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Today in History: Elliot Richardson and Deputy Resign Over Watergate

10/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On October 20, 1973, Attorney General Elliot Richardson and Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus resigned in protest against President Richard Nixon's directive to fire special prosecutor Archibald Cox during the Watergate scandal. Their resignations intensified the crisis surrounding Nixon, ultimately contributing to his resignation in 1974 as the scandal unfolded.

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Story summary

On October 20, 1973, Attorney General Elliot Richardson and Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus resigned in protest against President Richard Nixon's directive to fire special prosecutor Archibald Cox during the Watergate scandal. Their resignations intensified the crisis surrounding Nixon, ultimately contributing to his resignation in 1974 as the scandal unfolded.