Trump Orders Final Release of JFK Assassination Files
Mythology/Folklore/History
Today (11 hours ago)
4 minute read.
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to declassify the remaining secret files related to the assassination of John F. Kennedy, more than 60 years after the event that shocked the world. The decision also includes the release of documents connected to the assassinations of Kennedy's brother Robert F. Kennedy and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
Speaking in the Oval Office, Mr Trump said, "That's a big one, huh? A lot of people have been waiting for this for years, for decades. Everything will be revealed". After signing the order, he handed the pen to an aide, instructing them to give it to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nephew of John F. Kennedy, and nominee for the position of Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.
The order mandates the "full and complete release" of the files, without the redactions allowed when Mr Trump previously authorised the release of most documents in 2017. The document states that it is "in the national interest to finally release all records related to these assassinations without delay".
The US National Archives has already made public the majority of files, amounting to millions of pages, related to Kennedy's assassination. However, thousands of documents were withheld for reasons of national security. By December 2022, 97% of the records had been released, according to the Archives.
The 46 year old president was assassinated on 22nd of November 1963 in Dallas, Texas. The Warren Commission, which investigated the event, concluded that former US Marine sharpshooter Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. Nevertheless, this finding has failed to dispel widespread conspiracy theories suggesting involvement by the CIA, organised crime, or foreign entities.
Mr Trump's decision also follows criticism from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has publicly argued there is "overwhelming evidence the CIA was involved" in his uncle's assassination. He also suggested there is "very convincing" evidence linking the agency to the 1968 assassination of his father, Robert F. Kennedy, who was killed while campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination.
In December 2022, then President Joe Biden authorised the release of additional documents but allowed a "limited" number to remain classified at the request of unspecified agencies, likely including the CIA and FBI. Thousands of files were also withheld during Mr Trump's first term, citing national security concerns.
The slow release of documents has fuelled ongoing speculation about potential cover-ups. Historians, however, believe the remaining files are unlikely to contain groundbreaking revelations but may provide further context about government operations at the time.
John F. Kennedy's assassination occurred as his motorcade travelled through Dallas at approximately 16 km/h when shots were fired. Two days later, Lee Harvey Oswald was shot and killed by nightclub owner Jack Ruby while in police custody. The lack of a trial for Oswald has further contributed to conspiracy theories.
The 1968 assassination of Robert F. Kennedy occurred in Los Angeles, where he was fatally shot by Sirhan Sirhan, a Palestinian born Jordanian. Sirhan was convicted but questions about a larger conspiracy have persisted.
Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated the same year in Memphis, Tennessee. James Earl Ray was convicted of his murder but denied responsibility. Members of King's family have publicly expressed doubts about Ray's guilt.
The full release of these documents could mark the final chapter in a decades long quest for transparency. While they are unlikely to satisfy all conspiracy theorists, they could help historians and the public better understand the events surrounding these pivotal moments in American history.
As of now, it remains to be seen whether the files will support or contradict existing theories. What is certain is that the release represents a step towards addressing one of modern history's most enduring mysteries.
Speaking in the Oval Office, Mr Trump said, "That's a big one, huh? A lot of people have been waiting for this for years, for decades. Everything will be revealed". After signing the order, he handed the pen to an aide, instructing them to give it to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nephew of John F. Kennedy, and nominee for the position of Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.
The order mandates the "full and complete release" of the files, without the redactions allowed when Mr Trump previously authorised the release of most documents in 2017. The document states that it is "in the national interest to finally release all records related to these assassinations without delay".
The US National Archives has already made public the majority of files, amounting to millions of pages, related to Kennedy's assassination. However, thousands of documents were withheld for reasons of national security. By December 2022, 97% of the records had been released, according to the Archives.
The 46 year old president was assassinated on 22nd of November 1963 in Dallas, Texas. The Warren Commission, which investigated the event, concluded that former US Marine sharpshooter Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. Nevertheless, this finding has failed to dispel widespread conspiracy theories suggesting involvement by the CIA, organised crime, or foreign entities.
Mr Trump's decision also follows criticism from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has publicly argued there is "overwhelming evidence the CIA was involved" in his uncle's assassination. He also suggested there is "very convincing" evidence linking the agency to the 1968 assassination of his father, Robert F. Kennedy, who was killed while campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination.
In December 2022, then President Joe Biden authorised the release of additional documents but allowed a "limited" number to remain classified at the request of unspecified agencies, likely including the CIA and FBI. Thousands of files were also withheld during Mr Trump's first term, citing national security concerns.
The slow release of documents has fuelled ongoing speculation about potential cover-ups. Historians, however, believe the remaining files are unlikely to contain groundbreaking revelations but may provide further context about government operations at the time.
John F. Kennedy's assassination occurred as his motorcade travelled through Dallas at approximately 16 km/h when shots were fired. Two days later, Lee Harvey Oswald was shot and killed by nightclub owner Jack Ruby while in police custody. The lack of a trial for Oswald has further contributed to conspiracy theories.
The 1968 assassination of Robert F. Kennedy occurred in Los Angeles, where he was fatally shot by Sirhan Sirhan, a Palestinian born Jordanian. Sirhan was convicted but questions about a larger conspiracy have persisted.
Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated the same year in Memphis, Tennessee. James Earl Ray was convicted of his murder but denied responsibility. Members of King's family have publicly expressed doubts about Ray's guilt.
The full release of these documents could mark the final chapter in a decades long quest for transparency. While they are unlikely to satisfy all conspiracy theorists, they could help historians and the public better understand the events surrounding these pivotal moments in American history.
As of now, it remains to be seen whether the files will support or contradict existing theories. What is certain is that the release represents a step towards addressing one of modern history's most enduring mysteries.
