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Letters between Nixon and Agnew about Agnew Resignation
There were several official and informal exchanges related to Agnew’s resignation in 1973, and many details about the process have been documented through other records, such as White House memos, transcripts, and testimonies. Agnew was facing charges of bribery, tax evasion, and conspiracy stemming from his time as governor of Maryland before he became vice president. As the investigation progressed, it became clear that Agnew would not be able to remain in office. -
What happened to Nixon's first vice president?
In 1973, while governor of Maryland, Agnew faced charges of tax evasion and bribery. In October of that year, he pleaded no contest to a single tax evasion charge. As part of a plea deal, Agnew resigned as vice president on October 10, 1973. -
how Ford became vice president/25th amendment
Gerald Ford became vice president in 1973 through a process set by the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The 25th Amendment, ratified in 1967, outlines how vacancies in the vice presidency should be filled. It allows the president to nominate a new vice president, who must then be confirmed by a majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. -
Vote on Ford’s Nomination as Vice President
Senate Vote (November 27, 1973): yes-93, no-3
House Vote (December 6, 1973) yes-387, no-35
After these votes, Ford was sworn in as Vice President on December 6, 1973. This made him the first person to become Vice President under the 25th Amendment's appointment process instead of election. -
How did Gerald Ford become president?
Gerald Ford became president on August 9, 1974, after Richard Nixon's resignation due to the Watergate scandal. -
Ford’s Nomination as Vice President
Ford was confirmed by the House and Senate and was sworn in as Vice President on December 6, 1973. His time as VP was short, as he became President on August 9, 1974, after Nixon resigned due to the Watergate scandal. -
Nixon's resignation letter
Richard Nixon’s resignation letter was a short and formal document, consisting of just one sentence. It was addressed to Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and was submitted on August 9, 1974. The letter read:
"I hereby resign the Office of President of the United States, effective at noon today." It was signed simply as: Richard Nixon -
How did Gerald Ford decide to handle Nixon after his resignation?
After Richard Nixon’s resignation in August 1974 due to the Watergate scandal, Gerald Ford, now president, faced the decision of how to handle his predecessor. In a highly controversial move, Ford decided to pardon Nixon for any crimes he may have committed while in office. -
Ford Pardons Nixon
On September 8, 1974, President Gerald Ford issued a full, unconditional pardon to former President Richard Nixon for any crimes he may have committed while in office. This controversial decision came just a month after Nixon resigned due to the Watergate scandal, making him the first U.S. president to ever resign. -
Ford Sworn in as President
Gerald Ford was sworn in as the 38th President of the United States on August 9, 1974, following Richard Nixon’s resignation due to the Watergate scandal.
Time: Shortly after noon (Eastern Time). Location: East Room of the White House (instead of the traditional Capitol ceremony). Oath Administered By: Chief Justice Warren Burger. Notable Moment: Ford did not have a Vice President at the time; he later nominated Nelson Rockefeller, who was confirmed in December 1974.