Alexander Butterfield, Watergate Whistleblower, Dies at 99

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Alexander Butterfield, the former White House aide who revealed the existence of President Richard Nixon's secret audio taping system, has died at the age of 99. Butterfield's disclosure of the taping system provided the 'smoking gun' that led to Nixon's resignation during the Watergate scandal. He died at his home in La Jolla, California, a month shy of his 100th birthday.

Why it matters

Butterfield's revelation about the taping system was a pivotal moment in the Watergate investigation, as it provided concrete evidence of Nixon's involvement in the cover-up. His disclosure set off a legal battle over executive privilege and ultimately led to Nixon's resignation, marking a significant moment in American political history.

The details

Butterfield was a deputy to Nixon's chief of staff, H.R. Haldeman, and was responsible for overseeing the installation of the voice-activated taping system in the Oval Office, Nixon's office, the Cabinet room, and several White House telephones. When Butterfield was questioned by the Senate Watergate Committee, he reluctantly acknowledged the existence of the recording system, providing the key evidence that led to Nixon's downfall.

• Butterfield disclosed the existence of the taping system to the Senate Watergate Committee on July 16, 1973.
• A recording made six days after the Watergate break-in proved to be the 'smoking gun' that showed Nixon's involvement in the cover-up.
• Nixon resigned on August 9, 1974, rather than face impeachment and a Senate trial.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The documents and interviews with Butterfield that were the focus of the 2015 book 'The Last of the President's Men' by Bob Woodward may provide further insights into the inner workings of the Nixon administration and Butterfield's role in the Watergate scandal.