Wessin's first intervention in Dominican politics as an air force officer began in 1961, following the assassination of President Rafael Trujillo, a dictator.[1] Wessin, who commanded an infantry battalion at the time of Trujillo's assassination, helped Trujillo's wife and family to flee the country.[1]
During the Revolution, Wessin refused to abandon his post because he did not want the rebels, whom he accused of being pro-communist, to take over the country. This was partly why the U.S tended towards the loyalist (Wessin's forces), and not towards Francisco Caamaño, who was acting in the behalf of Juan Bosch.
Wessin was allowed to return from exile in 1978 after the government issued a general amnesty.[1] He reconciled with his former political rival, President Joaquín Balaguer, and actively campaigned for Balaguer during the 1986 presidential election.[1] Due to his support for Balaguer, Wessin served as the country's interior minister and, later, as Secretary of the Armed Forces during Balaguer's administrations.[1]
Wessin was featured on the cover of Time magazine on May 7, 1965.[2]