Vice President JD Vance defends Richard M. Nixon at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and says Watergate would be a “12-hour news story” today, remarks that generate swift backlash on social media.Vance promotes his book “Communion,” draws parallels between Nixon’s resignation and his own rise as a young senator, and frames scrutiny of President Donald Trump as evidence of a so‑called “deep state” effort to undermine leaders.Historians and critics respond that
Watergate revealed illegal break‑ins, obstruction of justice and misuse of government agencies, and they warn that reframing the scandal risks excusing corruption as Vance eyes a likely 2028 presidential campaign.