It’s documented that President John F. Kennedy’s administration took steps to require the American Zionist Council (AZC)—the precursor to AIPAC—to register as a foreign agent under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

Background:

• In the early 1960s, the AZC (American Zionist Council) was a key organization promoting Israeli interests in the U.S.
• It received funding from the Israeli government, particularly from the Jewish Agency, a semi-governmental body in Israel.
• The Kennedy administration, particularly Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, became concerned about foreign funding and influence, especially in the wake of Cold War espionage fears.

U.S. Government Action:

• In 1962, the Justice Department ordered the AZC to register under FARA as an agent of a foreign principal (Israel).
• This would have legally required them to disclose funding sources, activities, and ties to Israel’s government.
• AIPAC, which was formally established in 1963 out of AZC operations, was not directly named, but it emerged soon after, and some argue it did so to distance itself from that legal scrutiny.

Outcome:

• Despite the Justice Department’s order, the AZC never registered as a foreign agent.
• The issue quietly faded after Kennedy’s assassination in November 1963.
• Under President Johnson, pressure on the group and its successors was not pursued with the same intensity.

Was This Connected to Kennedy’s Assassination?

• Some conspiracy theorists try to connect this with Kennedy’s death, suggesting that his pressure on Israel’s nuclear program and the AZC/AIPAC registration was a motive.
• However, no credible evidence exists linking his assassination to this action.
• It does, however, highlight Kennedy’s complex and assertive stance toward foreign influence in American politics, including Israel.