Mark Felt: The Man Behind The Watergate Scandal

Mark Felt, a name synonymous with the Watergate scandal, played a pivotal role in unveiling one of the most significant political scandals in American history. As an FBI officer, he became an anonymous source known as "Deep Throat," providing crucial information that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Felt's life and career are marked by his dedication to law enforcement and his courageous decision to expose corruption at the highest levels of government.

Who Was Mark Felt?

William Mark Felt was born on August 17, 1913, in Twin Falls, Idaho. He grew up in a family that valued hard work; his father was a carpenter and building contractor. After completing his education, Felt’s career in law enforcement began in the FBI, where he eventually garnered fame for his role in the Watergate scandal.

In 1972, journalists from the Washington Post, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, received vital information from a high-level government official who was later identified as Felt. This information revealed the involvement of key figures in the Watergate scandal, ultimately leading to President Nixon’s resignation in August 1974. Felt’s secretive role as "Deep Throat" remained hidden for many years until it was publicly confirmed in 2005.

Early Life and Education

Felt’s journey began in Idaho, where he was raised in a nurturing environment. He graduated from Twin Falls Senior High School in 1931 and pursued higher education at the University of Idaho, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1935. Following his graduation, Felt moved to Washington, D.C., to work for Senator James Pope and later attended George Washington University Law School at night.

In 1940, he obtained his law degree and initially worked at the Federal Trade Commission, though he found the position unfulfilling. His aspirations led him to the FBI, where he would make a significant impact on American history.

Beginning of FBI Career

Felt joined the FBI on January 26, 1942, after completing his training. His first assignment took him to Texas, where he worked in Houston and San Antonio. During World War II, Felt returned to Washington, D.C., and was part of the Domestic Intelligence Division, focusing on counter-espionage efforts against Axis spies.

His exceptional performance drew the attention of J. Edgar Hoover, the FBI director at the time. Over the years, Felt rose through the ranks and returned to Washington in 1962, where he contributed to training at the FBI Academy before being appointed as Deputy Associate Director in 1971.

The Watergate Scandal

The Watergate scandal erupted on June 17, 1972, when five men were arrested for breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters. As the FBI’s second-in-command, Felt was tasked with leading the investigation into the incident. This role became increasingly crucial as it was discovered that White House officials were involved in the cover-up.

Felt’s insights, conveyed to Woodward and Bernstein, triggered a public outcry and a nationwide investigation into the scandal. The revelations uncovered a web of corruption involving campaign fraud and illegal wiretapping. Ultimately, the evidence presented during the trials led to Nixon's resignation on August 9, 1974, but Felt's identity as Deep Throat remained a mystery for years.

Deep Throat Revealed

After retiring from the FBI in 1973, Felt lived a relatively private life. However, following health issues and persuasion from his daughter, he revealed his identity as Deep Throat in a 2005 issue of Vanity Fair. This revelation confirmed his pivotal role in one of the most significant political events in U.S. history.

Felt passed away on December 18, 2008, leaving behind a legacy as a whistleblower who prioritized truth and transparency in government.

Books, Film, and Personal Life

Mark Felt authored a memoir, The FBI Pyramid: From the Inside, published in 1979, which provided insights into the agency during a turbulent time in American politics. He also collaborated on several other books, including A G-Man’s Life: The FBI, Being 'Deep Throat,' and the Struggle for Honor in Washington.

In 2017, the film Mark Felt: The Man Who Brought Down the White House was released, depicting his life and contributions to the Watergate scandal. Felt’s personal life included a long marriage to Audrey Robinson, and together they raised two children, Mark and Joan. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of courage in the pursuit of truth.

Key Takeaways

Reflecting on Mark Felt's life, we see a person who was not only dedicated to his career but also to exposing wrongdoing, reminding us of the power one individual can have in effecting change.