October 20, 1973: Nixon's Saturday Night Massacre reshapes U.S. politics
- On this date in 1973, U.S. Attorney General Elliot Richardson and Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus resigned.
- This resignation occurred after President Nixon ordered the firing of special prosecutor Archibald Cox during the Watergate investigation.
- The event significantly escalated public outrage against Nixon and was a critical factor leading to further investigations and his eventual resignation.
On October 20, 1973, two high-ranking officials in the United States government resigned amidst the escalating Watergate scandal, a political scandal that significantly impacted American politics. Attorney General Elliot Richardson and Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus stepped down after President Richard Nixon ordered them to dismiss special prosecutor Archibald Cox, who was investigating the scandal. Their resignations marked a pivotal moment in the tension between the executive branch and the judiciary. Following their departures, Solicitor General Robert Bork complied with Nixon's directive and executed the firing of Cox, which became known as the 'Saturday Night Massacre.' This event mobilized public sentiment against Nixon and intensified calls for accountability, ultimately leading to further investigations into the Watergate affair. The fallout from this incident contributed to Nixon's eventual resignation in 1974, making it a significant chapter in U.S. history and a key example of the struggles between different branches of government.