Uploaded August 2014 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Richard Nixon became the first United States president to resign from office on August 9, 1974. The Nixon administration’s attempt to cover up the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters on June 17, 1972 eventually cost Nixon the presidency. The investigation conducted by the Watergate Committee revealed that President Nixon had a tape recording system in the Oval Office. After several court battles the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the president must hand over the tapes. Between July 27, 1974 and July 30, 1974 the House Judiciary Committee approved three articles of impeachment against President Nixon: obstruction of justice, abuse of power and contempt of Congress. The House Judiciary Committee formally impeached Nixon on August 20, 1974, 11 days after his resignation.
For news footage of President Nixon's resignation go to:
nbcuniarchives.com/anniversaries/august/richardnixon
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Richard Nixon became the first United States president to resign from office on August 9, 1974. The Nixon administration’s attempt to cover up the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters on June 17, 1972 eventually cost Nixon the presidency. The investigation conducted by the Watergate Committee revealed that President Nixon had a tape recording system in the Oval Office. After several court battles the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the president must hand over the tapes. Between July 27, 1974 and July 30, 1974 the House Judiciary Committee approved three articles of impeachment against President Nixon: obstruction of justice, abuse of power and contempt of Congress. The House Judiciary Committee formally impeached Nixon on August 20, 1974, 11 days after his resignation.
For news footage of President Nixon's resignation go to:
nbcuniarchives.com/anniversaries/august/richardnixon
Like Us on Facebook.com/NBCUArchives
Follow us on Twitter.com/NBCUArchives
