E. Howard Hunt (September 9 1918 – February 21 2007) was an American intelligence officer, author, and political operative. He is most widely known for his work with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) during the Cold War and for his involvement in the Watergate scandal that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon.
Early life and education
Ephraim Howard Hunt was born in Washington, D.C., the son of a civil servant. He attended George Washington University, graduating in 1940 with a Bachelor of Science in economics. After completing officer training, Hunt served in the United States Navy during World War II, attaining the rank of lieutenant commander.
CIA career
In 1949, Hunt joined the newly formed Central Intelligence Agency. He worked primarily in covert operations and was associated with the CIA’s Directorate of Plans. Notable activities attributed to him include:
- Participation in the planning and execution of the 1954 Guatemalan coup d’état (Operation PBSUCCESS).
- Involvement in the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba.
- Oversight of various paramilitary and psychological‑operations projects throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
Hunt left the CIA in 1970, receiving a pension and a one‑time payment for his service.
Political consulting and Watergate
Following his CIA tenure, Hunt worked as a consultant for Republican political campaigns, including those of Barry Goldwater (1964) and Richard Nixon (1968, 1972). In 1972, Hunt was a member of the “Plumbers” unit, a secret group established by the Nixon administration to prevent the leakage of classified information.
On June 17 1972, Hunt, along with G. Gordon Liddick, James W. McCord Jr., and four other operatives, was arrested for breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C. The subsequent investigation uncovered a broader pattern of illegal activities, leading to a series of criminal prosecutions. Hunt pleaded guilty to conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and perjury, receiving a prison sentence that was later reduced on appeal. He served 33 months in federal prison.
Later life and writings
After his release, Hunt authored several books, both fiction and non‑fiction, often drawing on his intelligence background. Notable titles include "The World of Magic" (1970) and "American Spy: My Secret History in the CIA, Watergate, and Beyond" (2007). He also engaged in public speaking and contributed to political commentary.
Death
E. Howard Hunt died of congestive heart failure on February 21 2007 in Hunt Valley, Maryland, at the age of 88.
Legacy
Hunt’s career illustrates the intersection of Cold‑War intelligence operations and domestic political maneuvering in the United States. His role in Watergate remains a focal point for studies of executive abuse of power and the mechanisms of political oversight.