# Mark Felt

> Whistleblower who exposed the Watergate scandal (1913-2008)

**Wikidata**: [Q348122](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q348122)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Felt)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mark-felt

## Summary
Mark Felt was an American whistleblower and lawyer who exposed the Watergate scandal in the 1970s. He worked as a special agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and later became known as "Deep Throat," the anonymous source for Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein in their investigative reporting. His disclosures led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon and the eventual conviction of key Watergate figures.

## Biography
- Born: August 17, 1913, in Washington, D.C.
- Nationality: United States
- Education:
  - University of Idaho (Bachelor of Arts)
  - George Washington University (Juris Doctor)
- Known for: Exposing the Watergate scandal as the anonymous source "Deep Throat"
- Employer(s):
  - Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Field(s):
  - Law enforcement
  - Investigative journalism

## Contributions
- **Watergate Exposures (1970s)**: As a high-ranking FBI agent, Mark Felt provided classified intelligence to investigative journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, leading to the publication of the *Washington Post* series "The Washington Post's Cover-Up," which exposed the Watergate scandal. His disclosures contributed to the eventual resignation of President Richard Nixon and the impeachment of Vice President Spiro Agnew.
- **Anonymous Reporting**: Felt became known as "Deep Throat," the anonymous source for Woodward and Bernstein, whose reporting played a pivotal role in uncovering the political corruption and cover-up surrounding the Watergate break-in.

## FAQs
**What was Mark Felt's role in the Watergate scandal?**
Mark Felt was a high-ranking FBI agent who provided classified intelligence to investigative journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein. He became known as "Deep Throat," the anonymous source whose disclosures led to the exposure of the Watergate scandal, which ultimately led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon.

**Where did Mark Felt work before becoming known as "Deep Throat"?**
Mark Felt worked as a special agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) before his role in the Watergate scandal.

**What was the significance of Mark Felt's work in journalism?**
Mark Felt's anonymous reporting as "Deep Throat" provided critical intelligence to Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, whose investigative work exposed the Watergate scandal and contributed to the downfall of President Richard Nixon.

**How did Mark Felt maintain his anonymity during the Watergate investigation?**
Mark Felt remained anonymous by withholding his identity from the public and the media, allowing him to provide classified information to journalists without revealing his role in the investigation.

**What was the impact of Mark Felt's disclosures on the Watergate scandal?**
Mark Felt's disclosures as "Deep Throat" were instrumental in exposing the Watergate scandal, leading to the resignation of President Richard Nixon and the impeachment of Vice President Spiro Agnew.

## Why They Matter
Mark Felt's role as "Deep Throat" was pivotal in the Watergate scandal, as his anonymous reporting provided critical intelligence to investigative journalists who exposed the political corruption and cover-up. His work led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon and the impeachment of Vice President Spiro Agnew, shaping the course of American politics and journalism. His legacy endures as a key figure in the history of investigative reporting and government transparency.

## Notable For
- **Anonymous Source**: Became known as "Deep Throat," the anonymous source for investigative journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein.
- **Watergate Exposures**: Provided classified intelligence that led to the exposure of the Watergate scandal, contributing to the resignation of President Richard Nixon.
- **FBI Career**: Worked as a special agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) before his role in the Watergate scandal.
- **Journalism Influence**: Played a crucial role in shaping the investigative reporting that uncovered one of the most significant political scandals in U.S. history.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Mark Felt was born on August 17, 1913, in Washington, D.C. He attended the University of Idaho, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He later pursued legal studies at George Washington University, obtaining a Juris Doctor degree.

### Career in Law Enforcement
Mark Felt began his career as a special agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 1938. He worked in various roles within the FBI, including as a counterintelligence agent, before becoming involved in the Watergate investigation.

### Role in the Watergate Scandal
In the early 1970s, Mark Felt was a high-ranking FBI agent who provided classified intelligence to investigative journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein of *The Washington Post*. He became known as "Deep Throat," the anonymous source whose disclosures played a crucial role in exposing the Watergate scandal. His information led to the publication of the *Washington Post* series "The Washington Post's Cover-Up," which detailed the political corruption and cover-up surrounding the Watergate break-in.

### Impact on American Politics
Mark Felt's anonymous reporting as "Deep Throat" was instrumental in the downfall of President Richard Nixon. The investigative work of Woodward and Bernstein, fueled by Felt's intelligence, led to Nixon's resignation in 1974. Additionally, the scandal resulted in the impeachment of Vice President Spiro Agnew, further reshaping the political landscape of the United States.

### Legacy and Recognition
Mark Felt's contributions to the Watergate scandal have been widely recognized. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977, the highest civilian honor in the United States, for his role in exposing the scandal. His legacy endures as a key figure in the history of investigative journalism and government transparency.

### Personal Life and Death
Mark Felt remained anonymous throughout his life, withholding his identity from the public and the media. He died on December 18, 2008, in Washington, D.C., at the age of 95. His work as "Deep Throat" continues to be remembered as a pivotal moment in American journalism and political history.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Geni.com
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. [Source](https://www.vanityfair.com/news/politics/2005/07/deepthroat200507)
6. SNAC
7. Find a Grave
8. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
9. GeneaStar
10. MAK
11. Felt, Mark (17 August 1913–18 December 2008)
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013