The Rest Is Classified 92. JFK vs the CIA: Raising Hell in Havana (Ep 3)
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Oct 19, 2025 Dive into the high-stakes drama of the Bay of Pigs invasion! Discover how JFK's critical decision to cancel airstrikes turned the tide against exile forces. Explore the CIA's frantic preparations, recruitment challenges, and the ominous intelligence that loomed over the operation. Hear about bizarre assassination plots involving poisoned pills that never reached Castro. The episode uncovers the political pressures shaping Kennedy's decisions and reveals the uncertain dynamics of groupthink leading to a fateful go-ahead.
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Air And Sea Control Is Nonnegotiable
- The CIA's invasion plan depended on control of air and sea to protect an amphibious landing force.
- Without neutralising Cuban aircraft and naval threats first, the operation would be courting disaster.
Policy Pressure Drove Risky Covert Action
- Kennedy relied heavily on the CIA for covert regime-change operations and approved many covert programs.
- Policy expectations forced the agency to produce a plan even when analysts warned of low chances of success.
Military Review Flagged Force Shortfall
- Military reviewers warned the CIA that a much larger force and air superiority were required for success.
- Planners still pursued a smaller exile force despite those warnings.
