4 of the most controversial presidential pardons in US history

By CP Staff, Wednesday, December 04, 2024

Former President Gerald Ford and wife Betty acknowledge applause from the convention floor during the evening session of the 1996 Republican National Convention in San Diego, on Aug. 12, 1996. Former first lady Betty Ford said on Dec. 26, 2006, that President Gerald Ford has died. | AP/ David Longstreath

President Gerald Ford pardons former President Richard Nixon

Widely considered one of the most significant and controversial moments in U.S. political history, Nixon resigned from the presidency on Aug. 9, 1974, in the wake of the Watergate scandal.

On Sept. 8, 1974, just one month after Nixon's resignation, his successor, President Gerald Ford, issued a full and unconditional pardon to Nixon for any crimes he might have committed during his time in office. Ford explained that his decision was made in the interest of national healing, contending that the country needed to move past the divisive Watergate scandal.

Nixon never faced criminal charges, and the pardon ensured he would not be prosecuted for any crimes related to Watergate.

However, the pardon significantly damaged Ford’s political standing, and many believe it contributed to his loss in the 1976 presidential election to Jimmy Carter.