White House Aide Who Revealed Nixon Tapes Dies at 99

Alexander Butterfield's disclosure of the secret Oval Office recording system helped bring about Nixon's resignation.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Alexander Butterfield, the former White House aide who revealed the existence of President Richard Nixon's secret taping system during the Watergate scandal, has died at the age of 99. Butterfield's disclosure of the recording devices in the Oval Office and Cabinet Room in 1973 led to a legal battle that ultimately resulted in Nixon's resignation in 1974.

Why it matters

Butterfield's revelation of the taping system was a pivotal moment in the Watergate scandal, providing investigators with crucial evidence of Nixon's involvement in the cover-up. This disclosure helped bring an end to Nixon's presidency and had a lasting impact on American politics and the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.

The details

As a deputy assistant to President Nixon, Butterfield oversaw the taping system that recorded the president's conversations in multiple locations, including the Oval Office and Camp David. Butterfield initially thought only a few people, including himself and Nixon, knew about the existence of the tapes. However, when questioned by Senate investigators in 1973, he acknowledged the taping system, leading to its public disclosure and the eventual release of the recordings that proved Nixon's role in the Watergate cover-up.

  • Butterfield served as a deputy assistant to Nixon from 1969 to 1973.
  • On July 13, 1973, Butterfield was privately questioned by Senate committee staffers about the possibility of a taping system.
  • On July 16, 1973, Butterfield's public revelation of the taping system stunned Nixon's allies and foes alike.
  • In July 1974, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that Nixon had to surrender the relevant tapes to the Watergate special prosecutor.
  • On August 9, 1974, Nixon resigned to avoid impeachment by the House.

The players

Alexander Butterfield

A former White House aide who revealed the existence of President Richard Nixon's secret taping system during the Watergate scandal, helping to bring about Nixon's resignation.

Richard Nixon

The 37th President of the United States, whose secret taping system was exposed by Butterfield, leading to the Watergate scandal and Nixon's eventual resignation.

John Dean

Nixon's White House counsel during the Watergate scandal, who helped expose the wrongdoing along with Butterfield.

H.R. Haldeman

Nixon's White House chief of staff, who was one of the few people aware of the taping system according to Butterfield.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He had the heavy responsibility of revealing something he was sworn to secrecy on, which is the installation of the Nixon taping system. He stood up and told the truth.”

— John Dean, Nixon's White House counsel (Washington Post)

“I didn't like to be the cause of that, but I felt that I was, in a lot of ways.”

— Alexander Butterfield (Nixon Presidential Library and Museum)

What’s next

The release of the Nixon tapes sparked a yearlong legal battle that was resolved in July 1974 when the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that Nixon had to surrender the relevant recordings to the Watergate special prosecutor.

The takeaway

Butterfield's revelation of the secret taping system was a pivotal moment in the Watergate scandal, providing crucial evidence that led to Nixon's resignation and had a lasting impact on the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government.