
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday mandating the release of the remaining classified records related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The long-awaited action follows years of government secrecy and public speculation surrounding the high-profile killings.
The signing took place in the Oval Office, with Trump noting the significance of the moment. “This is something Americans have been asking for, for decades,” he said before signing the order. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom Trump has nominated to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, was presented with the signing pen.
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 disclosed the majority of JFK-related documents, releasing 97% of the files. However, a portion remained classified, fueling speculation and doubts about the official accounts of the 1963 assassination in Dallas.
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’s order also covers documents related to Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, which under previous guidelines were not scheduled for public release until 2027. The King family has stated they would like to review the materials before they become available to the public.
🚨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
During his first term, Trump had planned to release the JFK files in full but opted to delay portions of them after the FBI and CIA argued that their release could pose risks to national security. This new order overrides those concerns and directs the full disclosure of the remaining files.
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 the decision, saying that Americans have a right to see the information their government has kept hidden for decades. She stated that uncovering the truth is necessary to rebuild trust in public institutions.