E. Howard Hunt, American CIA officer (b. 1918)

Everette Howard Hunt Jr. (October 9, 1918 – January 23, 2007) was a prominent American intelligence officer, author, and a central figure in the infamous Watergate scandal. A multifaceted individual, Hunt’s career spanned decades, blending covert operations with literary pursuits, ultimately leaving an indelible mark on 20th-century American political history.

Early Career and CIA Service (1949-1970)

Hunt’s extensive intelligence career began in 1949, when he joined the newly formed Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Over more than two decades, he served as a clandestine operations officer, primarily specializing in covert actions aimed at influencing political outcomes in various nations, particularly within Latin America during the height of the Cold War. His work aligned with the broader U.S. foreign policy objectives of countering perceived Soviet influence and promoting anti-communist governments in the region.

Key Operations in Latin America

• The 1954 Guatemalan Coup d'état: Hunt played a significant role in Operation PBSUCCESS, the CIA-orchestrated covert operation that successfully overthrew the democratically elected government of President Jacobo Árbenz Guzmán. Hunt was deeply involved in the psychological warfare aspects of the operation, including propaganda and disinformation campaigns, designed to destabilize the Árbenz regime and pave the way for a more U.S.-friendly government. This event marked a controversial precedent for U.S. intervention in the region.
• The 1961 Bay of Pigs Invasion: As a key organizer, Hunt was instrumental in planning and executing the ill-fated Bay of Pigs invasion, a clandestine attempt by CIA-trained Cuban exiles to overthrow Fidel Castro’s communist government in Cuba. He was responsible for political action and propaganda efforts leading up to the invasion, including setting up a provisional government for the exiles and producing fabricated documents and radio broadcasts. The operation’s ultimate failure was a significant foreign policy embarrassment for the John F. Kennedy administration and a defining moment in Cold War history.

The Nixon Administration "Plumbers" Unit

After retiring from the CIA in 1970, E. Howard Hunt transitioned into a new, albeit controversial, role within the Nixon administration. He became a key operative in the White House Special Investigations Unit, infamously known as "the Plumbers." This covert team was established in July 1971 by President Richard Nixon’s White House in response to significant national security information "leaks," most notably the publication of the Pentagon Papers by Daniel Ellsberg. The unit's primary objective was to identify, prevent, and stop such leaks, but its mandate quickly expanded to include gathering intelligence on political opponents and discrediting perceived enemies of the administration.

Members and Missions

Hunt worked closely with fellow former FBI agent G. Gordon Liddy, alongside other operatives like Frank Sturgis. Their operations were diverse and often illicit, extending beyond mere leak prevention. One notable clandestine operation orchestrated by Hunt and Liddy involved the September 1971 break-in at the office of Daniel Ellsberg’s psychiatrist, Lewis Fielding, in an attempt to find damaging information that could discredit Ellsberg, who had leaked the Pentagon Papers.

Involvement in the Watergate Scandal

E. Howard Hunt’s name became synonymous with the Watergate scandal, a series of political controversies that ultimately led to President Nixon’s resignation. Hunt, in concert with G. Gordon Liddy, meticulously plotted and orchestrated the infamous burglaries of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters, located in the Watergate Office Building, in 1972.

The Watergate Burglaries and Consequences

The first break-in, on May 28, 1972, aimed to install listening devices. A second, more widely known break-in occurred on June 17, 1972, when five men, including former CIA operatives, were arrested inside the DNC offices. Hunt provided critical logistical support for these operations, including supplying disguises and electronic equipment. In the ensuing federal investigation and widespread public scrutiny, Hunt was charged and subsequently convicted of multiple felonies, including burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, and wiretapping. He was sentenced to prison, ultimately serving 33 months for his involvement in the scandal, making him one of the highest-ranking individuals directly implicated and convicted in the Watergate affair.

Life After Prison and Legacy

Following his release from prison, E. Howard Hunt sought to rebuild his life, dividing his time between residences in Mexico and Florida until his death on January 23, 2007, at the age of 88. Despite the notoriety of his involvement in Watergate, Hunt continued his prolific writing career, publishing numerous spy novels and his memoirs, "Undercover: Memoirs of an American Secret Agent" (1974), offering his perspective on the events that defined his public life. His story remains a cautionary tale about the abuse of power and the erosion of trust in government, underscoring critical lessons about accountability and oversight within the intelligence community and political landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions About E. Howard Hunt

Who was E. Howard Hunt?

E. Howard Hunt Jr. was an American intelligence officer for the CIA and a prolific author, most notably recognized for his central role in the 1972 Watergate scandal.

What was E. Howard Hunt's role in the CIA?

From 1949 to 1970, Hunt was a clandestine operations officer for the CIA, heavily involved in covert actions in Latin America, including the 1954 Guatemalan coup d'état and the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion, where he specialized in psychological warfare and propaganda.

What were the "Plumbers"?

The "Plumbers" was a secret White House unit established by the Nixon administration in 1971, which E. Howard Hunt was a key member of. Their initial purpose was to stop national security information "leaks," but their operations expanded to include intelligence gathering on political opponents and conducting illicit activities, such as the break-in at Daniel Ellsberg's psychiatrist's office.

What was E. Howard Hunt's involvement in the Watergate scandal?

E. Howard Hunt, along with G. Gordon Liddy, was a primary orchestrator of the 1972 burglaries of the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate Office Building. He provided logistical support and planning for these illegal operations.

What legal consequences did E. Howard Hunt face for Watergate?

Hunt was convicted of burglary, conspiracy, and wiretapping in connection with the Watergate scandal. He was sentenced to prison and served 33 months for his involvement.