Disney Fact: “I am not a crook” speech at Disney World

The year was 1973. It was the height of the Watergate political scandal.

President Richard Nixon was cleaning house, he asked for the resignation of two of his most influential aides, who were later indicted, convicted and sent to prison for their involvement. He also fired the White House counsel, who went on to testify against the president.

The political scandal, for those who may have forgotten, concerns the break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C. and attempted cover-up by the Nixon administration for its involvement.

And on Nov. 17, 1973, Nixon went the to the Contemporary Resort in Walt Disney World to participate in an hour-long televised question and answer session. He fielded questions from the 400 managing editors of the Associated Press during their annual convention held at the Contemporary.

During the question-and-answer session, Nixon gave his famous “I’m not a crook” statement.

“I have earned every cent. And in all of my years of public life I have never obstructed justice,” the President said. “People have got to know whether or not their President is a crook. Well, I’m not a crook. I’ve earned everything I’ve got.”

While the speech is well-known for being part of Disney World lore. This was far from Nixon’s first interaction with a Disney property, having a long history with Walt Walt Disney himself.

Nixon was a well-documented Disney fan.

The relationship began in 1955, a pivotal year for both Nixon and Walt Disney. Then Vice President under Dwight D. Eisenhower, Nixon visited the then-new Disneyland with his family. This wasn’t just a quick photo-op; it was a moment of mutual recognition. Nixon was presented with the Key to Disneyland, symbolizing the park’s embrace of the prominent figure. He and his family experienced the park’s magic, including classic attractions like the Peter Pan Flight, marking the beginning of a long and enduring relationship, according to a series of newsletters published on the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum website.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the Nixon family became frequent visitors to Disneyland. These weren’t merely obligatory public appearances; they were genuine family outings. The Nixons, like countless other Americans, were drawn to Disney’s unique blend of entertainment, innovation, and wholesome fun. They also developed a friendship with Walt Disney himself, a man whose warmth, creativity, and subtle humor resonated with them.

In 1959 Nixon was present for the grand opening of a major Disneyland expansion, including the debut of the Monorail. Tricia and Julie Nixon, Nixon’s daughters, used over-sized wooden sciossors to cut the ribbon during the ceremony.

On the 55th anniversary of the ribbon cutting, in 2014, Tricia and Julie sent this message:

“We are pleased and excited to join Disney fans around the world in celebrating the 55th anniversary of the iconic Disneyland Monorail. When we cut the ribbon and took the very first Monorail ride on June 14, 1959, we could not have imagined what a popular icon it would become. For over five decades, it has provided countless families that special Disney experience – just as it did ours.

“Our family visited Disneyland as often as we could. It was then – as it is now – truly the ‘happiest place on earth,’ thanks to the visionary Walt Disney. Our parents cherished Walt’s years of friendship, not to mention his warmth, creativity and contagious sense of humor. He was, on that warm June day, charming as ever. His excitement for life has inspired millions across the globe.

“We send our best wishes on this special day of celebration. Congratulations to Disneyland, and may it continue to inspire joy and hope, as it has done for us for nearly 60 years.”

In 1961, Disneyland expanded the monorail train system to encompass the Disneyland Hotel. Walt Disney himself invited Nixon and his family to attend, but the Vice President’s travel schedule wouldn’t allow it.

Nixon was invited to return by scheduling had always been difficult.

Though, Walt Disney died in 1966, the Nixon family would return to the parks. In 1968, during a break from the presidential campaign, the Nixon family once again visited Disneylandand. Pat Nixon specifically requested to experience “it’s a small world,” highlighting the iconic attraction’s universal appeal.

The following year, 1969, was a year of celebration for both Disney and the nation. The Apollo 11 moon landing captivated the world, and President Nixon played a key role in honoring the astronauts. Part of that celebration took place at Disneyland, where the Disney family hosted a dinner for the returning heroes. Nixon’s arrival in California for the event was heralded by the Disneyland Band. That same year, President Nixon presented Lillian Disney, Walt Disney’s widow, with a commemorative gold medal recognizing Walt’s extraordinary contributions to American culture.

In 1971, Walt Disney World opened in Florida. Nixon was invited to the opening and plans were even made for his possible visit, but he was unable to attend. However, Disney’s connection to the presidency was cemented with The Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom. The attraction features audio-animatronic figures of every U.S. President, including Nixon.

Then in 1973, Nixon fielded questions 400 managing editors of the Associated Press during their annual convention held at the Contemporary. Nixon responded to questions regarding his finances and welcomed the inquiries being made stating, “people have got to know whether or not their president is a crook. Well, I’m not a crook. I’ve earned everything I’ve got.” He resigned from the presidency on August 8, 1974.

After his presidency, the Nixon family visited Walt Disney World often and were frequently accompanied by their extended family and grandchildren. Nixon died on. April 22, 1994.