What was Martha Mitchell known for?

Martha Mitchell is known for being the Whistleblower in the Watergate scandal.  Martha Mitchell was the first to speak out about Nixon’s government’s role in the Watergate incident.

Martha Mitchell is a conservative and flamboyant socialite from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and the wife of John Mitchell, President Richard Nixon’s attorney general and confidante.

Martha was well-known for listening in on her husband’s phone calls and meetings, much to the displeasure of both her husband and the Nixon administration. To make matters worse, she frequently disclosed sensitive information to reporters during late-night calls that were alleged to be fueled by her love of whiskey.

Martha accompanied John to campaign activities during the weekend of June 17, 1972. It was at this point that John received a call informing him that five men had been arrested at the Watergate complex for the alleged break-in he had approved.

While John was out, Martha read the news and came across images of one of the arrested burglars, James McCord. Martha knew McCord as a former CIA officer and reelection campaign security consultant. She then called Helen Thomas of United Press International.