Trump Signs Executive Order to Declassify Final Files on JFK, RFK, and MLK Assassinations

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday, January 23, 2025, mandating the declassification of all remaining government files related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. This move aims to address decades of public speculation and conspiracy theories surrounding these historic events.

“This is significant. Many individuals have been anticipating this for years, even decades,” Trump stated during the signing ceremony in the Oval Office. He further promised, “Everything will be revealed,” emphasizing his commitment to transparency. Trump handed the pen used for the signing to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services and nephew of John F. Kennedy.

The executive order directs the Director of National Intelligence and other officials to present a plan within 15 days for the full release of JFK assassination records and within 45 days for files related to RFK and MLK. While no immediate release is expected, this directive sets a clear timeline for disclosure. The order also declares that withholding these records is “not consistent with the public interest” and asserts that their release is long overdue.

Trump previously authorized partial disclosures of JFK-related files during his first term in 2017 and 2018 but withheld some documents following recommendations from intelligence agencies. This new action fulfills his campaign promise to release all remaining records, which he reiterated during his 2024 reelection campaign.

The move comes after years of delays under previous administrations, including those of Presidents Biden and Obama. Public skepticism remains high regarding official narratives, with polls showing many Americans doubting conclusions like those of the Warren Commission on JFK’s assassination.