Alexander Butterfield, the Nixon aide who disclosed Watergate tapes, dies at 99

Associated Press (AP)CenterEN 6 min read 100% complete by By DOUGLASS K. DANIEL and MICHAEL TACKETTMarch 9, 2026 at 10:23 PM

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Alexander Butterfield, the Nixon White House aide who revealed the existence of the Watergate tapes, has died at the age of 99. Butterfield's disclosure to the Senate Watergate Committee in July 1973 revealed that President Nixon had been secretly recording conversations in the Oval Office and Cabinet Room. This revelation ultimately led to Nixon's resignation as the tapes became central to the investigation. Butterfield's role in uncovering the tapes inadvertently hastened Nixon's departure from office. His death was confirmed by his wife, Kim, and John Dean, former White House counsel to Nixon.

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Associated Press ×230% Boston 30% John F. Kennedy Library and Museum 35% Cabinet Room ×240% John Dean 40% Oval Office ×250% Senate Watergate Committee 60% Watergate scandal ×480% Richard Nixon ×485% Alexander Butterfield ×795%

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alexander butterfield 100% watergate scandal 100% watergate tapes 90% nixon aide 80% richard nixon 80% white house 60% oval office 60% resignation 50% john dean 40%

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