Princeton historian on Watergate

The 50th anniversary of Richard Nixon's resignation highlights the lasting impacts of the Watergate scandal on American politics, particularly in terms of declining trust in government and increased partisan polarization. Experts assert that the scandal shifted public perception, prompting skepticism toward presidential authority and leading to Congress being viewed as a more reliable institution. Despite initial bipartisan efforts to limit presidential power in the aftermath, contemporary assessments suggest that Nixon's ouster instead contributed to a strengthened presidency, as seen in recent Supreme Court rulings. Julian Zelizer argues for a balance between healthy skepticism and maintaining faith in government, warning against excessive mistrust. Nixon's administration employed unethical tactics during the 1972 election, setting a troubling precedent for political sabotage that continues to resonate in today's political climate. The legacy of Watergate remains complex, as it both challenged and ultimately reinforced certain aspects of executive power and governance.