The Rest Is Classified 93. JFK vs the CIA: Bay of Pigs (Ep 4)
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Oct 21, 2025 Explore the dramatic collapse of the Bay of Pigs invasion and the chaos that ensued. Discover how leaks alerted Castro to U.S. plans and the internal rifts within Kennedy's administration. Learn about the crucial airstrikes that fell short and the dismal conditions faced by Brigade 2506. Delve into the political fallout and how this fiasco forever altered JFK's relationship with the CIA. It's a gripping tale of miscalculation, missed opportunities, and imperial hubris.
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Press Coverage Busted Strategic Surprise
- The New York Times story forced Castro to suspect an invasion well before D-Day.
- Public journalism erased strategic surprise and amplified CIA risks.
Kennedy's Public Red Line Constrained Options
- JFK repeatedly tried to limit visible U.S. involvement in the plan.
- His public red line against U.S. troops constrained CIA options and political cover.
Last-Minute Cut Of Air Power
- Kennedy cut the planned 16 bomber sorties to eight less than 24 hours before D-Day.
- That last-minute reduction critically weakened the plan to destroy Castro's air force.
