Robert Carl "Bud" McFarlane was an American Marine Corps officer and national security advisor to President Ronald Reagan from 1983 to 1985. Born on July 12, 1937, in Los Angeles, California, McFarlane served in the Marine Corps for 20 years before transitioning to a career in politics. He was known for his expertise in national security and foreign policy, and his tenure as national security advisor was marked by significant events such as the bombing of the U.S. embassy in Beirut and the invasion of Grenada.
In recent news, McFarlane has been in the spotlight due to his passing on May 12, 2022, at the age of 84. His death has been mourned by many, including former President Reagan's son, Michael Reagan, who tweeted, "Bud McFarlane was a great American and a true patriot. He served our country with distinction and honor, and his contributions to our national security will never be forgotten."
McFarlane's legacy has also been the subject of renewed interest due to his involvement in the Iran-Contra affair, a political scandal that occurred during the Reagan administration. McFarlane was one of several officials who were implicated in the sale of arms to Iran in exchange for hostages and the diversion of funds to support anti-communist rebels in Nicaragua. While McFarlane pleaded guilty to charges of withholding information from Congress, he was later pardoned by President George H.W. Bush. Despite the controversy surrounding his role in the Iran-Contra affair, McFarlane's contributions to national security and foreign policy continue to be recognized and studied.