The National Security Council directive signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in March 1960 represented a pivotal moment in U.S. foreign policy toward Cuba following the Cuban Revolution. Following Fidel Castro's rise to power and his moves toward establishing a socialist state, American officials viewed this as a threat during the Cold War. Eisenhower, who had grown increasingly concerned about the spread of communism, directed the CIA to develop a plan for covert operations that would support anti-Castro forces and undermine the Cuban government. The initial focus was on training groups of Cuban exiles, as the U.S. aimed to create a force capable of leading an insurrection against Castro.

In the context of the Cold War, American policymakers believed that the fall of Castro could have significant implications for the stability of the region and the influence of the Soviet Union in Latin America. As part of this directive, the CIA began to devise various strategies, including sabotage of Cuban facilities and propaganda campaigns. Preparations for military action were set in motion, with comprehensive plans being developed for a potential invasion of Cuba, which ultimately culminated in the Bay of Pigs Invasion in April 1961. This operation aimed to leverage the dissatisfaction of many Cubans with Castro’s regime to facilitate a successful uprising.

The signing of the directive underscored the U.S. commitment to countering perceived communist threats in its hemisphere and demonstrated the willingness of the Eisenhower administration to engage in covert action. The decision set a varying tone for future U.S. engagement in Latin America, leading to increased military and political intervention in the region, as well as the enduring legacy of mistrust between the U.S. and Cuba.