On August 9, 1974, Richard Nixon’s resignation took effect at noon, and Gerald Ford was sworn in as the 38th president. Nixon departed the White House by helicopter, a scene that became an enduring image of the Watergate era. Ford took the oath of office in a brief ceremony inside the White House. In his remarks, he stated that “our long national nightmare” of political scandal was over. Ford’s presidency began without a national election for either the presidency or vice presidency, relying entirely on constitutional succession. The day marked a major moment in restoring government stability.
