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Gerald Ford starts his political career
Ford launched his career in politics in 1948, when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He served in the House for the next 25 years. -
Gerald Ford Becomes House Minority Leader.
Earning a reputation as a friendly, honest, loyal and hardworking Republican, Mr. Ford becomes house Minority Leader. -
Vice President Spiro T. Agnew resigned office
Vice President Spiro T. Agnew resigned from office over unrelated charges of accepting bribes and evading taxes -
Gerald For Becomes Vice President
Nixon used his power under the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to appoint Ford as his new vice president. The well-liked and respected Ford was easily confirmed by Congress. -
Nixon Pardoned
President Ford said, “Our Constitution works. Our great republic is a government of laws and not men.” Ford pardoned Nixon for any crimes he may have committed as president. Ford insisted that the nation’s future hinged on ending the ordeal of Watergate and beginning the process of healing. -
President Nixon Resigns
Nixon chose to resign from office rather than face an impeachment trial over his role in the scandal. -
Gerald Ford becomes President of The United States of America
President Nixon resigned, making Ford assume the presidency and immediately take up the task of reassuring a shaken and demoralized American public. -
Losing and Winning
Ford left politics after losing the 1976 presidential election to Democrat Jimmy Carter. The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation presented its 2001 Profile in Courage Award to Gerald Ford for his 1974 pardon of Nixon.
