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Politics
Ken Hughes, Research Specialist, the Miller Center, University of Virginia

Supreme Court’s ruling in Trump v. United States would have given Nixon immunity for Watergate crimes — but 50 years ago he needed a presidential pardon to avoid prison

Richard Nixon Donald Trump Gerald Ford Joe Biden Watergate United States White House
President Gerald Ford announcing his decision to grant a pardon to former President Richard Nixon on Sept. 8, 1974. Pictures from History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Gerald Ford knew Richard Nixon could be prosecuted for crimes he committed as president. That was simply a fact, when President Ford gave his predecessor “a full, free, and absolute pardon” 50 years ago this week.

Former presidents did not enjoy broad immunity from criminal prosecution until July 1, 2024, when six members of the Supreme Court created that privilege in Trump v. United States.

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