JD Vance Defends Nixon, Says Watergate Scandal Wouldn't End Presidency Today

Jun 26, 2026

Speaking at the Nixon presidential library, Vice President JD Vance defended former President Richard Nixon, calling it "crazy" that the Watergate scandal ended his presidency. Vance claimed the scandal would be a minor news story today and alleged that both Nixon and President Donald Trump were targeted by "deep state" forces. His comments, made while promoting a new book, drew a negative reaction on social media.

Vance's Nixon Library speech

▪JD Vance stated he has "always liked" former president Richard Nixon and is "fascinated by Nixon as a character in history."
▪Vice President JD Vance gave a speech at the Nixon presidential library in Yorba Linda, California, while promoting his new book.
▪JD Vance suggested Richard Nixon's historical legacy is "enjoying a bit of a renaissance, and deservedly so."

Watergate scandal reinterpretation

▪Richard Nixon was impeached and resigned from the presidency in 1974 to avoid a trial amid the Watergate scandal.
▪JD Vance suggested that if the Watergate scandal occurred today, it would be a "12-hour news story."
▪JD Vance called it "crazy" that the Watergate scandal ended Richard Nixon's presidency, suggesting the event was "overblown."

Deep state conspiracy claims

▪JD Vance drew parallels between Richard Nixon and President Donald Trump, who was impeached twice during his first term.
▪JD Vance claimed that both Richard Nixon and Donald Trump were targeted by "deep state" forces.

Social media backlash

▪JD Vance's defense of Nixon went viral and drew a negative reaction on social media.
▪A tweet from Tommy Vietor, cited as context for the backlash, noted that the Watergate scandal involved Nixon's staff breaking into a political opponent's HQ and Nixon obstructing justice.