What Happened to Alexander Porter Butterfield?
Alexander Butterfield was a decorated U.S. Air Force officer and White House aide to President Richard Nixon, best known for revealing the existence of Nixon's secret White House taping system during the Watergate investigation. This pivotal disclosure ultimately led to Nixon's resignation. After his government service, he pursued a career in business and academia, and passed away on March 9, 2026, at the age of 99.
Quick Answer
Alexander Butterfield, the former White House aide who famously disclosed the existence of President Richard Nixon's secret taping system during the Watergate scandal, died on March 9, 2026, at the age of 99. His revelation in 1973 was a critical turning point in the Watergate investigation, providing the 'smoking gun' that led to Nixon's resignation. After leaving government, Butterfield worked in the private sector and pursued further academic studies, remaining a significant figure in American political history until his death.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Born in Pensacola, Florida
Alexander Porter Butterfield was born in Pensacola, Florida, to Susan Armistead Alexander Butterfield and Horace B. Butterfield, a U.S. Navy pilot.
Joined U.S. Air Force
Butterfield left the University of California, Los Angeles, to join the United States Air Force, beginning a 20-year military career.
Appointed Deputy Assistant to President Nixon
After retiring from the Air Force as a colonel, Butterfield was appointed Deputy Assistant to President Richard Nixon, serving under Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman.
Oversaw Installation of White House Taping System
At President Nixon's direction, Butterfield supervised the installation of a secret, voice-activated recording system in the Oval Office, Cabinet Room, and other locations.
Appointed FAA Administrator
Nixon appointed Butterfield as the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a position he held until 1975.
Revealed White House Taping System to Investigators
During a private interview with Senate Watergate committee staffers, Butterfield reluctantly confirmed the existence of President Nixon's secret taping system.
Publicly Testified About Tapes
Butterfield publicly testified before the Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities, confirming the taping system's existence and electrifying the Watergate investigation.
Resigned from FAA
Butterfield resigned from his position as FAA Administrator, reportedly at the request of President Gerald Ford's administration.
Divorced Charlotte Maguire
His marriage to Charlotte Maguire, whom he married in 1949, ended in divorce.
Moved to La Jolla, California
Butterfield relocated to La Jolla, California, where he became a close friend of Audrey Geisel, Dr. Seuss's widow.
Earned Master's Degree from UC San Diego
He returned to school and obtained a master's degree in history from the University of California, San Diego.
Contributed to Bob Woodward's 'The Last of the President's Men'
Butterfield provided journalist Bob Woodward with thousands of previously unseen documents for his book detailing the Nixon administration.
Died at age 99
Alexander Butterfield passed away at his home in San Diego, California, one month shy of his 100th birthday. His death was confirmed by his wife, Kim.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Alexander Porter Butterfield, born on April 6, 1926, in Pensacola, Florida, had a distinguished career spanning military service and government before becoming a pivotal figure in one of America's greatest political scandals. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, flying 98 combat missions during the Vietnam War and earning the Distinguished Flying Cross, retiring as a colonel in 1969.
Butterfield joined the Nixon administration in 1969 as Deputy Assistant to the President, working closely with Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman. In this role, he oversaw internal White House security and, crucially, supervised the installation of a voice-activated taping system in the Oval Office, Cabinet Room, and other key locations, at President Nixon's direction. The existence of this system was known only to a very small circle.
The turning point in Butterfield's public life came on July 13, 1973, during the escalating Watergate investigation. When privately questioned by Senate committee staffers, he reluctantly confirmed the existence of the secret taping system. This revelation, made public on July 16, 1973, electrified Washington and transformed the investigation, providing direct evidence of presidential conversations that would ultimately incriminate Nixon and lead to his resignation in August 1974. Butterfield was not involved in the Watergate break-in or cover-up and was never charged with any crime.
Following his White House tenure, Butterfield served as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from 1973 to 1975. He later stated he believed President Gerald Ford asked for his resignation as part of an agreement between the Nixon and Ford administrations. After leaving government, Butterfield faced challenges finding employment due to his controversial association with Watergate. He eventually worked in the private business sector, including aviation, financial, and consulting firms.
In his later years, Butterfield moved to La Jolla, California, in 1992. He returned to academia, earning a master's degree in history from the University of California, San Diego, in 1994, and was reportedly working on a Ph.D. focusing on presidential pardons as of 2015. He also contributed to Bob Woodward's 2015 book, 'The Last of the President's Men,' providing thousands of previously unseen documents. Alexander Butterfield passed away on March 9, 2026, at his home in San Diego, at the age of 99, leaving behind a legacy as the man whose honesty irrevocably altered the course of American history.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Alexander Porter Butterfield made different choices?