This is the final post in a series on Richard Nixon during the Watergate investigation. The first one can be found here, the second one can be found here, the third one is here, and the fourth one is here.
Although Nixon made transcripts of the Oval Office tapes available in April 1974, the special prosecutor, Leon Jaworski, insisted on access to the physical tapes. Nixon’s attorneys appealed a decision by a federal court that ordered the release of the tapes. Finally on July 24, 1974, the Supreme Court ruled that Nixon must turn over the tapes. The recordings revealed that he did play a significant role in the cover-up of the Watergate burglary, and his impeachment appeared to be imminent unless he resigned. On August 8, 1974, Nixon announced his resignation for the following day.
Nixon and Ford talking in the Oval Office before Nixon announced his resignation, effective at noon the following day (August 8, 1974). Oliver F. Atkins photograph collection, Box 48, Folder 1. George Mason University. Libraries. Special Collections & Archives. Copyright not held by George Mason University Libraries. Restricted to personal, non-commercial use only. For permission to publish, contact Special Collections and Archives.
Following his final meal in the White House, Nixon addressed the White House staff in the East Room, and then he walked out to board a helicopter accompanied by his family and the Fords.
President Nixon’s last meal in the White House: pineapple, cottage cheese and milk (August 9, 1974). Oliver F. Atkins photograph collection, Box 26, Folder 2. George Mason University. Libraries. Special Collections & Archives. Copyright not held by George Mason University Libraries. Restricted to personal, non-commercial use only. For permission to publish, contact Special Collections and Archives.
The Fords and the Nixons walk across the White House lawn to the presidential helicopter Marine One (August 9, 1974). Oliver F. Atkins photograph collection, Box 26, Folder 1. George Mason University. Libraries. Special Collections & Archives. Copyright not held by George Mason University Libraries. Restricted to personal, non-commercial use only. For permission to publish, contact Special Collections and Archives.
Nixon gives a final victory sign before he boards Marine One (August 9, 1974). Oliver F. Atkins photograph collection, Box 26, Folder 1. George Mason University. Libraries. Special Collections & Archives. Copyright not held by George Mason University Libraries. Restricted to personal, non-commercial use only. For permission to publish, contact Special Collections and Archives.
Following Richard and Pat Nixon’s departure, the Fords returned to the White House East Room for the swearing-in of Gerald Ford as President of the United States. One month later, he pardoned Nixon. For more on Watergate, see this page on the Washington Post website.
