Richard Nixon: “First, above everything else we need leadership that will keep the peace without surrender and extend freedom throughout…”

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.

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…

I have always tried to do what was best for the Nation.