This Day in History: Vice President Agnew Resigns

On October 10, 1973, Spiro Agnew became the first American Vice President to resign in disgrace. Accused of accepting bribes, Agnew pleaded no contest to federal income tax evasion in exchange for dropping the political corruption charges. His resignation triggered the first time the 25th Amendment was used to fill a vice presidential vacancy. Gerald Ford, the House Minority Leader, was appointed and confirmed as the 40th Vice President. On August 9, 1974 President Richard Nixon resigned as well. The Nixon-Agnew resignations mark the first time in history that both the president and his vice president resigned from office.

Check out Spiro Agnew's biography from the Senate Historical Office. Read more information on the 25th Amendment from the National Archives.

Want more information on the presidency? Check out the library's guide.