I DEEPLY regret Jerry terHorst's resignation. I understand his position. I appreciate the fact that good people will differ with me on this very difficult decision. However, it is my judgment that it is in the best interest of our country. I think Jerry did an outstanding job in a controversial period of transition. I thank him for his service.
Note: The statement was issued by the White House.
Regarding his decision to resign as a result of the President's pardon of Richard Nixon, news accounts quoted Mr. terHorst as saying, "It was simply after a great deal of soul-searching that I decided I couldn't in good conscience support the President's decision on former President Nixon, even though I knew he took that action in good conscience."
Gerald R. Ford, Statement on the Resignation of J. F. terHorst as Press Secretary to the President. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/256503