President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to declassify records on the assassinations of JFK, RFK, and Martin Luther King Jr. He emphasized the need for transparency for their families and the American public.
During the signing in the Oval Office, Trump remarked, “That’s a big one, huh?” This move comes after decades of interest in these files from historians and journalists. Trump had previously promised to release records related to John F. Kennedy’s assassination during his first term.
In 2017, he released 2,800 records but withheld more sensitive documents, citing national security. The following year, Trump authorized the disclosure of about 19,000 documents. In 2022, President Joe Biden also released additional files, although many remain redacted.
Timeline for Document Release
While the exact release date of these documents is uncertain, Trump has directed intelligence officials to prepare a plan for public disclosure. He has asked for a complete release of JFK-related records within 15 days. Additionally, plans for releasing documents related to RFK and MLK will be presented within 45 days.
Requirements for Document Review
According to Jefferson Morley, a former Washington Post reporter, over 3,600 JFK documents contain redactions. This figure only accounts for records in the National Archives. Officials need to determine if records held by the Kennedy family, CIA, and FBI fall under Trump’s order. Locating and reviewing these documents will take time.
Morley noted that the records related to RFK and MLK are less consolidated, which may further delay their review. Intelligence agencies might also raise concerns about full declassification as the review process unfolds.
Historical Context and Public Interest
Congress mandated in 1992 that JFK assassination records be released within 25 years. Trump’s administration faced pressure to comply with this deadline in 2017, but significant lobbying from agencies like the CIA and FBI led to delays. These agencies argued that national security concerns outweighed the public’s right to know.
Conspiracy Theories and Speculations
The redaction of documents has fueled numerous conspiracy theories regarding the assassinations. After JFK’s assassination, Lyndon B. Johnson established a commission concluding that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. However, many continue to speculate about potential collusion or foreign involvement.
Experts are divided on the content of the unreleased documents and whether they will substantiate or refute existing theories. Morley noted that the release isn’t about finding a “smoking gun” but rather understanding what actually happened.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s pick for the Department of Health and Human Services, has publicly supported the theory of CIA involvement. He has stated that his father suspected that the agency was behind his brother’s assassination.
As Trump signed the order, he requested that the pen he used be given to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., signifying the importance of this historical moment.
This executive order marks a significant step in the ongoing quest for clarity surrounding these pivotal moments in American history. The public awaits the release of these documents with anticipation and hope for answers.
