11. Oliver North
Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North became a household name during the Iran-Contra hearings, where his role in covert arms deals and support for Nicaraguan rebels was laid bare. His defiant, nationally televised testimony turned him into a hero among some conservatives, while others saw him as a symbol of unchecked government power and secrecy. North’s actions and the ensuing controversy continue to spark debate over the boundaries of patriotism and accountability in national security (via Britannica).
