Deep Throat (Watergate) facts for kids
Deep Throat was the secret name given to a person who shared important information in 1972. This information went to two reporters, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, who worked for The Washington Post newspaper.
Deep Throat gave these reporters key details about what was happening inside the team of U.S. President Richard Nixon. This information led to a big political event known as the Watergate scandal.
In 2005, many years after President Nixon left office, it was revealed who Deep Throat really was. A lawyer for the family of Mark Felt said that Felt was the secret source. Mark Felt used to be a high-ranking official at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). At first, Mr. Felt had denied it because he was having memory problems, but then the reporters Woodward and Bernstein confirmed that it was true.
In 1976, an actor named Hal Holbrook played the role of Deep Throat in a movie called All the President's Men.
Who Was Deep Throat?
Deep Throat was not a real person's name. It was a secret name used to protect the identity of someone who was giving information to reporters. This person wanted to stay hidden because the information was very sensitive and important.
The Watergate Scandal
The Watergate scandal was a major political event in the United States. It involved illegal actions and a cover-up by people working for President Richard Nixon. Deep Throat's secret information helped the reporters uncover the truth about these events. The scandal eventually led to President Nixon leaving his job.
Mark Felt's Role
Mark Felt was a very important person at the FBI. He had access to a lot of secret information about what the government was doing. He chose to share some of this information with the reporters because he believed it was important for the public to know the truth.
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Author Ronald Kessler interviews W. Mark Felt
