22 Photos of Richard Nixon’s Presidency and Political Career

Written by Alina Wang on June 9, 2025 updated June 10, 2025

A man in a dark suit sits at a desk holding papers, with an American flag in the background. He appears serious and is looking slightly to the side. The image is in black and white.

Richard Nixon’s presidency remains one of the most controversial and dramatic in U.S. history. Elected in 1968 on promises to restore “law and order,” Nixon managed to pull off some diplomatic wins like easing Cold War tensions with the Soviet Union and opening trade talks with China. But as his popularity grew among Americans, his administration was marred by secrecy and a slew of illegal activities behind the scenes. This culminated in the Watergate scandal: a failed break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in 1972, orchestrated by Nixon’s operatives to sabotage his political opponents.

As investigations unraveled a web of cover-ups, illegal surveillance, and abuse of power, Nixon’s administration crumbled under the weight of subpoenas and growing public ire. By August 9, 1974, with impeachment all but certain, Nixon became the first U.S. president to resign from office. Here are 22 pictures of Nixon’s career, including his dramatic fall from grace.

1. Richard Nixon Addresses the Nation From the White House Amid Mounting Pressure Stemming From the Watergate Scandal, 1973

A man in a suit gestures and points toward the camera while speaking at a podium with microphones, in front of a curtain backdrop. The image is in black and white. — UserDeleted

2. John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon Pose Together Before the First-Ever Televised Presidential Debate, 1960

Two men in suits stand side by side against a plain dark background, both looking forward with neutral expressions in a black-and-white photograph. — PhysicalScholar4238

3. Nixon Flashes His Signature ‘Double V-for-Victory’ Salute as He Boards Marine One on August 9, 1974, Moments Before Announcing His Resignation in the Wake of the Watergate Scandal

A man in a suit stands at the open doorway of a helicopter, smiling and raising both arms in a V-sign gesture. People in uniforms are gathered below, looking toward him. The scene is in black and white. — UserDeleted

4. ‘Reporters Who Exposed the Watergate Scandal Watch President Nixon Resign, 1974’

Two men in office attire watch a small, old-fashioned TV; one sits in a chair taking notes, the other sits on the floor, both focused intently. Papers and office items are visible around them. — Familiar_Internet

5. A Newspaper Clipping of the Tennessean’s Front Page Declaring ‘Nixon Quits!’ as Washington Ushers in New President Gerald Ford

Front page of "The Tennessean" newspaper from August 9, 1974, with the bold headline "NIXON QUITS!" announcing President Nixon’s resignation, featuring photos of Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. — Ceaser_Corporation

6. Richard Nixon Celebrates Victory With a Confetti-Filled Parade After Defeating Democratic Nominee Hubert Humphrey in the 1968 US Presidential Election

A man in a suit, smiling and raising both arms in a victory gesture, stands before a large crowd. A partial banner behind him reads "NIXON'S THE ONE." Confetti rains down in the scene. — UserDeleted

7. Then-Vice President Richard Nixon Shakes Hands With Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. During a Meeting in Washington, D.C, 1950s

Four men in suits stand together; two in the center, one Black and one white, are shaking hands and smiling. The other two men, one on each side, look on. An American flag is partially visible in the background. — Beneficial-Play-2008

8. Then-California Governor Ronald Reagan Stands Beside President Richard Nixon During a Public Appearance, 1970s

Three men in suits stand outdoors, one in the center speaking and gesturing with his hands, while the others listen attentively. The setting appears formal, with trees and open space in the background. — Beneficial-Play-2008

9. Then-Vice President Richard Nixon Stands Face-to-Face With a Roaring Lion at a Circus Event in Las Vegas, 1950s

A man in a suit stands inside a cage facing a roaring lion, while another man holds a stick near the lion. Several onlookers watch from outside the cage. — NotAProfessor1119

10. Nixon Leaps Off the Stage at a Black-Tie Event, 1960s

A man in a tuxedo jumps off a stage in front of a table set for a formal event, with people seated behind him and an American flag visible to the left. — NotAProfessor1119

11. A Stoic and Defiant-Looking Nixon Sits With Arms Crossed During a Television Interview, 1973

A man in a suit sits at a table with his arms crossed, looking serious and resolute. A microphone is placed in front of him. The image is in black and white. — NotAProfessor1119

12. Former President Richard Nixon Poses for a Photo With a Guest at Rusty Staub’s Restaurant, 1980s

A smiling young woman in a blue patterned blazer stands next to an older man in a gray suit and striped tie. They pose indoors in front of a brick wall and a framed poster. — UserDeleted

13. Nixon Meets the King of Rock n’ Roll Himself, Elvis Presley, in the Oval Office on Dec. 21, 1970

U.S. President Richard Nixon shakes hands with Elvis Presley in the Oval Office, standing in front of military flags and gold curtains. — ExtraNoise

14. Then-Vice President Richard Nixon Jumps From the Roof of a Car to Escape Protesters During a Visit to Caracas, Venezuela, 1958

A man in a suit jumps energetically over the hood of a black car, surrounded by several people outdoors on a sunny day. Trees and more people can be seen in the background. — meatballman1218

15. Nixon, Always in Formal Wear, Stands on the Roof of His Los Angeles Home With a Garden Hose, 1961

A man in dress pants, a shirt, and a tie stands on a shingled rooftop holding a hose, looking into the distance. Trees and houses are visible in the background on a foggy day. — meatballman1218

16. President Richard Nixon Entertains the Crowd on Stage With Singer and Actor Sammy Davis Jr. During a Public Event, Early 1970s

A black-and-white photo shows two men, one in a suit and one in an open shirt, standing face to face on stage with a woman and musicians in the background. The atmosphere appears tense or serious. — NotAProfessor1119

17. President Nixon Dines With Chinese Leaders in Beijing, 1972

A group of men in suits and traditional attire sit around a table with various Chinese dishes, using chopsticks during an outdoor banquet, with blooming flowers and trees in the background. — EssoEssex

18. Then-Vice President Richard Nixon Wears a Traditional Andean Hat During a Diplomatic Visit to Peru, 1958

A smiling man wearing a traditional Andean chullo hat and a decorated robe, standing indoors in front of curtains. — NotAProfessor1119

19. Former President Richard Nixon Poses With a Family in California After Resigning From Office, 1980s

A group of five people, including a man in a suit holding a small child, stand together outdoors on a grassy field near a baseball diamond. Two women and a man wear casual, sporty clothes. Trees and a police car are in the background. — UserDeleted

20. US President Richard Nixon Shakes Hands With Chinese Chairman Mao Zedong in Beijing on Feb. 21, 1972

Two men in suits shake hands and smile at each other in a formal indoor setting; one wears a Mao suit while the other wears a dark Western suit and tie. — DieselFlame1819

21. Nixon Takes Up Bowling Post-Presidency, 1980s

A man in a short-sleeve shirt and loafers bowls a ball down a lane indoors. He looks focused, with one arm extended forward and the other holding the ball. The background features a patterned wall and red seating. — meatballman1218

22. Droves of Protesters Line the Streets Outside the White House to Demand Nixon’s Axing, 1973

A large crowd protests in front of the White House, holding signs. A U-Haul truck with “IMPEACH NIXON” painted on its side is parked in front of the group. Trees and the White House appear in the background. — MPI/Getty Images

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