“I have impeached myself by resigning.”
- January 9, 1913 – April 22, 1994
- American
- The 37th President of the United States, Lawyer, Politician
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Quote
“I have impeached myself by resigning.”
Explanation
In this quote, Richard Nixon acknowledges the gravity of his resignation, equating it with the constitutional act of impeachment. By saying “I have impeached myself,” he implies that stepping down from the presidency was a self-imposed judgment, an acceptance of responsibility without forcing Congress to complete the formal process. The statement reflects a blend of regret, realism, and an effort to reclaim moral agency, suggesting that by resigning, he took the ultimate step of accountability—not just for political survival, but to prevent further damage to the presidency and the country.
Historically, Nixon made this remark after resigning on August 8, 1974, in the face of almost certain impeachment and removal due to the Watergate scandal. The House Judiciary Committee had already approved articles of impeachment, and Nixon lacked sufficient support in the Senate to survive a trial. His decision to resign was unprecedented in American history, and this quote attempts to frame that resignation not as an escape, but as an act of final responsibility—a way to avoid the divisive spectacle of a full impeachment process.
In today’s political landscape, the quote raises enduring questions about the nature of accountability, leadership, and legacy. It suggests that sometimes the most honorable—or inevitable—action is to step down voluntarily, rather than endure forced removal. Nixon’s phrase continues to resonate as a rare admission that moral and constitutional consequences can overlap, and that resignation, while not legally equivalent to impeachment, can carry the same symbolic weight when chosen in the face of overwhelming evidence and public condemnation.
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