Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Wage-price freeze
52 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Shultz, Connally, Ehrlichman
President Nixon met with John Connally and other staff members to discuss administration strategy regarding the drug crisis, the national economy, and political messaging. They addressed the success of recent heroin seizures and evaluated potential international and domestic economic policies, including the possibility of a wage-price freeze and strategies to combat inflation. Additionally, Nixon emphasized the need to project strength and confidence in press conferences while coordinating his cabinet to effectively articulate administration goals ahead of the 1972 election.
President Nixon and George Shultz met with John Connally to discuss the resolution of the steel and rail strikes, emphasizing the need for an administration-led push for Congressional action on labor legislation. The participants explored a sweeping economic program that could include an import tax, investment tax credit, federal spending cuts, and a temporary wage-price freeze to combat inflation and balance-of-payments issues. They also coordinated strategy regarding an upcoming Senate vote on the Lockheed loan guarantee bill and discussed public relations for the administration's economic and social initiatives.
President Nixon met with his senior advisors and John Connally to address two primary issues: the implementation of a firm administration stance against school busing and the development of a comprehensive new economic policy. Nixon explicitly ordered the discipline of HEW regional staff for their role in busing mandates and directed his team to prepare a strategy for a wage-price freeze and potential tax reforms. The President decided to delay these major economic announcements until September to ensure thorough preparation, avoid Congressional interference during the summer recess, and build a cohesive narrative of national renewal for his upcoming State of the Union address.
President Nixon and George Shultz met to deliberate on the implementation of a major new economic program, specifically focusing on the necessity of a wage-price freeze and a potential import tax to combat inflation and restore public confidence. They discussed the legal and political complexities of these actions, weighing the risks of such measures against the need for U.S. economic leadership and stability. Henry Kissinger joined the meeting briefly to coordinate on international affairs, including the Accidental War Agreement and diplomatic relations with China and the Soviet Union, before the conversation returned to the logistical challenges of the domestic economic agenda, including federal budget cuts and public communication strategies.
President Nixon and Secretary of the Treasury John Connally discuss the urgent need to address the destabilizing gold market and the potential for a major economic policy shift. The two evaluate various tactical options, including the possibility of a wage-price freeze implemented via executive authority to bypass congressional delay. They also debate the timing and sequence of announcing international monetary reforms, such as closing the gold window, versus domestic economic measures to mitigate market panic and strengthen their negotiating position.
President Nixon met with George Shultz, H. R. Haldeman, and Ronald Ziegler to finalize preparations for his forthcoming economic program, focusing on strategies to address dollar convertibility, inflation, and the balance of payments. The participants discussed the timing of potential measures, including an import surcharge and a prospective wage-price freeze, while coordinating the administration's messaging for an upcoming meeting with Arthur Burns and John Connally. Toward the end of the session, Ziegler consulted the President on the administration’s response to George Wallace's actions regarding school desegregation and busing.
President Richard Nixon met with staff to rehearse a major televised address titled "The Challenge of Peace," which outlined his administration's shift toward a "New Economic Policy." The speech detailed significant fiscal initiatives, including job creation incentives, tax cuts, and a temporary wage-price freeze to combat inflation. Furthermore, Nixon articulated his strategy to stabilize the U.S. dollar, emphasizing the need for international economic cooperation and a transition from post-war aid to shared global financial responsibility.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the immediate public and political reception of the President's televised address regarding his new economic policy, which included a wage-price freeze and import surtax. Haldeman reports generally positive feedback from political figures, business leaders, and the media, noting that the speech successfully projected strong leadership and a willingness to combat inflation and international economic instability. The two men also review the initial television network coverage and coordinate the gathering of further reactions to assess the administration's momentum.
President Nixon and Representative Gerald Ford discussed the political and economic implications of the administration's newly announced wage-price freeze and broader economic policy shifts. Nixon explained his strategy for protecting the dollar, including the suspension of gold convertibility and the imposition of import duties, to address international trade imbalances. Ford expressed strong support for the domestic tax and spending components of the plan, while Nixon emphasized the necessity of these unilateral actions to force international monetary reform.
President Nixon and Treasury Secretary John B. Connally discuss the positive public and media reception following Nixon’s televised address announcing a wage-price freeze and international economic policy changes. Connally confirms that the domestic focus on wages and prices successfully overshadowed complex international monetary issues, which the President intentionally downplayed to maintain public appeal. The two finalize plans for Connally to hold a live, televised press conference the following morning to maintain momentum and reach a broad audience, including the financial markets.
President Nixon and Secretary of State William P. Rogers discuss the immediate international and domestic fallout of Nixon's wage-price freeze speech and the suspension of gold convertibility. The two officials review the reactions of various foreign leaders, including Japan's Eisaku Sato and Canada's Mitchell Sharp, while assessing the political advantages of the administration's bold economic shift. Nixon expresses his intent to leverage this position of strength to overhaul the international monetary system and move away from the limitations of the Bretton Woods era.
President Nixon and John Mitchell discuss the successful delivery and public reception of the President's recent televised speech announcing a major wage-price freeze and international economic policy shift. The conversation highlights the strategic decision to prioritize domestic concerns like jobs and the cost of living over complex monetary explanations to ensure a compelling message. Nixon tasks Mitchell with coordinating with Treasury Secretary John Connally to ensure that interest rates and corporate dividend limits are emphasized during upcoming press briefings to maintain public support.
President Nixon and David M. Kennedy discussed the strategic necessity of the recently announced wage-price freeze, agreeing that proactive executive action was essential to preempt adverse Congressional intervention. They reviewed the domestic and international economic pressures that necessitated the decision, noting that delaying the measure would have been politically and economically disastrous. The conversation concluded with Nixon encouraging Kennedy to travel to Europe to manage the international diplomatic fallout and reassure foreign partners.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman reviewed the overwhelmingly positive initial reactions from political, business, and media figures following Nixon's televised address announcing a wage-price freeze and other economic measures. The discussion emphasized that the speech successfully projected bold, decisive leadership and effectively seized the political initiative from critics. Haldeman reported widespread support, noting that even those potentially disadvantaged by the new policies, such as import distributors, praised the comprehensive nature of the plan as necessary for the nation.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discussed the public reception of the President's televised address announcing a new wage-price freeze. Woods relayed positive feedback from her family and business contacts, reinforcing the perception that the speech effectively communicated necessary economic measures to a lay audience. The brief exchange served to confirm the initial success of the announcement following a demanding day for the administration.
President Nixon and Secretary of Agriculture Clifford M. Hardin discussed the immediate public and international reactions to Nixon's wage-price freeze speech delivered earlier that day. They reviewed key economic components of the new policy, specifically focusing on agricultural exemptions, the 10% import tax intended to pressure Japan into revaluing the yen, and the implementation of investment tax credits. Nixon emphasized the necessity of secrecy regarding these plans to protect the price of gold and instructed Hardin to maintain a vigorous enforcement stance.
President Nixon and Secretary of Labor James D. Hodgson discussed the positive reception and strategic necessity of the recently announced wage-price freeze. They reviewed the administration's decision to maintain secrecy regarding the policy to prevent economic instability, specifically citing concerns about runs on the dollar and preemptive price hikes. Nixon emphasized the importance of maintaining a firm stance with labor leaders like Lane Kirkland and corporations like General Motors while preparing to coordinate the administration's messaging during an upcoming cabinet meeting.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the initial positive reception to Nixon’s televised address announcing a wage-price freeze. Haig reports favorable feedback from a broad range of political and economic figures, noting that the speech successfully projected a crisp and confident tone. The conversation concludes with a brief update on Henry Kissinger’s ongoing, private negotiations regarding Vietnam, which the President hopes will be effectively camouflaged by the economic policy announcement.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman reviewed the immediate public and media reception to the President's televised address announcing a new economic program, including a 90-day wage-price freeze. The conversation focused on consolidating feedback from political leaders, business executives, labor representatives, and economic analysts, who generally praised the speech as a bold and necessary assertion of leadership. The participants expressed satisfaction with the overwhelmingly positive initial momentum and viewed the program as a significant psychological turning point for the administration's economic policy.
President Nixon and Director of Communications Herbert G. Klein discuss the initial public and media reception to the President’s newly announced wage-price freeze. Klein reports that the policy is being viewed positively and argues that the psychological impact of the decisive action is the key to maintaining momentum. The two men review planned follow-up communications strategies, including upcoming television appearances by John Connally and briefings for journalists to sustain support for the administration's economic initiatives.
President Nixon spoke with Freeman F. Gosden, Jr. to gauge public and professional reaction following the President's televised address regarding the New Economic Policy's wage-price freeze. Gosden relayed overwhelmingly positive feedback from business associates and personal contacts, noting that even political opponents viewed the action favorably. Nixon emphasized the importance of the psychological impact of the policy on the American public and the need to bolster national economic confidence.
President Nixon consulted with economist Pierre Rinfret to gauge early reactions to his New Economic Policy announcement, specifically the newly implemented wage-price freeze. Rinfret expressed strong support for the measures, assuring the President that the business community would view the initiative and Nixon's direct involvement favorably. The two discussed the expected positive impact of these interventions on gold, income taxes, and private enterprise, with Rinfret committing his support to the administration's economic agenda.
President Nixon and speechwriter William Safire discussed the reception and delivery of the President’s televised address announcing the wage-price freeze. The conversation focused on the public impact of the speech's rhetoric and the successful launch of the new economic policy. Nixon concluded the brief call by confirming he had scheduled a follow-up meeting with his team for the following morning.
President Nixon and Federal Reserve Chairman Arthur Burns discuss the immediate aftermath of the announcement of the wage-price freeze, expressing relief that the plan remained secret during its development at Camp David. The two leaders strategize on managing international monetary policy, with Nixon tasking Burns to maintain close control over Paul Volcker and Dewey Daane to ensure alignment with administration objectives. Finally, they plan to secure political support from Representative Wilbur Mills by offering him full credit for the initiative to ensure the program's success.
President Nixon and Nelson Rockefeller discussed the positive public reception of Nixon's recently announced wage-price freeze and international monetary policy. The two agreed on the necessity of revaluing foreign currencies, specifically regarding Japan and the Common Market, to ensure American economic competitiveness. Additionally, they arranged a breakfast meeting to address policy conflicts with HEW regarding welfare reform and the use of welfare recipients for state public service jobs.
President Nixon convened a large meeting with Vice President Agnew and his Cabinet to discuss the national economy and the "New Economic Policy" he had announced the previous day. Key topics included the wage-price freeze, import surcharges, tax relief, budget cuts, and the convertibility of the dollar. The administration sought Cabinet support for these initiatives and discussed their potential impact on international trade and domestic employment.
President Nixon and Peter Flanigan discussed the administration's strategy for upcoming textile negotiations with Japan, emphasizing the need for a cautious approach following the President's August 15 economic announcement. Nixon instructed Flanigan to avoid providing premature assurances to industry leaders like Roger Milliken, arguing that the recent policy shifts had fundamentally strengthened the U.S. bargaining position. The conversation also covered the positive market reaction to the new economic policies, noting strong indicators in the stock market and home building sectors.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discussed the positive public reception following his announcement of a wage-price freeze. Woods reported favorable anecdotal feedback from various acquaintances, including Jack Drown, regarding the administration's new economic measures. The conversation also briefly touched upon the status of a draft speech being prepared by William Safire for the President’s upcoming address to the Knights of Columbus.
President Nixon convened a meeting with Vice President Agnew and a bipartisan group of Congressional leaders to discuss the national economy and his administration's "New Economic Policy." Key topics included the wage-price freeze, investment tax credits, the international monetary situation, and an import surcharge. The discussion focused on the necessity of Congressional cooperation for implementing these measures and their potential impact on inflation, trade, and specific industries like automobiles.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the overwhelmingly positive initial reactions to the President's recent address to Congress. The conversation highlights favorable feedback from congressional members, business leaders, and the public, particularly regarding the administration's new focus on American interests, the work ethic, and economic policy. Colson and Nixon review the speech's reception, noting the effective delivery and the strategic decision to frame national economic policy around freedom and an eventual end to the wage-price freeze.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and John Connally met to discuss public relations strategy, the effectiveness of the President's recent economic speech, and the complex challenges of international trade and monetary policy. The participants expressed deep distrust of the State Department bureaucracy and foreign service establishment, agreeing on the need to bypass traditional diplomatic channels to manage international pressures and trade negotiations. Nixon and Connally decided to form a small, secure, and loyal team of experts to handle secret trade negotiations and global outreach, while maintaining a tough, cynical stance toward foreign partners to protect American interests.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss domestic labor issues, public perception of the administration's economic policies, and political maneuvering. The President emphasizes the dignity of manual labor while expressing frustration with current labor contracts and the necessity of maintaining the wage-price freeze to combat inflation. Additionally, the pair touch on potential political prospects for Senator Edward Brooke and internal strategies regarding administrative messaging and public support.
President Nixon met with the Cost of Living Council to assess the implementation and public reception of the 90-day wage-price freeze initiated on August 15, 1971. The council members, including John Connally, George Shultz, and Arthur Burns, reported on the effectiveness of enforcement efforts, current compliance levels, and the complexities of handling exemption requests. The discussion shifted toward strategic planning for Phase II, emphasizing the need for sustainable economic policies, public leadership, and the critical role of securing support from business and labor leaders before the freeze's conclusion.
President Nixon met with Paul McCracken to review the administration's ongoing international and domestic economic policies, specifically regarding currency exchange rates and the wage-price freeze. They discussed the tactical use of the import surcharge as leverage for securing favorable exchange rate adjustments from foreign partners, including Japan. The conversation also touched upon the strategic transition from the current economic freeze into 'Phase II' and the importance of maintaining administrative flexibility regarding McCracken’s potential travel and future scheduling.
President Nixon, Pat Nixon, and the Cabinet met with their spouses to discuss the implementation and public perception of the administration’s New Economic Policy. Secretary of the Treasury John Connally led a comprehensive briefing on the wage-price freeze, tax reforms, and international monetary adjustments aimed at curbing inflation. The discussion emphasized the necessity of these economic measures for restoring national growth, managing federal expenditures, and building public and congressional support for the administration's program.
President Nixon met with a large group of Republican Congressional leaders to solicit support for his administration's economic initiatives, specifically the New Economic Policy and tax reform measures. Key topics included the Job Development Tax Credit, depreciation reform, and strategies to secure bipartisan support for the Economic Stabilization Act as the program entered its second phase. The participants also discussed the necessity of public and business cooperation, as well as the international trade context of the President's economic agenda.
President Nixon met with a delegation of agricultural leaders to discuss the impact of his administration's 90-day wage-price freeze and broader economic policies on the farm sector. The participants, representing groups like the American Farm Bureau and the National Grange, expressed general support for the President's anti-inflationary efforts while highlighting concerns regarding farm income parity, high interest rates, and the risks of long-term price controls. Nixon sought their input for a follow-up economic program, emphasizing that agriculture remains a critical, competitive component of U.S. foreign trade and requesting continued advice as his administration finalized its post-freeze strategy.
President Nixon and George Shultz discuss administrative staffing, specifically replacing a director at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) with Paul O'Neill. They also address ongoing labor tensions, specifically a West Coast dock strike and the administration's considerations regarding a potential Taft-Hartley intervention. Additionally, the pair evaluates the effectiveness of the current wage-price freeze and strategies for pressuring banks to lower interest rates to bolster public confidence in the economy.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed political strategy regarding the 1972 campaign, focusing on exploiting recent controversial statements made by Edmund Muskie. They analyzed public sentiment surrounding the Attica prison riots, the administration's economic policies, and the busing issue to solidify support for the President. The conversation culminated in a plan to mobilize congressional support for federal pay policies and to frame the administration's wage-price freeze as a necessary effort for national sacrifice.
President Nixon and Vice President Agnew met with a bipartisan group of state and local officials, including governors and mayors, to discuss the implementation of 'Phase II' of the administration’s economic stabilization program. The discussion centered on balancing the need for continued wage-price restraints with the financial pressures facing local governments, specifically regarding public employee salaries, teacher contracts, and revenue-sharing legislation. Nixon addressed concerns regarding corporate profit limitations, emphasizing the need for productivity and investment in new equipment to ensure international competitiveness, while agreeing to establish a formal mechanism for ongoing dialogue between local officials and the administration.
President Nixon met with a bipartisan group of Congressional leaders to discuss the progress of the 90-day wage-price freeze and to seek input on the development of Phase II economic policies. Treasury Secretary George Shultz provided an overview of the administration's administrative efforts, including the roles of the Cost of Living Council and the IRS in enforcing the freeze. The discussion centered on the need for continued cooperation across sectors—including labor, business, and agriculture—and the development of a framework for economic stabilization once the initial freeze expired.
President Nixon met with the White House Consumer Advisory Council to discuss the economic implications of the administration's recently implemented wage-price freeze and the planning for Phase II economic policies. The participants, including Virginia H. Knauer and various consumer advocates, addressed the need for consumer representation, effective enforcement mechanisms, and the impact of inflation on fixed-income groups. The meeting served as a forum for the council to express support for the President's economic stabilization efforts while emphasizing the importance of public participation and transparency in controlling costs.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed the administration's strategy for managing negative economic headlines, specifically focusing on the recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) report and its impact on the stock market. Colson argued that the CPI figures were misleadingly calculated and did not reflect the success of the ongoing wage-price freeze, noting that he had coached Secretary of Labor James Hodgson to defend these figures publicly. The two also addressed the perceived bias within the Bureau of Labor Statistics and discussed the necessity of appointing a loyalist to oversee the agency to combat biased reporting on economic indicators.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed the administration's economic messaging strategy, specifically focusing on the perceived anti-administration bias within the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Nixon expressed frustration with negative economic headlines and ordered an aggressive effort to replace weak personnel with "tough" officials who would actively manage and interpret economic data to support the White House agenda. They agreed to coordinate cabinet members, including John Connally, George Romney, and John Volpe, to publicly champion the success of the wage-price freeze and attack political opponents using more favorable state-level economic figures.
President Nixon rehearses a televised address to the nation regarding his New Economic Policy and the progress of the ongoing wage-price freeze. He emphasizes the success of the anti-inflation measures, citing declines in wholesale and industrial commodity prices, and advocates for prompt Senate action on his tax incentive bill. The speech aims to bolster public support by highlighting grassroots cooperation and the necessity of sacrifice to ensure national economic stability.
President Nixon rehearsed his televised address regarding Phase II of his economic stabilization program. He emphasized the necessity of continued cooperation between labor, business, and government to combat inflation following the expiration of the initial 90-day wage-price freeze. The rehearsal confirmed his decision to implement a Price Commission composed of private citizens to oversee wage and price restraints.
President Nixon met with his Cabinet and key staff members to review the administration’s domestic and foreign policy priorities, primarily focusing on the economic transition to 'Phase II' and the announcement of a 1972 Soviet summit. Officials discussed the successful implementation of the wage-price freeze and the strategy for securing organized labor's cooperation on the newly formed Pay Board and Price Commission to curb inflation. Additionally, the President addressed the importance of linking economic policy to job growth through his pending tax proposals, while Secretary of State Rogers and the President emphasized that international diplomatic overtures toward the Soviet Union and China were part of a cohesive, long-term strategy for global peace.
President Nixon met with members of the newly formed Pay Board and Price Commission to discuss the administration's strategy for curbing inflation through the wage-price freeze. Nixon emphasized his preference for a system reliant on voluntary public support rather than the rigid, expansive government controls characteristic of the Office of Price Administration. He thanked the board members for their service and sacrifice, acknowledging that their mission to stabilize the economy without long-term government intervention presented a significant challenge. The President also contextualized these domestic economic efforts within his broader foreign policy agenda, highlighting the importance of managing relations with the Soviet Union and China to maintain global peace.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman, later joined by H.R. Haldeman and George Shultz, to discuss a broad range of political and economic issues. The group focused on coordinating strategy for upcoming congressional votes on busing, the potential veto of child development legislation, and the selection of a new Secretary of Agriculture. Furthermore, they reviewed economic policies, specifically addressing concerns regarding the dock strike, the potential re-imposition of wage-price freezes, and the need to manage Arthur Burns regarding monetary policy and the money supply.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discussed positive public sentiment regarding the administration’s economic policies based on monitored telephone interviews conducted by Albert E. Sindlinger. They critiqued the complacency of big business leaders, contrasting their pessimistic outlook with the bullish optimism displayed by American consumers. Additionally, Nixon reflected on his recent nonpartisan speaking engagements and the importance of maintaining a leadership posture to effectively manage economic perceptions heading into the 1972 election cycle.
President Nixon met with Alexander Haig to discuss personnel matters regarding Melvin Laird and to set firm parameters for an upcoming economic meeting. Nixon directed Haig to ensure the economic team finalized a plan that excluded both a wage-price freeze and a gas tax. Furthermore, the President ordered that all energy-related proposals be separated from the primary economic package to prevent policy overlap.
President Nixon, Alexander Haig, and Melvin Laird met to coordinate the announcement of Laird's return to the administration as Counselor for Domestic Affairs. They discussed strategies for managing press inquiries, particularly regarding Watergate, and debated potential economic interventions like a wage-price freeze. The group also planned Laird's forthcoming schedule, which included meetings with key congressional figures and labor leader George Meany to ensure a smooth transition and maintain party unity.