Summary
Alexander Butterfield, a former White House aide under President Richard Nixon, passed away at age 99. He is known for revealing the existence of a secret taping system that recorded conversations in Nixon's office, which played a significant role in the Watergate scandal and led to Nixon's resignation.
Key Facts
- Alexander Butterfield was a deputy assistant to President Nixon from 1969 to 1973.
- He disclosed the existence of a taping system in the White House that recorded Nixon's conversations.
- Butterfield's revelation was key to exposing President Nixon's involvement in the Watergate scandal.
- The U.S. Supreme Court ordered Nixon to hand over the tapes in July 1974.
- On August 9, 1974, Nixon resigned to avoid impeachment.
- Butterfield had served as an administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration after leaving the White House.
- The tapes provided evidence of Nixon's conversations and behavior, including vulgar language and prejudiced views.
