Donald Trump is promising to open up secret files about three pivotal figures from American history, aiming to promote government openness.
Key Facts:
• President-elect Trump made the pledge at a Sunday Victory Rally in Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena.
• He plans to release remaining records on John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Robert F. Kennedy.
• Trump tried releasing JFK files during his first administration but withheld some materials due to national security concerns.
• Both King and Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated in 1968.
• Files on Martin Luther King Jr. are not slated for release until 2027 under current law.
The Rest of The Story:
President-elect Trump’s announcement comes as part of an effort to “reverse the over-classification of government documents.”
This approach addresses decades of speculation surrounding the killings of President Kennedy, his brother Senator Robert Kennedy, and civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Each of these assassinations shaped the nation’s political and cultural landscape.
During his first time in office, Trump had made a similar promise regarding JFK records.
However, the release was delayed in part by appeals from intelligence agencies such as the CIA and FBI.
At the time, Trump justified withholding certain documents, citing the gravity of possible threats to U.S. national security interests.
Critics question whether the government has been fully transparent about what it knows.
They say key details about each incident remain locked away, fueling conspiracy theories and skepticism.
Supporters believe that, by revealing more information, Trump can help Americans develop a fuller understanding of the events that led to the deaths of these historic figures.
Trump’s renewed promise raises the question of exactly which documents the public will see and how soon.
Under the Martin Luther King Jr. Records Collection Act, the files that remain on King are not due for release until 2027, leaving some to wonder whether Trump can expedite the process.
Trump vows to release JFK, RFK and MLK assassination files in massive transparency push https://t.co/OeMB8KHdPK pic.twitter.com/l54titqLVd
— New York Post (@nypost) January 19, 2025
Commentary:
It’s about time these long-hidden documents see the light of day.
Americans deserve the truth, especially about high-profile events that shaped our nation.
We believe the public should have full access to this information, and we are glad to see a leader pushing for immediate disclosure.
By promising to unseal these files, Trump acknowledges the public’s right to know what really happened all those years ago.
We hope this action encourages broader transparency within our government and helps restore trust in our institutions.
In our view, the decision to move forward with these releases is a welcome step toward accountability and honesty.
The Bottom Line:
Trump’s pledge to unseal these assassination files taps into a long-standing desire for greater honesty in government.
Whether these records will be released in full or still face security-related redactions remains uncertain.
If successful, this move could shed new light on some of the nation’s most tragic chapters.
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For many, the hope is that transparency will help foster trust between citizens and the government.