Trump vows to release JFK, RFK, and MLK assassination files in push for transparency
By isabelle // 2025-01-21
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  • President-elect Trump pledges to release classified documents on the assassinations of JFK, RFK, and MLK to restore public trust.
  • Trump previously released some JFK files in 2017 but withheld others due to national security concerns.
  • The release aims to address decades-old mysteries and conspiracy theories surrounding these historic events.
  • Trump also promises to reduce government over-classification and increase transparency as part of his administration’s goals.
  • The MLK files, not due for release until 2027, may be expedited under Trump’s transparency push.
President-elect Donald Trump has reignited his commitment to government transparency by pledging to release long-classified documents related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Speaking to a packed crowd of 20,000 supporters at Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena on Sunday, Trump declared that the release of these records would be a cornerstone of his administration’s efforts to restore public trust. The announcement came just one day before his inauguration for a second, non-consecutive term, and marks a renewed push to address decades-old mysteries that have captivated the American public. This is not the first time Trump has promised to declassify these files. During his first term, he released a portion of the JFK assassination records in 2017, adhering to the 1992 Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act, which mandated the release of all related documents by 2017. However, facing pressure from intelligence agencies like the CIA and FBI, Trump ultimately withheld hundreds of records, citing national security concerns. “The potential harm to U.S. national security, law enforcement, or foreign affairs is of such gravity that it outweighs the public interest in immediate disclosure,” he said at the time. President Biden also released a trove of JFK-related documents in 2022 but similarly withheld some materials for national security reasons. Now, Trump is doubling down on his promise, vowing to release not only the remaining JFK files but also those related to the assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The assassinations of JFK, RFK, and MLK remain some of the most scrutinized events in U.S. history. Officially, Lee Harvey Oswald is credited with acting alone in killing JFK in Dallas on November 22, 1963, but polls consistently show that a majority of Americans believe in a broader conspiracy. Similarly, Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination in Los Angeles on June 5, 1968, and Dr. King’s murder in Memphis on April 4, 1968, have spawned countless theories and unanswered questions. Trump’s pledge to release these files has reignited hope for clarity among historians and the public alike. “It’s all going to be released,” Trump told the crowd, drawing thunderous applause. While experts caution that the documents may not contain earth-shattering revelations, they could provide valuable context and closure to decades of speculation.

A broader push for accountability

Trump’s announcement is part of a broader effort to increase government transparency and reduce the over-classification of documents. “As the first step toward restoring transparency and accountability to government, we will also reverse the over-classification of government documents,” he said. This move aligns with his campaign promises to challenge the status quo and empower the public with access to information. The release of the MLK files, in particular, presents a unique challenge. Under the Martin Luther King Jr. Records Collection Act, the remaining documents are not due for release until 2027. Trump did not specify how he plans to expedite this process, but his commitment to transparency suggests he may push for an earlier release.

A step toward historical clarity

President-elect Trump’s pledge to declassify the JFK, RFK, and MLK assassination files represents a significant step toward addressing some of the most enduring mysteries in American history. While the documents may not resolve every conspiracy theory, their release underscores Trump’s commitment to transparency and accountability. As the nation prepares for his second inauguration, this bold move signals a renewed focus on openness—a promise that could reshape how the government handles sensitive information in the years to come. Sources for this article include: X.com FoxNews.com NYPost.com Reuters.com
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