Today in History – 1974: President Gerald Ford pardons Richard Nixon

September 8th, 1974

Newly appointed President Gerald Ford used his executive authority to issue an unconditional pardon to a recently resigned Richard Nixon. Ford claimed the edict was in the best interests of the country but the pardon was met with criticism. The general public didn’t approve of Ford negating the punishment for Nixon’s crimes during his presidential tenure.

Ford’s loss in the ensuing 1976 election is often attributed to his unpopular pardon of Nixon which may have angered voters.

To learn more about the long and storied history of the executive branch and the core concepts of democracy, be sure to check out Democracy for Beginners.