Michael Ledeen

Michael Ledeen, a provocative neoconservative who advised Washington policymakers to crush Islamic terrorists, disparaged a free press and helped instigate the Iran-contra arms-for-hostages scandal during the Reagan administration, died on Saturday May 17 2025 in Austin, Texas. He was 83. Dr. Michael Ledeen is the Freedom Scholar at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies. His work ranges from Europe (especially Italy) to the Middle East, with particular emphasis on Iran. He has written more than 35 books, and his essays are published regularly on PJMedia.com, and TheHill.com, as well as in Forbes. He is also a contributor to the Wall Street Journal‘s oped page. Previously, Dr. Ledeen served as a consultant to the National Security Council, the State Department, and the Defense Department. He has also served as a special adviser to the Secretary of State. He holds a Ph.D. in modern European history and philosophy from the University of Wisconsin, and has taught at Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Rome.