Trump Signs Order to Unseal JFK Files and More

Historic Move: Trump Signs Order to Unseal JFK Files and More

In a move aimed at increasing transparency around some of the most contentious events in American history, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to release additional files related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy (JFK), Senator Robert F. Kennedy (RFK), and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK). This decision marks another step in the decades-long effort to uncover the full truth behind these historical tragedies.

JFK Files: A Long-Awaited Decision

As Trump signed the executive order in the Oval Office, he acknowledged the historical significance of the move. “That’s a big one. A lot of people have been waiting for this for years, for decades,” Trump said, underscoring the widespread anticipation surrounding these files.

The former president also made a symbolic gesture by offering the pen he used to sign the order to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent advocate for government transparency and the son of the late attorney general. “Give that to RFK Jr.,” Trump remarked.

Historic Move: Trump Signs Order to Unseal JFK Files and More
Source: Space Coast Daily

RFK, MLK, JFK FilesTransparency for the Public and Families

The executive order emphasizes the importance of public access to these documents. “Their families and the American people deserve transparency and truth. It is in the national interest to finally release all records related to these assassinations without delay,” the White House stated in the order.

The decision aligns with Trump’s 2024 campaign promises to release all remaining documents related to the JFK assassination. While many of these files have already been disclosed, a significant number remain classified, fueling public skepticism and conspiracy theories.

The Timeline for Disclosure

Despite the signing of the executive order, the release of these files will not happen immediately. According to the order, the Director of National Intelligence and the Attorney General, along with key national security officials, must present a plan for the full and complete release of JFK-related records to the president within 15 days of the order. For RFK and MLK records, the timeline for disclosure is set at 45 days.

The delay in the release reflects the complexity of declassifying sensitive government documents. National security agencies must ensure that releasing the files will not compromise confidential sources or methods, some of which might still be relevant today.

A History of Partial Disclosure

The effort to declassify JFK files has been ongoing for decades. In 2023, the National Archives completed a review of classified documents related to Kennedy’s assassination, with 99% of the records made publicly available. This followed a memo from President Joe Biden certifying that the archivist had concluded the review and that all authorized records had been declassified.

However, despite these efforts, some documents remain classified. The CIA, Pentagon, and State Department have consistently justified withholding certain records to protect the identities of confidential sources, many of whom might still be alive, and to safeguard sensitive methods.

Trump Signs Order to Unseal JFK Files and More
Source: The Economic Times

Previous Attempts at Full Disclosure

Donald Trump’s executive order builds on earlier promises to release the JFK files. When he was president, Trump initially pledged to release the full tranche of records but ultimately agreed to withhold some documents at the request of national security agencies. These agencies argued that the release of certain files could jeopardize national security.

The Kennedy assassination, in particular, has been a source of intense public scrutiny and speculation since November 22, 1963, when JFK was fatally shot in Dallas, Texas. The subsequent Warren Commission concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the assassination, but lingering questions and alternative theories have kept the public clamoring for more information.

Implications of the Executive Order

Trump’s decision to push forward with the release of these files could have far-reaching implications. For historians, researchers, and the families of JFK, RFK, and MLK, the disclosure represents an opportunity to uncover new details about these pivotal moments in American history. For the general public, the move may help dispel long-standing conspiracy theories—or potentially validate them.

“All will be revealed,” Trump said confidently as he signed the order, reflecting the high expectations surrounding this historic release.

Conclusion

The executive order to release more JFK, RFK, and MLK assassination files marks a significant step toward greater government transparency. While challenges remain, particularly regarding the protection of sensitive information, the move is a reminder of the enduring public interest in uncovering the truth about these national tragedies.

As the process unfolds, all eyes will be on the administration and national security agencies to ensure that the promise of full disclosure is honored. For now, the focus remains on the JFK files, a critical piece of history that continues to capture the imagination of the American people.

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