economic policies, including a possible price freeze, and considered how to integrate John Connally into a special advisory role to strengthen leadership visibility.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinate logistics for a dinner meeting on the Sequoia with Bryce Harlow and John B. Connally, while discussing administrative efficiencies regarding the Cost of Living Council. Nixon directs Haig to consult with John T. Dunlop on strengthening the economic speech, specifically by incorporating trade tariff removals and aggressive measures to address rising food prices. Key policy considerations include the potential implementation of a price freeze on basic agricultural commodities like soybeans to signal resolve to the public.
President Nixon met with Raymond K. Price, Jr. to plan an upcoming televised address to the nation regarding new economic measures to combat inflation. Nixon outlined his strategy to implement a temporary price freeze while maintaining a positive tone about the broader economy and emphasizing the necessity of congressional cooperation. The discussion also touched upon the political challenges surrounding the ongoing Watergate investigations, specifically regarding the potential impact of testimony from former aides on the administration.
President Richard Nixon and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. met to coordinate administration strategy regarding Vietnam policy and upcoming domestic economic announcements. They discussed maintaining support for South Vietnamese President Thieu and reviewed preparations for a high-level economic meeting involving Arthur Burns and George Shultz. Additionally, the President provided guidance on the tone and content for an impending address concerning price control measures, specifically regarding food and gasoline costs.
President Nixon met with his senior economic advisors and staff to deliberate on a strategy for stabilizing the national economy, specifically focusing on a proposed 60-day price freeze on food and gasoline. The discussion covered the implementation of Phase IV economic controls, the necessity of securing congressional support for trade and spending measures, and the political challenges of potential vetoes on agricultural and minimum wage legislation. Nixon emphasized the importance of public education regarding his administration's economic goals and requested that his cabinet members and advisors actively advocate for these policies to build public and congressional confidence.
President Nixon met with Raymond K. Price, Jr. and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. to refine the rhetoric and strategic messaging for an upcoming national address regarding the implementation of new price controls. The discussion focused on balancing economic management, specifically the rising costs of food and fuel, with the political necessity of addressing public concern while avoiding recessionary risks. Additionally, the President consulted with his staff on potential candidates for an 'energy czar' position, weighing the merits of figures like William W. Scranton, and touched upon the upcoming summit with Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev.
President Nixon met with Raymond K. Price, Jr. and Alexander M. Haig, Jr. to refine a forthcoming televised speech addressing the American economy and ongoing national policy challenges. The discussion focused on establishing an upbeat, confident tone regarding U.S. economic strength, specifically outlining the implementation of a 60-day price freeze and new controls to curb inflation. Nixon also deliberated on the political messaging surrounding the Vietnam peace process, energy shortages, and upcoming legislative strategies, emphasizing a need for decisive executive leadership in the face of domestic criticism.
President Nixon met with his Vice President, Cabinet members, and senior staff to announce the implementation of a 60-day price freeze as part of a strategy to combat inflation. He explained that this measure, aimed at stabilizing food and gasoline prices, was a necessary pragmatic step to preempt more extreme, mandatory controls favored by Congress. Nixon emphasized his commitment to maintaining a free-market economy and tasked his Cabinet with actively promoting this policy to the public and opinion makers. He also highlighted the administration's broader accomplishments in foreign policy, including the end of the draft and the upcoming U.S.-Soviet summit.
President Nixon, accompanied by Ronald Ziegler and members of the press, prepared for a televised address from the Oval Office to outline his new economic strategy. During the session, technicians coordinated technical arrangements for the broadcast while the President reviewed his speech, which centered on implementing a price freeze and establishing "Phase 4" economic controls to combat inflation. Following the address, the President participated in a photo session with the press and discussed the logistics of the production.
President Richard Nixon rehearsed his televised address titled 'The Nation's Economy,' in which he announced a 60-day price freeze to combat rising inflation, particularly regarding food and gasoline. The speech outlined the transition to a more comprehensive 'Phase 4' system of economic controls and requested legislative support from Congress to reduce government spending and address energy shortages. Nixon emphasized his commitment to returning to a free-market system while prioritizing the American consumer through potential export controls on food products.
President Nixon practiced his televised address to the nation, titled "The Nation’s Economy," in which he outlined a series of measures to combat rising inflation. The President announced a 60-day price freeze on consumer goods to stabilize the economy while signaling a transition toward more effective Phase 4 controls. He also called on Congress to support fiscal restraint, authorize export controls on agricultural products to prioritize domestic supply, and approve energy-related initiatives like the Alaska pipeline.
President Nixon and his secretary, Rose Mary Woods, met to discuss administrative arrangements for upcoming events and the President's public messaging. The conversation focused heavily on guest lists and logistics for the official visit of Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev, as well as the strategy for the President's televised address regarding price control measures. Nixon provided guidance on maintaining a nonpartisan appearance for his events while tasking Woods with managing high-level invitations and coordinating schedules with various political figures.
President Nixon met with broadcaster George Putnam, Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler, and the Simmonds family to discuss the administration's ongoing challenges. The conversation focused on the President's workload, the impact of the Watergate scandal, and the recent economic address regarding price controls and gasoline supply. The participants also touched upon public relations, the upcoming visit of Leonid Brezhnev, and various social greetings.
President Nixon met with Alexander Haig, Anne Armstrong, Bryce Harlow, and others to discuss public relations strategies following his June 13, 1973, address on economic price controls. The conversation focused heavily on managing the political influence and public roles of John Connally and George H. W. Bush within the administration and the Republican Party. Additionally, the group reviewed potential candidates for leadership roles, including positions within the Bicentennial Commission, while touching upon concerns regarding Watergate, upcoming elections, and personnel management.
President Nixon met with John B. Connally to discuss the administration's economic strategy, specifically regarding price and export controls on meat and agricultural products. They explored the political necessity of maintaining certain controls temporarily while emphasizing the importance of long-term economic prosperity and strengthening the U.S. dollar through increased agricultural exports. The discussion also shifted to the impact of the Watergate scandal, with Nixon expressing frustration over press coverage of his personal finances and the political distraction caused by ongoing congressional investigations.