In 1987, the Tower Commission, a panel established by President Ronald Reagan to investigate the Iran-Contra affair, released a scathing report that highlighted significant failures in the administration's oversight of national security operations. The commission, chaired by former Senator John Tower, was tasked with examining the controversial arms-for-hostages deal and the secretive diversion of funds to Nicaraguan rebels, known as the Contras. The report criticized President Reagan for his lax management style, particularly regarding his national security apparatus, which operated with a troubling lack of accountability and oversight. The commission found that key members of the National Security Council had acted without appropriate guidance or scrutiny, leading to decisions that undermined both U.S. foreign policy and the rule of law. In a context marked by Cold War tensions, the actions of officials like National Security Advisor John Poindexter and Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North raised serious ethical and legal questions. The Tower Commission's findings starkly contrasted with Presidential denials of knowledge about the operations, ultimately asserting that Reagan had been poorly served by his top aides. The commission urged a restructuring of the National Security Council to prevent similar escapades and improve oversight. This report not only marked a pivotal moment in American political history but also intensified the scrutiny surrounding the Reagan administration, which was already grappling with the ramifications of its actions. In the wake of the report, Reagan publicly accepted the commission's conclusions but maintained that his intentions had always been aligned with national interests. The Iran-Contra affair continued to reverberate through American politics, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked executive power and the necessity for transparency and accountability in government.