Richard Nixon: “I have been advised by Special Counsel to the President of the order issued by you on January 25, 1974, in which you…”

It is regrettable that the Congress has seen fit to add to a bill of such importance to our national security a rider adversely affecting the constitutional separation of powers.

I have never been a quitter. To leave office before my term is completed is abhorrent to every instinct in my body. But as president, I must put the interests of America first. Therefore, I shall resign the presidency effective at noon…

This legislation exceeds my budgetary recommendations by such a large amount--some $540 million--that it presents a clear and distinct threat to our fight against inflation and cannot be accepted.

In keeping Federal spending under control, we do not intend, of course, to single out only farm or environmental programs.