The first American president to resign from office was Richard Nixon, who resigned in 1974 amid the Watergate scandal. This historic event marked the first time a sitting president stepped down under pressure, a pivotal moment in American political history. Nixon's administration faced scrutiny over allegations of corruption and abuse of power, leading to widespread public distrust in government. His resignation had lasting implications for U.S. politics, influencing debates around accountability and transparency in leadership and catalyzing an era of political reform and scrutiny.