Question

Why would firing the joint chiefs of staff look so bad for JFK even as they defy his orders?

Answer 1

Because he did not want it to appear that the country's administration was in disagreement.

Step-by-step explanation:

It is expected that all those who run the country will be in agreement with each other, if this is not shown to the public the government will show a weak appearance and the president can be seen as unprepared for the position. For this reason, Kennedy did not dismiss the heads of joint team, so that his popularity, as governor, did not stop due to rumors of disagreement between the members of the administration.

Answer 2

Firing the joint chiefs of staff would look bad for Kennedy because it would make it appear to the public that the administration is struggling/weak. Anytime there are scandals or issues in which the president does not get along with his colleagues, it is seen as a sign of weakness. During Kennedy's presidency, the last thing the United States government wanted was to appear weak. This is because the US was in constant competition with the Soviet Union for international power and influence.