Alexander Butterfield, who revealed Nixon Watergate tapes, dies aged 99
He disclosed then-President Richard Nixon had a recording system in the Oval Office.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"I just thought, 'When they hear those tapes...' I mean, I knew what was on these tapes... they're dynamite."
— Alexander Butterfield , Executive
"Everything was taped."
— Alexander Butterfield , Executive
"He had the heavy responsibility of revealing something he was sworn to secrecy on... He stood up and told the truth."
— John Dean , Politician
"He had the heavy responsibility of revealing something he was sworn to secrecy on, which is the installation of the Nixon taping system."
— John Dean , Politician
"He had the heavy responsibility of revealing something he was sworn to secrecy on, which is the installation of the Nixon taping system."
— John Dean , Politician
"Everything was taped … as long as the president was in attendance."
— Alexander Butterfield , Executive
"He had the heavy responsibility of revealing something he was sworn to secrecy on, which is the installation of the Nixon taping system."
— John Dean , Politician
"Everything was taped … as long as the president was in attendance."
— Alexander Butterfield , Executive
"I didn't like to be the cause of that, but I felt that I was, in a lot of ways."
— Alexander Butterfield , Executive
"He had the heavy responsibility of revealing something he was sworn to secrecy on, which is the installation of the Nixon taping system."
— John Dean , Politician
"I didn’t like to be the cause of that, but I felt that I was, in a lot of ways."
— Alexander Butterfield , Executive
"He had the heavy responsibility of revealing something he was sworn to secrecy on, which is the installation of the Nixon taping system."
— John Dean , Politician
"I didn’t like to be the cause of that, but I felt that I was, in a lot of ways."
— Alexander Butterfield , Executive
"I just thought, ‘When they hear those tapes …’ I mean, I knew what was on these tapes … they’re dynamite."
— Alexander Butterfield , Executive
Key People
He was a former White House aide who revealed the existence of damaging recordings related to the Watergate scandal.
He was the chief minority counsel to the Watergate committee and later became a Republican senator.
He was White House chief of staff under President Nixon.
He was White House Chief of Staff under Nixon.
He was a former Nixon aide who was involved in the Watergate scandal.
She is the wife of Alexander Butterfield.
37th President of the United States known for his role in the Watergate scandal.
Tags
All Coverage
He disclosed then-President Richard Nixon had a recording system in the Oval Office.
Alexander Butterfield, the White House aide who revealed the existence of President Nixon's secret Oval Office taping system, leading to Nixon's resignation, has died at 99.
Alexander Butterfield, the White House aide who revealed that Richard Nixon had secretly recorded his conversations as president, has died at 99.
Alexander Butterfield, the White House aide who revealed the existence of President Nixon's secret Oval Office taping system, leading to Nixon's resignation, has died at 99.
Alexander Butterfield, the White House aide who revealed the existence of President Nixon's secret Oval Office taping system, leading to Nixon's resignation, has died at 99.
Alexander Butterfield, the White House ... revealed the existence of President Nixon's secret Oval Office taping system, leading to Nixon's resignation, has died at 99.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
The midterm strategy driving Democrats deep into Trump country - Reuters
The midterm strategy driving Democrats deep into Trump country Reuters
October 10, 2026 at 10:05 AMGermany's firewall against the far-right AfD feels the heat - Reuters
Germany's firewall against the far-right AfD feels the heat Reuters
October 10, 2026 at 06:04 AM'Stain on the country': Trump criticises Norway over Nobel Peace Prize
The US president told a rally he had "never heard of" the winner, former International Criminal Court judge Navi Pillay.
October 10, 2026 at 04:07 AMTaiwan cherishes peace but will not give up freedom, president says - Reuters
Taiwan cherishes peace but will not give up freedom, president says Reuters
October 10, 2026 at 03:13 AMTrump says Norway has 'indelible stain' for not awarding him Nobel Peace Prize - Reuters
Trump says Norway has 'indelible stain' for not awarding him Nobel Peace Prize Reuters
October 10, 2026 at 01:32 AM'Everyone hates the police' – what France's school protests reveal about a divided nation
Students taking to the streets in France have become a focal point in the country's increasingly polarised politics.
October 9, 2026 at 11:24 PM