-
Vice President Spiro Agnew Resigns
Spiro Agnew, Nixon’s first vice president, resigned due to charges of tax evasion and accepting bribes. -
Gerald Ford Nominated as Vice President
President Richard Nixon nominated Gerald Ford, then House Minority Leader, to replace Agnew under the 25th Amendment. -
Congress Confirms Ford as Vice President
The Senate and House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved Ford’s nomination. -
Watergate Scandal Forces Nixon to Resign
Facing near-certain impeachment over the Watergate scandal, Nixon announced his resignation in a televised speech. -
Ford Addresses the Nation
In his first speech as president, Ford reassured the American people and called for unity. -
Gerald Ford Becomes President
Ford was sworn in as the 38th President of the United States, stating, “Our long national nightmare is over.” -
Ford Pardons Nixon
In a controversial decision, Ford granted Nixon a full pardon to move the country past the scandal. -
Public Reaction and Fallout from the Pardon
The pardon damaged Ford’s popularity, with many believing Nixon should have faced trial.