Trump Fulfills Campaign Promise By Declassifying JFK, RFK, MLK Files

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday directing the release of remaining government files related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The decision marks a significant step in fulfilling his campaign promise to provide greater transparency on these high-profile cases.

During the signing ceremony at the White House, Trump said, “A lot of people have been waiting for this,” underscoring the public’s deep interest in the files. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been nominated to serve in Trump’s administration, received the signing pen as a symbolic gesture.

The National Archives previously made the majority of the JFK-related records public, with officials stating that 97% of the collection had already been disclosed. However, many files remained classified under past administrations, leading to speculation about potential hidden details concerning the Kennedy assassination.

Trump had previously approved a partial release of the records during his first term but deferred to intelligence agencies that argued some materials could jeopardize national security. With this new order, those concerns are set aside in favor of full disclosure.

The Martin Luther King Jr. files, initially scheduled for public release in 2027, are also included in the executive action. The King family responded by requesting the opportunity to review the documents before they are made widely available.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) commended Trump’s move, calling it a step toward restoring trust in government and ensuring accountability in historical matters that have long been shrouded in secrecy.