President Nixon Resigned 40 Years Ago Today

Nixon resigned amid Watergate scandal.

ByABC News
August 9, 2014, 6:30 AM
President Richard Nixon announces his resignation on television in Washington in this Aug 8, 1974, file photo.
President Richard Nixon announces his resignation on television in Washington in this Aug 8, 1974, file photo.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images

— -- President Richard Nixon resigned 40 years ago today, saying during his announcement that it would begin "that process of healing which is so desperately needed in America."

The 37th president faced the Watergate scandal shortly after his re-election in 1972. As almost certain impeachment approached, on August 8, 1974, Nixon announced he'd resign the next day.

"I would've preferred to carry through to the finish, whatever the personal agony it would've involved," he said.

President Gerald Ford took the oath of office on Aug. 9, 1974, after Nixon resigned.

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