Major Controversies Surrounding John F. Kennedy: A Detailed Timeline

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to John F. Kennedy.

John F. Kennedy (JFK) was the 35th U.S. President, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963. As the first Roman Catholic and youngest elected president at 43, his presidency occurred during the peak of the Cold War. His foreign policy heavily focused on relations with the Soviet Union and Cuba. Prior to becoming president, Kennedy, a Democrat, represented Massachusetts in both the House and Senate.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

January 30, 1949: Kennedy denounces Truman for the "loss of China"

On January 30, 1949, Kennedy denounced Truman and the State Department for contributing to the "tragic story of China whose freedom we once fought to preserve.

1954: Kennedy did not vote on the censure of Joseph McCarthy

In 1954, Kennedy was the only Democrat who did not cast a vote on the censure of Joseph McCarthy. He was hospitalized for back surgery at the time.

1956: Kennedy's failure to vote against McCarthy damaged his reputation

In 1954, Kennedy was the only Democrat who did not cast a vote on the censure of Joseph McCarthy. Although he was hospitalized for back surgery at the time, the episode damaged his support among members of the liberal community in the 1956 elections.

1960: Kennedy's failure to vote against McCarthy damaged his reputation

May 1961: Freedom Riders and Kennedy's response

In May 1961, the Congress of Racial Equality organized integrated Freedom Rides to test segregation laws, met with mob violence. Kennedy assigned federal marshals to protect the Riders.

June 1961: Dominican Republic Leader Assassinated

In June 1961, the leader of the Dominican Republic was assassinated, leading to a cautious reaction from the U.S. Robert Kennedy criticized Undersecretary of State Chester Bowles' reaction.

1961: Kennedy's Health Issues at Vienna Summit

During the 1961 Vienna Summit, Kennedy appears to have been taking a combination of drugs to treat back pain, which may have had diplomatic repercussions.

1961: Disagreements Among Kennedy's Doctors

Into late 1961, disagreements existed among Kennedy's doctors concerning the balance of medication and exercise for his health issues. His primary White House physician, George G. Burkley, set up gym equipment in the White House basement.

March 1962: Alleged Weekend with Marilyn Monroe

It has been reported that Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe spent a weekend together in March 1962 while he was staying at Bing Crosby's house.

April 1962: State Department Issues Guidelines on Iraq

In April 1962, the State Department issued new guidelines on Iraq intended to increase American influence. Kennedy instructed the CIA to begin preparations for a military coup against Qasim.

February 8, 1963: Overthrow and Execution of Qasim

On February 8, 1963, the anti-imperialist and anti-communist Iraqi Ba'ath Party overthrew and executed Qasim in a violent coup. The Kennedy administration was pleased with the outcome and ultimately approved a $55-million arms deal for Iraq.

July 1963: Report of Affair with Suspected Spy

In July 1963, J. Edgar Hoover reportedly informed Robert Kennedy about an affair with a woman "suspected as a Soviet intelligence agent, someone linked to East German intelligence."

August 28, 1963: March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom

On August 28, 1963, over 250,000 people gathered in Washington for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, which Kennedy initially opposed, and subsequently led Robert Kennedy to authorize the FBI to wiretap Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders.

November 1, 1963: Coup Against Diem

On November 1, 1963, a junta of senior military officers executed a coup which led to the arrest and assassinations of Diem and Nhu on November 2.

1979: U.S. House Select Committee on Assassinations Conclusion

In 1979, the U.S. House Select Committee on Assassinations concluded, with one third of the committee dissenting, that Kennedy was probably assassinated as a result of a conspiracy.

2008: Sorensen's autobiography confirms ghostwriting rumors

In 2008, Ted Sorensen's autobiography confirmed rumors that Kennedy's "Profiles in Courage" was ghostwritten.

November 2013: Gallup Poll on Kennedy Assassination Conspiracy

In November 2013, a Gallup Poll showed that 61% of people believed in a conspiracy surrounding Kennedy's assassination, and only 30% thought that Oswald acted alone.

2014: Washington Post Survey

In 2014, a Washington Post survey of the American Political Science Association ranked Kennedy 14th highest overall among U.S. presidents, but also as the most overrated.