The central event of the Watergate scandal was the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters, located in the Watergate office complex, on June 17, 1972, and the subsequent cover-up efforts by the Nixon administration. The scandal unfolded as investigations revealed that members of President Richard Nixon’s campaign were involved in the break-in and that the administration sought to obstruct justice by hiding evidence. The ensuing scandal led to a loss of public trust in government, widespread media coverage, and ultimately Nixon's resignation in August 1974. Watergate significantly influenced American politics and raised vital questions about presidential authority and accountability.