WASHINGTON: The Trump administration has declassified thousands of records related to John F. Kennedy’s (JFK) assassination. Many were previously redacted.
A total of 80,000 pages of records have been made public. Some documents remain sealed under legal restrictions.
The National Archives published the documents online, allowing researchers to analyze newly available information.
Experts warn that these files may not contain groundbreaking revelations about the assassination.
Trump had signed an executive order to release files on JFK, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr.
Expert Opinions
Tom Samoluk, a former deputy director of the Assassination Records Review Board, doubts any major discoveries.
He stated that most critical records were already released in the 1990s by his team.
“If there was a smoking gun, we would have released it back then,” Samoluk told CNN.
The Review Board examined thousands of records between 1994 and 1998 to ensure transparency.
Despite the new release, conspiracy theories about JFK’s death continue to persist.
Ongoing Restrictions
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard confirmed some records remain under court seal or grand jury secrecy.
The National Archives is coordinating with the Justice Department to unseal additional documents.
Some records are restricted under Section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Larry Sabato, a political scientist, warned that the public may find the new records disappointing.
He believes these documents may not change the general understanding of Kennedy’s assassination.
Newly Found Records
Last month, the FBI located 2,400 additional documents related to the JFK case.
These files surfaced following a comprehensive review triggered by Trump’s executive order.
Samoluk mentioned the possibility of undiscovered records in other government agencies.
Some withheld documents reportedly contain information about Lee Harvey Oswald’s activities before the assassination.
Experts say these files might help fill minor knowledge gaps rather than expose a conspiracy.
Past Efforts
In 2023, the National Archives completed a review of all classified JFK records.
CNN reported that 99% of assassination-related documents have now been made public.
President Biden certified the release of the remaining authorized records.
Despite past commitments, agencies like the CIA and Pentagon still withhold some files.
Their justification involves protecting confidential sources and national security methods.
Trump’s Position
During his presidency, Trump delayed full disclosure at the request of security agencies.
He later promised to release all remaining documents if elected in 2024.
His stance aligns with public demand for transparency on JFK’s assassination.
The possibility of additional undisclosed files remains a point of speculation.
