Trump Orders Declassification of JFK, RFK, and MLK Assassination Documents - Details

President Donald Trump has issued a directive to declassify documents pertaining to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr., marking a significant step towards unveiling historical mysteries that have intrigued Americans for decades.

In a statement from the Oval Office, Trump emphasized the public's enduring interest in these cases: "A lot of people are waiting for this for long, for years, for decades. And everything will be revealed."

The Lingering Questions of History
The assassinations of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas in 1963, his brother Robert F. Kennedy in California in 1968, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis later that year have long been shrouded in controversy and speculation. Despite official investigations, including the Warren Commission's conclusion that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in JFK's assassination, doubts have persisted among the public.

Jefferson Morley, a former journalist and JFK assassination expert, highlighted the significance of Trump's order: "As a statement of intention it's great that the president has put his promise into words on paper. That's important."

Unveiling Decades of Secrecy
The journey towards declassification began with Congress passing a law in 1992 to release all documents related to the JFK investigation within 25 years.

Since then, successive administrations have released portions of these documents, but significant redactions remain, fueling speculation and alternative theories.
Trump's executive order now mandates a plan to disclose the remaining documents within 15 days, challenging continued secrecy that, as stated in the order, "is not consistent with the public interest."

New Revelations and Ongoing Controversies
Recent document releases have unveiled details about the CIA's monitoring of Lee Harvey Oswald, adding layers to the understanding of the events surrounding JFK's assassination. Notably, revelations from former Secret Service agent Paul Landis have raised questions about the official narrative of a single bullet in JFK's shooting.
"This story is not over," Morley emphasized, noting that while a "smoking gun" may not emerge, a full release could significantly enhance public knowledge.

Family Perspectives and Skepticism
During the signing ceremony, Trump presented the signing pen to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., son of RFK and nephew of JFK, highlighting the family's longstanding scepticism towards official accounts. RFK Jr. has challenged the narratives surrounding both his father's and uncle's assassinations, engaging with Sirhan Sirhan, convicted in RFK's killing, and disputing claims of sole responsibility.

Similarly, doubts surrounding Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination persist within his family, who have suggested a broader conspiracy involving James Earl Ray.

 

(With Inputs From BBC)