I believe that truth is the glue that holds government together, not only our Government but civilization itself. That bond, though strained, is unbroken at home and abroad. In all my public and private acts as your President, I expect to follow my instincts of openness and candor with full confidence that honesty is always the best policy in the end. My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over.
Address Upon Taking the Oath of the U.S. Presidency, delivered 9 August 1974 East Room of the White House, Washington, D.C.