Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Wilbur D. Mills
53 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Bull, Ehrlichman, Flanigan
These are conversations about Wilbur D. Mills. For the 27 conversations Mills took part in, see Wilbur D. Mills’s page →
When Wilbur D. Mills comes up
Related topics: Congressional relationsLegislative strategyWhite House operationsPresidential schedulingRevenue sharingWelfare ReformEconomic policyLegislative relationsTax legislationPress relationsLegislative affairsCommunicationCamp DavidWhite House staff
President Nixon met with a group of Young Republicans to discuss the progress of their national meeting and emphasize the importance of promoting administration policies. He instructed his staff to provide the group with detailed materials and arguments regarding revenue sharing and government reorganization, specifically highlighting why the alternative approach proposed by Wilbur Mills was flawed. The meeting also included a casual exchange of presidential gifts and a brief tour of the Oval Office, during which Nixon discussed the historical significance of the room's artwork and furnishings.
President Nixon met with his key advisors to strategize on complex textile trade negotiations with Japan, focusing heavily on the complicating influence of Representative Wilbur Mills. The participants evaluated the viability of voluntary Japanese import controls versus potential restrictive domestic legislation. Nixon and his team sought to coordinate their administrative position to balance industry pressure, congressional involvement, and diplomatic relations with the Japanese government.
President Nixon, Harry Dent, and Peter Flanigan discussed the status of delicate textile trade negotiations with Japan and the administration's strategy regarding potential legislative action. The group evaluated the influence of Representative Wilbur Mills and other key industry stakeholders, aiming to align domestic political support with the administration’s trade goals. Nixon finalized plans for a forthcoming public statement to address voluntary restraints, ensuring the administration's stance on trade and monitoring remained distinct from congressional maneuverings.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to coordinate upcoming logistical requirements for his schedule. The discussion centered on organizing a meeting with John D. Ehrlichman and Wilbur D. Mills. Additionally, the pair addressed the arrangement of official photographs to document these interactions.
President Nixon met with George Shultz, John Ehrlichman, H.R. Haldeman, and other advisors to navigate complex legislative and diplomatic challenges, including dairy price supports, Social Security reform, and welfare legislation. The discussion focused on managing relations with House Ways and Means Chairman Wilbur Mills and coordinating the administration's position on sensitive issues like Japanese textile trade negotiations. Additionally, the President assessed the professional friction between National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger and Secretary of State William P. Rogers, considering the implications for foreign policy decision-making.
President Nixon and Peter Flanigan discussed strategies for handling recalcitrant textile trade negotiations with Japan and addressing perceived overreach by Congressman Wilbur Mills. The President rejected a soft approach, insisting on a forceful public stance and the preparation of tough, direct legislation to pressure both the Japanese and Congress. Additionally, Nixon directed staff to clarify his firm support for the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) system, specifically ordering a public refutation of reports suggesting he or nominee James C. Fletcher harbored doubts on the matter. Finally, they reviewed the progress of William J. Casey’s Senate confirmation process, noting successful efforts to neutralize opposition.
President Nixon met with various staff members and advisors to refine the administration's political and legislative strategy, specifically regarding the textile quota issue and relations with key Congressional leaders like Wilbur Mills and John Byrnes. The President finalized plans to issue a statement on textile legislation while balancing pressure from the industry against the strategic risks of legislative entanglement. Additionally, the President discussed methods for managing Republican Congressional relations through targeted meetings and evaluated strategies to counter negative media coverage through the use of news tapes.
President Nixon met with John Byrnes and senior White House staff to coordinate a unified Administration strategy against House Ways and Means Chairman Wilbur Mills regarding ongoing Japanese textile negotiations. Concerned that Mills was bypassing the White House to conduct his own foreign policy, Nixon directed Byrnes to publicly support the President’s official position and reject the implication that congressional leaders held a veto over executive authority. The group finalized a plan for the President to issue a formal statement that afternoon, followed immediately by Byrnes endorsing the policy to the press to solidify Republican unity.
On March 19, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 12:52 pm and 1:05 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 470-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with H. R. Haldeman and Rose Mary Woods to coordinate his upcoming schedule, specifically regarding the logistics of hosting Jack and Helene Drown at Camp David and managing various social engagements for the First Lady. The discussion emphasized the President's need for privacy at Camp David to prepare for a television interview and meet with Henry Kissinger. Additionally, Nixon briefly spoke by telephone with Representative Wilbur D. Mills to acknowledge a White House tour provided to Mills' family.
President Nixon met with Gerald Ford, John Byrnes, Elliot Richardson, and other key administration officials to develop a strategy for the administration's health insurance bill. The discussion focused on the political and economic risks of placing the financial burden of the plan on small business owners and marginal employers. To address these concerns and counter potential Democratic opposition led by Edward Kennedy and Wilbur Mills, the group decided to introduce a bill that signals the administration's awareness of the economic impact on small businesses while keeping options open for committee modifications.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman coordinated legislative strategy regarding key political figures, specifically Gerald Ford and Wilbur Mills, concerning upcoming policy or administrative appointments. They discussed the necessity of securing Ford’s public support and maneuvering Mills into a position where he would be compelled to endorse or accept their proposal. The conversation focused on tactical timing and leveraging political pressure to ensure the desired outcome before formalizing the plan.
On May 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:37 pm and 5:41 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 003-030 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Treasury Secretary John B. Connally reviewed the President’s recent press conference, agreeing that the press corps’ aggressive questioning highlighted media bias to the American public. They expressed frustration that the media ignored key domestic issues such as the economy and revenue sharing, despite Nixon being fully prepared to address them. The conversation concluded with Nixon providing strategic advice to Connally regarding his upcoming appearance before Representative Wilbur D. Mills to advocate for revenue sharing legislation.
President Nixon met with New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller to discuss a variety of domestic policy issues, most notably the implementation of federal revenue sharing and strategies to address New York's fiscal challenges. They explored the potential for a Hoover-type commission to examine municipal corruption and inefficiency, and coordinated on the President's upcoming travel plans, including a trip to Rochester. Additionally, the conversation touched upon managing political optics regarding diplomatic visits by foreign leaders and the legislative hurdles for revenue-sharing bills in Congress.
President Nixon met with Peter G. Peterson, Harry S. Dent, and Peter M. Flanigan to formulate a strategy for ongoing international textile trade negotiations. The participants discussed securing favorable import terms with Taiwan and Japan while navigating the political interference of Representative Wilbur D. Mills, who was reportedly pushing for a quota bill to bolster his own political ambitions. The group decided to pursue a conditional agreement that secures the best possible terms for the industry, followed by a coordinated effort to pressure domestic industry leaders into public and legislative support to avoid a politically damaging confrontation with Congress.
On June 24, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 10:33 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 005-155 of the White House Tapes.
On June 24, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the Oval Office of the White House at 10:33 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 528-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon calls Congressman John W. Byrnes to express appreciation for his collaboration with Wilbur D. Mills in securing legislative support for H.R. 1. The two discuss the political difficulty of rebranding the bill's provisions, specifically refuting public criticism that the legislation constitutes a 'guaranteed annual income' by emphasizing work requirements. Nixon notes his intention to lobby Senator Russell B. Long to ensure the bill's continued progress in the Senate.
President Nixon met with Representative John W. Byrnes to express appreciation for the legislative support provided by Byrnes and Wilbur Mills regarding a recent bill. The conversation centered on justifying the administration's welfare reform proposals, with both men emphasizing that the legislation should be framed as a work incentive rather than a guaranteed annual income for the unemployed. Nixon concluded by confirming his intent to lobby Senator Richard Russell to secure further support for the administration's agenda.
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.
On August 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 9:05 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 007-153 of the White House Tapes.
On August 16, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at 9:05 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 007-154 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Treasury Secretary John B. Connally discuss strategic preparations for Connally's upcoming press conference regarding the administration's new economic proposals. They coordinate a plan to announce a bipartisan leadership meeting at the White House, specifically highlighting the support of House Ways and Means Chairman Wilbur Mills to ensure legislative cooperation. The discussion emphasizes the need to give public credit to Mills while organizing a comprehensive group of congressional committee chairs and leadership to bolster the administration's agenda.
President Nixon and Robert H. Finch discuss the positive reception of the President's recent address to Congress, noting the display of leadership and the enthusiastic reaction from members of Congress during an election year. They review the ambitious legislative agenda, which includes revenue sharing, government reorganization, welfare reform, and the new economic policy. A central focus of the discussion is the need to maintain political momentum and exert pressure on Wilbur Mills to ensure progress on the administration's economic and welfare initiatives before the November deadline.
President Nixon met with John Ehrlichman, John Connally, and George Shultz to discuss potential tax policy initiatives, specifically the implementation of a Value Added Tax (VAT) linked to the repeal of residential real estate taxes for education. The group evaluated the political feasibility of introducing such a plan, weighing the risks of congressional interference from Wilbur Mills against the potential for an effective 1972 campaign centerpiece. Ultimately, they reached a consensus to avoid immediate legislative action, opting instead to wait for the McElroy Commission report and delay a formal proposal until later in the spring to build public support and maintain a sense of stability.
President Nixon and Clark MacGregor strategize the rollout of a formal presidential statement regarding pending tax legislation. Nixon instructs MacGregor to draft the statement in the third person for his review and outlines a plan to brief key congressional leaders. The strategy involves providing last-minute courtesy notice to Wilbur Mills and Russell Long while giving Republican and Democratic allies advance warning to ensure they are prepared to publicly support the measure.
President Nixon spoke with Clark MacGregor by telephone about a proposal for free network television time for presidential candidates, which MacGregor presented as an alternative to the campaign check-off provision of the Tax Bill. MacGregor informed Nixon that John Anderson had made a speech on this idea, and Arthur Summerfield had discussed it with Wilbur Mills. Nixon expressed interest in the idea as a potential diversion but stressed it should only be considered as an alternative to the check-off, and he did not want to be publicly identified with it at this point. They also discussed positive press reaction to the President's stance against the check-off plan.
President Nixon and Clark MacGregor met to discuss the legislative strategy for the tax bill currently stalled in conference, specifically focusing on the controversial political campaign "check-off" provision. Nixon maintained a firm stance against the check-off on principle, ultimately deciding that he would oppose any version of it, request its repeal in the next legislative session, and veto any associated appropriation bills. Additionally, the pair briefly discussed administrative actions to support corn prices and noted the declining health of George Meany.
On December 6, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and unknown person(s) talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:42 am and 10:01 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 016-017 of the White House Tapes.
On December 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:55 am and 2:38 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 016-071 of the White House Tapes.
On December 9, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Alexander P. Butterfield met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:55 am and 2:38 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 634-001 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon calls Congressman Wilbur Mills to commend him for securing the House passage of recent tax legislation despite opposition from George Meany and Edward B. Miller regarding the "check off" provision. Mills reports that key Senate figures, including Russell B. Long, Herman E. Talmadge, and Carl T. Curtis, have expressed confidence in the bill's prospects in the upper chamber. Nixon offers to intervene by calling senators if necessary, though both agree to monitor the situation for any signs of obstruction.
President Nixon met with Congressman Wilbur D. Mills to exchange congratulations regarding the successful passage of pending legislation, likely related to economic or tax policy. The brief discussion served to affirm their ongoing collaboration, with Mills expressing his readiness to intervene or provide further support if the legislative process requires additional executive pressure. Nixon acknowledged the congressman's contributions, solidifying the coordination strategy for the remainder of the session.
President Nixon calls Nelson A. Rockefeller to exchange Christmas greetings and discuss domestic and foreign policy priorities. Nixon requests that Rockefeller contact a discouraged Henry Kissinger to offer support regarding the administration's handling of the India-Pakistan War. Additionally, they discuss the status of federal revenue sharing legislation, with Nixon encouraging Rockefeller to anticipate its passage when planning the New York state budget.
On January 24, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:05 pm and 1:51 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 019-041 of the White House Tapes.
On January 24, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 1:05 pm and 1:51 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 317-005 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon called Congressman Wilbur D. Mills to express concern regarding Mills’s recent back injury and to recommend a personal physician, Dr. W. Kenneth Riland, who also treated other prominent political figures. The two men discussed treatment options and potential scheduling for a consultation once Mills returned to Washington. During the call, Nixon also briefly conversed with Mills’s granddaughter and mother, maintaining a cordial and personal rapport.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to review the President’s daily schedule, specifically discussing an upcoming breakfast meeting with Wilbur D. Mills and a session with Soviet Minister of Foreign Trade Nikolai S. Patolichev. The conversation included a reference to former President Harry S. Truman in the context of the meeting with Mills. No further substantive policy decisions or developments were recorded during this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon and Charles Colson consulted regarding strategy for an upcoming press conference, specifically focusing on how to address potential inquiries about Congressman Wilbur D. Mills. The discussion centered on managing the political optics surrounding Vietnam policy, particularly regarding troop withdrawal, as well as the administration's position on pending tax reform legislation. The participants aimed to formulate a cohesive public stance to effectively counter legislative opposition.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss the successful House passage of a spending ceiling, which passed with a larger-than-expected margin due to intensive lobbying by cabinet members and a decisive floor speech by Wilbur Mills. Following this victory, the two coordinate a strategy to pressure the Senate, scheduling a meeting with key senators for Thursday morning to push for a cloture vote. The conversation also touches on ongoing efforts by Charles Colson to capitalize on George McGovern's controversial statements regarding amnesty and foreign policy.
On October 10, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at 8:20 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 148-004 of the White House Tapes.
On October 10, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator met in the Aspen Lodge study at Camp David at 8:20 pm. The Camp David Hard Wire taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 219-006 of the White House Tapes.
On October 10, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 8:44 pm and 8:46 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 148-007 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Congressman Wilbur Mills coordinated legislative strategy to secure support in the Senate Finance Committee for a pending bill involving debt limits, Medicare, and welfare. Mills encouraged Nixon to convene a private, Republican-led meeting with key Senators, specifically mentioning Len Jordan and Harry F. Byrd, Jr., to build momentum while avoiding obstruction from Russell Long. The two agreed on a strategy to compromise on specific bill provisions, such as disability and widow's benefits, to ensure passage while keeping the administration's legislative team, including William Timmons and John Veneman, fully informed.
President Nixon met with George Shultz, Edwin Cohen, and Lewis Engman to discuss tax policy strategy and congressional relations following the 1972 election. The group deliberated on how to approach key legislative figures, such as Wilbur Mills, regarding property taxes, private school aid, and potential tax code reform. The President emphasized a pragmatic approach to working with Congress to advance administration priorities while maintaining flexibility on controversial issues like the value-added tax.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discuss political strategy regarding the 1974 budget and the congressional confirmation of Peter M. Flanigan. They deliberate on press messaging to leverage opposition against potential tax increases and review the responsiveness of Democratic leaders like Wilbur Mills to the administration's firm fiscal stance. Additionally, the President briefly addresses administrative scheduling with Stephen B. Bull regarding upcoming meetings, including sessions with POW wives.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull reviewed and reorganized the President's upcoming schedule to accommodate administrative priorities, including economic policy and legislative strategy. They specifically coordinated meetings with figures such as Wilbur Mills and the National Association of Manufacturers while finalizing the timing for a scheduled radio address. Nixon emphasized the need for thorough talking papers to prepare for high-level discussions, ultimately opting for a one-on-one meeting with Mills to avoid unnecessary staff involvement.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met briefly to review the logistics of the President’s afternoon schedule. Their discussion focused on coordinating a series of appointments, including meetings with John D. Ehrlichman and Wilbur D. Mills, the swearing-in of John T. Dunlop, and tea with Alice Roosevelt Longworth. The brief exchange concluded with a confirmation of the President's planned departure time.
On February 23, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 3:44 pm and 3:47 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 043-195 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Congressman Wilbur D. Mills discussed the implementation of a 15% selective tariff surcharge to address international trade imbalances and the perceived failure of the Smithsonian Agreement. Mills argued that such drastic measures were necessary to force international cooperation, noting that he planned to issue a press release to pressure the administration into adopting this stance. Additionally, the pair briefly discussed the looming risk of a domestic milk shortage and potential regulatory adjustments to fluid milk and dairy prices to prevent supply deficits.
On March 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:25 pm and 1:42 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 037-139 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to review the daily news summary and discuss ongoing media relations. The conversation centered on the President's approval of specific editorials and the general tone of White House staff coverage in the press. Additionally, the participants touched upon the activities of Wilbur Mills and briefly reviewed the President’s upcoming schedule.