Trump Set To Release Classified JFK, RFK and MLK Assassination Files!

Trump vows to reveal JFK, RFK, and MLK assassination secrets. Hidden files will come out as step towards government transparency.
By Kushani Gunathilaka
January 20, 2025
2:31 GMT-0830
Trump Set To Release JFK, RFK and MLK Assassination Files!

History is filled with moments that leave behind questions. The assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. are some prime examples. President-elect Donald Trump recently promised to release classified files related to these events. This announcement, made during a victory rally in Washington, DC, was framed as a move toward government transparency.

Trump’s past attempt to release JFK files during his first term (2017–2021) faced resistance due to national security concerns. Now, as he returns to the White House in 2025, he has pledged to follow through on this long-awaited disclosure. His remarks drew one of the longest applauses at the victory rally last night. Let’s have a closer look at his plan to release the documents.

The JFK Files: Why They Matter

The JFK Assassination

Image source: Politico

On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, while riding in a motorcade. Official investigations concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the shooting. However, this conclusion has been met with widespread skepticism. Many Americans suspect a larger conspiracy involving foreign governments or intelligence agencies.

“Prior investigations by the government have concluded that assassin Lee Harvey Oswald acted on his own,” Trump said, but he acknowledged, “questions that remain unanswered.”

Past Efforts to Release Files


In his first administration, Trump began declassifying JFK-related documents in accordance with the 1992 Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act, which mandated a full release by 2017. However, intense pushback from officials, including former CIA director Mike Pompeo, led to delays. A significant chunk of files remains under wraps.

To date, over 95% of the CIA’s JFK records have been made public. Still, there are lingering questions about Oswald’s motives and potential connections to larger entities. “We will reverse the over-classification of government documents,” Trump said, promising to release remaining files.

RFK and MLK Files

Robert F. Kennedy (RFK)


On June 6, 1968, Senator Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated while campaigning for the presidency. Official accounts state that Sirhan Sirhan, a Palestinian immigrant, acted alone. However, skeptics argue there may have been multiple gunmen involved.

Trump stated, “In the coming days, we are going to make public remaining records related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, his brother Robert Kennedy, as well as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” The promise to release RFK’s files adds another layer to his push for transparency.

Image source: Politico

Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK)


Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. The official account blames James Earl Ray, who was captured and convicted. Yet, much like the Kennedys’ cases, conspiracy theories persist.

The FBI had conducted extensive surveillance on King during his life, including monitoring his activism and personal life. The Martin Luther King Jr. Records Collection Act has scheduled these files for release in 2027, but Trump hinted at accelerating this timeline.

Image source: Politico

Potential Impact of File Releases


Public access to these files could shed light on the government’s historical handling of these figures. For some, it may offer closure, while for others, it might spark new debates.

Political and Cultural Implications

Transparency vs. National Security
The promise to release classified records raises the ongoing debate about transparency versus national security. While many applaud the effort to “restore accountability to government,” others fear sensitive information could compromise national interests.

Image source: AP news

Role of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, has long advocated for releasing these files. He has controversially suggested CIA involvement in JFK’s assassination, a claim the agency denies. Trump’s collaboration with Kennedy Jr. underscores his commitment to unveiling these records.

Public Interest and Speculation
The public remains deeply curious about these events. The JFK assassination, in particular, has become a cultural touchstone for conspiracy theories. Trump’s announcement has already reignited discussions, with media and citizens alike eager to uncover hidden truths.

Conclusion


Trump’s promise to release assassination files marks a significant moment in the pursuit of transparency. While many anticipate groundbreaking revelations, others remain skeptical about the scope of disclosure. As Trump stated, “In the coming days, we are going to make public remaining records…as the first step toward restoring transparency and accountability to government.”

Whether these files provide answers or spark new questions, they promise to deepen our understanding of pivotal historical events that have shaped American history.

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