Harding's presidency was largely overshadowed by the Teapot Dome scandal and the revelation of his illegitimate daughter, which tarnished his legacy. Despite his initial popularity and a thriving economy at the time of his death, rumors swirled about his widow's involvement in his demise. The Teapot Dome property, dormant for decades, eventually became a significant oil producer during the OPEC crisis, highlighting the long-lasting impact of the scandal.