Poindexter on Destroying the Finding

Day 29: July 15, 1987

Adm. Poindexter admits to destroying the finding because he thought it would be a "significant political embarrassment" to the President, since the media had "beaten [Reagan] around the head and shoulders for the arms-for-hostage deal." Poindexter further states it is always the responsibility of staff to protect their leader, although he also admits the President did not authorize him to destroy the Finding.