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Despite repeated attacks, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) managed to weather the storm of McCarthyism which hit Washington D.C. in the early 1950s. While the CIA did not escape Soviet interference, its successive directors took a firm stand against Senator Joseph McCarthy, a position which set them apart from most other government officials. This offensive stance highlighted the shortcomings of the Republican Senator’s strategy and tactics alike. It also allowed the CIA to preserve its integrity and reputation, which gave it new stature and unprecedented leverage within the State apparatus.