In a move fulfilling a major campaign pledge, President Donald Trump has ordered the release of all remaining government records related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The executive order was signed Thursday at the White House, marking a significant step in addressing the decades-long demand for transparency.
During the signing ceremony, Trump remarked, “A lot of people have been waiting for this for decades.” The pen used for the order was given to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services and 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
Although the National Archives has previously released the majority of JFK-related records, about 5 million pages in total, a portion remained classified. Trump’s order aims to make those remaining documents fully available to the public, responding to long-standing concerns about government transparency.
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
Trump previously delayed the release of certain assassination records during his first term after intelligence agencies urged him to withhold them, citing national security risks. This time, Trump stated that further secrecy is not in the public’s best interest and moved forward with full disclosure.
🚨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, responding to the executive action, expressed their hope to review the files before they are made public. The Martin Luther King Jr. Records Collection Act had originally set a release date of 2027 for these documents.
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), a vocal advocate for transparency, applauded Trump’s decision. She emphasized that the American people have waited too long for the truth and pledged to continue pushing for accountability in government records.
