John F. Kennedy was president of the United States when the Joint Chiefs of Staff proposed Operation Northwoods, a secret plan to create a false flag attack in order to justify military intervention in Cuba.

While it is unclear what Kennedy's exact role in the plan was, some historians believe that he was aware of the plan and may have even given it his approval. Others argue that Kennedy was not directly involved and may have been opposed to the plan.

Regardless of his role, Operation Northwoods remains a controversial legacy of Kennedy's presidency. The plan highlights the dangerous potential for abuse of power and the need for transparency and accountability in government.

Kennedy's legacy as a champion of civil rights and a visionary leader is not diminished by his possible involvement in Operation Northwoods, but the controversy surrounding the plan serves as a reminder of the complex and often murky world of politics and power.

Works Cited:
Dallek, Robert. An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963. Little, Brown and Company, 2003.
Scott, Peter Dale. Deep Politics and the Death of JFK. University of California Press, 1996.
Weisberg, Harold. Whitewash: The Report on the Warren Report. Skyhorse Publishing, 2013.