Richard Nixon Is the Only U.S. President to Resign
Richard Nixon is the only American president to resign from office. He left the presidency on August 9, 1974, during his second term.
Why Nixon Resigned
Nixon resigned because of the Watergate scandal. The break-in at Democratic National Committee headquarters and the subsequent cover-up led to impeachment proceedings.
Key Facts About Nixon's Resignation
Facing near-certain removal by Congress and declining political support, Nixon chose to resign. Vice President Gerald Ford succeeded him and later pardoned Nixon for federal crimes committed during his presidency.
Read Nixon's resignation address for the official statement explaining his decision.
