U.S. President Donald Trump announced the declassification of documents related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. However, upon closer examination, the executive order reveals a more measured approach than initially marketed, leaving many questioning the immediacy and completeness of the promised disclosures.
On Thursday, Trump signed an executive order titled “Declassification of Records Concerning the Assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” At first glance, the announcement appeared to signal a definitive step toward transparency. However, a detailed review of the order uncovers that it primarily mandates the Director of National Intelligence and the Attorney General to develop a plan for declassification within specified timeframes, without committing to an actual release of documents.
Trump declared, “A lot of people are waiting for this for long, for years, for decades. And everything will be revealed,” during a press briefing in the Oval Office. While the rhetoric suggests a forthcoming flood of information, the executive order itself lacks concrete timelines for the actual dissemination of the files, raising concerns about the true extent of transparency being offered.
Limited Commitments in the Order
The executive order outlines two key directives:
- Plan for JFK Files: Within 15 days, the DNI and AG are required to present a comprehensive plan for the declassification of documents related to President Kennedy’s assassination.
- Plan for RFK and MLK Jr. Files: Within 45 days, these officials must devise a strategy for releasing records pertaining to the assassinations of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Notably, the order stops short of establishing a definitive timeline for the actual release of these documents. This omission has sparked criticism who argue that without a clear schedule, the promise of full disclosure remains uncertain.
The assassinations of JFK in 1963, RFK in 1968, and MLK Jr. in 1968 have been subjects of extensive investigation and speculation. The 1992 President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act mandated the release of all JFK assassination-related documents by October 2017, barring national security exceptions. While subsequent administrations, including that of former President Joe Biden, extended deadlines citing national security concerns, the full release has remained elusive.
During his first term, Trump pledged to fulfill this congressional mandate. Although some progress was made, including the release of approximately 5 million pages with a 97% disclosure rate reported by the National Archives and Records Administration, thousands of documents remain redacted, particularly those involving intelligence agencies.
Hype fail
Jefferson Morley, a former Washington Post journalist and JFK assassination expert, expressed cautious optimism: “As a statement of intention, it’s great that the president has put his promise into words on paper. That’s important. But the details and implementation are everything. This process is just beginning. How exactly this is going to be carried out is not at all clear.”
Morley highlighted that recent releases have already shed new light on the CIA’s monitoring of Lee Harvey Oswald, JFK’s alleged assassin, suggesting that a more comprehensive release could further challenge the lone gunman theory. However, he remains skeptical about the executive order’s ability to deliver on its promises without concrete timelines.
Max Burns, a political commentator, offered a more critical perspective on social media: “Trump’s latest Executive Order declassifying the JFK, RFK and MLK assassination files doesn’t actually do that. Read it closely—it just requires DNI and AG to offer a plan within 45 days. No timeline on actual release.”
Clarity and Closure
The families of the assassinated leaders have long sought greater transparency to uncover the full truth behind these tragic events. In a statement to CBS News, the King family articulated their hopes: “For us, the assassination of our father is a deeply personal family loss that we have endured over the last 56 years. We hope to be provided the opportunity to review the files as a family prior to its public release.”
The executive order’s ambiguous directives could have significant implications for public trust and the integrity of historical records. Transparency advocates argue that without a clear and actionable plan, the administration risks perpetuating the very secrecy that has fueled decades of speculation and conspiracy theories.
Moreover, the involvement of key figures such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been vocal in questioning official narratives, adds a layer of political complexity to the release process. Trump’s gesture of handing the signing pen to Kennedy Jr. symbolizes an attempt to bridge gaps, but it remains to be seen whether this will translate into meaningful disclosure.
Information for this story was found via BBC, CBS News, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
One Response
Israel killed both Kennedy brothers and Trump and the Deep State will never release that information.