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Watergate Whistleblower Alexander Butterfield Dies at 99

3/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Alexander P. Butterfield died at 99 in La Jolla, San Diego, confirmed by his wife.
On July 16, 1973, he testified before the Senate Watergate Committee.
He disclosed that President Richard Nixon authorized a secret recording system.
The recording system captured conversations in the Oval Office and other locations.
Butterfield served as the head of the Federal Aviation Administration.

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Story summary

Alexander P. Butterfield died at 99 in La Jolla, San Diego, confirmed by his wife.
On July 16, 1973, he testified before the Senate Watergate Committee.
He disclosed that President Richard Nixon authorized a secret recording system.
The recording system captured conversations in the Oval Office and other locations.
Butterfield served as the head of the Federal Aviation Administration.