Gerald Ford pardons Richard Nixon

In September 1974, President Gerald Ford issued a ‘full, free, and absolute pardon’ to former President Richard Nixon for any crimes committed during his presidency.

Addressing concerns regarding the decision, Ford stated that the pardon was intended to allow the United States, Congress, and the American people to focus on pressing domestic and international problems. He argued that the distraction of an indictment, trial, and conviction would have diverted national attention from critical issues facing the country.