Why did President Ford pardon President Nixon? How did this affect his presidency?
President Gerald Ford pardoned President Richard Nixon in an effort to move the country past the Watergate scandal and allow it to heal and move forward. Ford believed that a lengthy and public trial of Nixon would only further divide the country and create more turmoil.
The decision to pardon Nixon was met with immediate backlash and criticism from the American public, as many viewed it as an act of protecting a corrupt politician. This decision heavily affected Ford's presidency, as it damaged his approval ratings and tarnished his reputation. The pardon was seen as an act of political self-preservation by Ford, leading many to question his motives and integrity. Ultimately, the pardon played a significant role in Ford's loss in the 1976 presidential election to Jimmy Carter.