In a significant move, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to declassify documents related to the assassinations of three pivotal American figures: President John F. Kennedy, his brother Robert F. Kennedy, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
During the signing ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House, Trump hailed the decision as a "major announcement" and a long-awaited step for the nation. "Many have been waiting for this for decades. Everything will be revealed," he emphasized.
The White House, via its official website, highlighted that the families of the victims and the American public "deserve transparency and truth," promising that the related records will finally be released without further delay.
According to the decree, within the next 15 days, the Director of National Intelligence and the Department of Justice are to present a plan for the publication of documents concerning JFK's assassination. Similarly, plans for the release of files related to the deaths of Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. are expected within 45 days.
Historical Context and Remaining Mysteries
The assassination of John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, remains one of the most scrutinized events in American history. While the official account points to former Marine marksman Lee Harvey Oswald as the sole perpetrator, numerous conspiracy theories continue to challenge this narrative.
Although the National Archives had previously made most JFK-related documents public, some files remained classified for security reasons. In June 2023, under President Joe Biden's administration, it was reported that 99% of the records had been declassified. Trump, however, argued that withholding information about Kennedy's assassination was inconsistent with public interest and that these documents should have been released long ago.
Efforts to Unveil Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. Files
Regarding the declassification of records concerning the assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy, who was killed in 1968 in Los Angeles, and Martin Luther King Jr., who was murdered in 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee, Trump stated that making these government-held documents public is also in the public's interest.
Nevertheless, there is no legislation mandating the release of records on these two assassinations. This executive order comes at the onset of Trump's presidency, following his inauguration for a second term last Monday.
The declassification of these files is anticipated to address some of the lingering questions surrounding these iconic assassinations in recent U.S. history.
Understanding the Declassification of Assassination Files
Why did Trump decide to declassify the assassination files now?
Trump believes that the American public deserves transparency and that the withheld information should have been released earlier. This decision aligns with his stance on promoting public interest over secrecy.
What is expected from the release of these documents?
The release is expected to shed light on the mysteries and conspiracy theories surrounding the assassinations of JFK, RFK, and MLK, potentially providing new insights and clarifying historical uncertainties.
What steps are involved in the declassification process?
The Director of National Intelligence and the Department of Justice are tasked with developing a plan to release the documents within specified timeframes—15 days for JFK and 45 days for RFK and MLK.