President Gerald Ford ultimately decided to pardon Richard Nixon because he believed it was in the best interest of the country to move on from the Watergate scandal and avoid a lengthy and divisive trial of a former President. He believed that the nation needed to heal and come together, and that a trial of Nixon would only further divide the country and distract from other important issues. Additionally, Ford was concerned about the toll that a trial would take on Nixon's health and well-being. By issuing the pardon, Ford hoped to put an end to the turmoil and uncertainty that had engulfed the country in the wake of Watergate.
