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Alexander Butterfield, Key Figure in Watergate, Passes Away at 99

KVIA•Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 1:13 AM•CNN Newsource

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Alexander Butterfield, a pivotal aide to President Richard Nixon, has died at the age of 99. His revelation of a secret White House taping system in 1973 significantly impacted the Watergate scandal, leading to Nixon's resignation. Butterfield's role as deputy assistant to Nixon involved overseeing the installation of these recording devices, which were intended to manage presidential communications. His testimony before the Senate Watergate Committee confirmed suspicions about the tapes, igniting a legal battle that culminated in the release of crucial recordings, including the infamous 'smoking gun' tape. Despite his involvement in the scandal, Butterfield was never charged and later faced challenges in his career due to the controversy.

Key Details: • Butterfield confirmed the existence of the taping system in July 1973. • His testimony was crucial in the Watergate hearings that led to Nixon's resignation in 1974. • He served as the FAA administrator after his time in the White House, but resigned in 1975. • Butterfield was born in 1925 and passed away in 2024.

politics obituary history watergate nixon

People & Organizations

Federal Aviation AdministrationWhite HouseRichard NixonAlexander ButterfieldJohn DeanElliot RichardsonWilliam RuckelshausSenate Watergate Committee

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