What decision by Gerald ford cast him poular support?

Gerald Ford's decision to pardon former President Richard Nixon for any crimes committed during the Watergate scandal significantly impacted his popularity. While Ford believed the pardon was necessary for national healing and to move the country forward, it led to widespread public backlash and loss of trust. Many Americans felt the pardon was a betrayal of justice, which ultimately contributed to Ford's declining approval ratings and his defeat in the 1976 presidential election.