Who / What
Alexander Porter Butterfield was an American retired military officer, public official, and businessman. He is most famously known for serving as a deputy assistant to President Richard Nixon from 1969 to 1973.
Background & History
Born on April 6, 1926, Butterfield had a career that spanned the military and public service. His key historical role came during the Watergate investigation when, on July 13, 1973, he revealed the existence of President Nixon's secret White House taping system. This revelation provided the investigation with crucial evidence and became a pivotal moment in the Watergate scandal.
Why Notable
Butterfield's testimony is historically significant because it directly led to the discovery of the tapes that proved Nixon's involvement in the Watergate cover-up. His role was crucial in the eventual resignation of President Nixon, marking a major constitutional crisis in American history. He is therefore a key figure in one of the most famous political scandals of the 20th century.
In the News
Butterfield's death was reported on March 9, 2026. His passing brought renewed attention to his pivotal role in the Watergate scandal and its lasting impact on American politics and presidential accountability.
