Donald Segretti, now 84, a figure whose name became entwined with the Watergate scandal, has spoken about his experience and his current views on Washington.
Segretti, a bankruptcy lawyer in California, described himself as a "puppet" caught in the political machinations of the Nixon administration. He was recruited through old college acquaintances, many of whom became Nixon White House staffers, part of a group sometimes referred to as the "USC mafia."
"I was very young, comparatively, I was lured into working for the group in the White House," Segretti told the Daily Mail. "I was told something that turned out to be very different, and I got really maimed and beat up by much of the media at that time."
He stated that he had no direct involvement in the infamous Watergate building burglary, which targeted the Democratic National Committee headquarters. His role, which led to his downfall, involved carrying out "dirty tricks" against Democratic presidential candidates during the 1972 primaries.
Targeting Democratic Rivals
Segretti's efforts were particularly aimed at derailing frontrunner Ed Muskie. These tactics included using stolen campaign stationery to spread false information about candidates, such as an accusation that Hubert Humphrey had been arrested for drunk driving and that Senator Henry "Scoop" Jackson had fathered a child with a minor. The intention was to make it appear as though Muskie's own campaign was behind the smear tactics.
Other methods were less severe, such as booking unwanted entertainers for Muskie's events, which Segretti would observe from across the street.
He described these actions as "Nickel-and-dime stuff. Stuff with a little 'wit' attached to it," and is credited with introducing the term "ratfucking" to describe political pranks, a term that originated at USC.
Segretti testified before the Senate Watergate Committee in 1973, admitting to the acts of political sabotage. He recalled the experience as being part of a "political show," noting that the senators appeared to be in "TV makeup." He felt he was "thrown to the wolves" by the administration after realizing the nature of the activities and attempting to distance himself.
Legal Consequences and Rebuilding a Life
In 1974, Segretti pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor counts for distributing illegal campaign literature. He served four months in prison. His law license was suspended for two years, with regulators acknowledging his remorse and cooperation with investigators.
Despite the scandal, Segretti rebuilt his life, establishing a successful law practice in California. He attempted to run for a Superior Court judgeship in 1995, but the past resurfaced, leading him to withdraw from the race.
Segretti also served as an Orange County co-chair for John McCain's presidential campaign in 2000, describing that involvement as straightforward and free of any "dirty tricks."
Concerns About Modern Politics
Now in his eighties and still practicing law, Segretti expresses dismay at the current state of Washington. He cited concerns about the amount of money in politics, the quality of individuals running for office, and recent Supreme Court decisions like Citizens United, which he believes has led to an influx of money into campaigns.
He also voiced disagreement with decisions granting more power to the executive branch and immunity for certain presidential acts. Segretti feels the country has drifted from its founding principles and that the current political climate is deeply unnerving.
When asked to compare former President Nixon and Donald Trump, Segretti noted their differences, stating that Nixon, despite his flaws, aimed to do right by the country, whereas Trump's focus seemed more centered on himself and his family. Segretti identified as an "old-fashioned Republican" who admired Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Segretti concluded by reflecting on his past, stating that he has "closed the chapter" on Watergate and advises others to do the same, focusing on moving forward after trauma.
