
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to declassify long-held government records on the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The action fulfills a major campaign pledge aimed at increasing transparency and addressing decades of speculation surrounding the events.
Speaking at the White House, Trump acknowledged the public’s longstanding interest in the files and remarked that Americans had “waited for this for decades.” After signing the order, he handed the pen to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services and the son of the late senator.
President Trump Orders Historic Transparency: JFK, RFK, and MLK Files to be Declassified
“This is a big one. A lot of people have been waiting for this for years, for decades. Everything will be revealed.” –President Trump pic.twitter.com/iYfF7huHj9
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 23, 2025
The National Archives has previously released most of the records related to JFK’s assassination, stating that nearly 97% of the documents have been made public. However, critical portions remained classified, which many believe could contain key details about the events in Dallas on November 22, 1963.
Made this video to explain how to be one of the first to browse the JFK files when they're released, per President Trump's order. Hope it helps! pic.twitter.com/pIPvvPevHO
— Jess Fields (@jessalanfields) January 23, 2025
During Trump’s first term, he initially planned to release all assassination files but ultimately allowed intelligence agencies to delay the full disclosure, citing concerns over national security and foreign relations. The new order eliminates those restrictions and includes the files of Martin Luther King Jr., which were not set for release until 2027.
🚨Trump has officially declassified the assassination files for MLK, JFK, and RFK
He asked his aide to give the pen he signed the EO to RFK Jr.
We just witnessed history pic.twitter.com/b0gDoTGvV4
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) January 23, 2025
The King family issued a statement expressing their interest in reviewing the documents before their public release, calling the assassination of the civil rights leader a deeply personal matter for them.
Trump: Declassifies JFK, RFK, and MLK files.
CIA & FBI: pic.twitter.com/biDq3w5s3w— Anton Rubaclini (@AntonRubaclini) January 23, 2025
“Give that pen to RFK Jr” – President Trump after signing the order to DECLASSIFY the JFK, RFK and MLK files.
The Internet is about BREAK!!
— Alec Lace (@AlecLace) January 23, 2025
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) praised Trump’s decision, saying the American people deserve to see the full truth behind these historic events. She added that government transparency is essential and vowed to push for continued oversight on the matter.