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What's it like to testify against a president? Alexander Butterfield recalls Watergate testimony

10:49

May 30, 2024

President Nixon sits in his White House office on Aug. 16, 1973, as he poses for photographer after delivering a nationwide television address dealing with Watergate. Nixon repeated that he had no prior knowledge of the Watergate break-in and was not aware of any cover-up. (AP)

Over recent years, the country has watched as former President Donald Trump’s former business associates, staffers, and friends testified against him, first at his two impeachment inquiries and most recently during his ongoing hush money trial.

The proceedings had many wondering what it would feel like to testify against a figure of such authority, particularly one you once staunchly supported.

One person who knows the answer is Alexander Butterfield, former President Richard Nixon’s deputy assistant whose 1973 testimony, revealing Nixon’s clandestine taping of Whitehouse phone conversations, blew the lid off the Watergate hearings. Nixon later fought — and lost — a suit to prevent the release of the tapes.

Butterfield, now 98, joins host Robin Young to talk about his testimony and how it resonates today.

This segment aired on May 30, 2024.

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