How did the Iran-contra scandal hurt the Reagan administration?

The Iran-Contra scandal hurt the Reagan administration by exposing a covert operation that undermined U.S. foreign policy and violated congressional restrictions on military aid to Nicaraguan rebels. The revelations led to public outrage, damaged Reagan's credibility, and fueled accusations of executive overreach. Additionally, it created a political divide, with investigations revealing a lack of accountability among senior officials, ultimately tarnishing the administration's legacy.