Written by Matthew Connelly.
In a striking move sure to reignite national debates, President Donald Trump has announced plans to declassify files related to three of the most shocking assassinations in American history: President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert Kennedy, and civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. This announcement, made during a rally in Washington just before the start of his second, non-consecutive term, has set the stage for a political and historical showdown.
What’s in the Files?
The allure of these documents is undeniable. While Trump has yet to specify exactly which files will see the light of day, their potential contents have captivated conspiracy theorists, historians, and everyday Americans alike for decades.
JFK’s 1963 assassination has been the subject of endless speculation. Officially, Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. But skepticism about this conclusion persists, fueled by inconsistencies in the Warren Commission’s report and the mysterious aura surrounding Oswald’s connections. Will the unreleased files shed light on potential CIA involvement? Or perhaps reveal long-rumored connections to foreign governments?
Robert Kennedy’s 1968 assassination, officially pinned on Sirhan Sirhan, is another case rife with unanswered questions. Multiple eyewitness accounts and forensic anomalies have fueled theories that Sirhan did not act alone.
And then there’s Martin Luther King Jr., whose assassination in Memphis in 1968 was officially attributed to James Earl Ray. Ray’s confession, later recanted, has left many doubting the truthfulness of the official narrative.
The 2017 Release: A Half-Measure
This isn’t Trump’s first foray into declassifying assassination files. During his first term, he released a portion of the JFK documents, fulfilling a 1992 law that mandated their eventual disclosure. But many files remained sealed, thanks to heavy lobbying from the CIA and FBI. Their argument? Releasing everything could compromise national security and sensitive intelligence sources. Trump’s decision to hold back sparked disappointment among transparency advocates and fueled suspicions that the government was hiding something big.
This time around, Trump appears determined to make good on his promise. “In the coming days, we are going to make public remaining records related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, his brother Robert Kennedy, as well as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other topics of great public interest,” he declared.
A Nation’s Enduring Fascination
Why does America remain so captivated by these tragedies? Perhaps it’s because they symbolize pivotal moments in the nation’s history—moments that still resonate today.
The death of JFK marked a turning point in modern American politics. It shattered the nation’s post-World War II optimism and ushered in an era of distrust toward government institutions. Polls consistently show that a majority of Americans believe Kennedy’s death was part of a larger conspiracy. For many, it’s not just about uncovering the truth—it’s about addressing a lingering sense of betrayal.
Robert Kennedy’s assassination added another layer of heartbreak to the Kennedy legacy. As a champion of civil rights and a vocal critic of the Vietnam War, his death left a void in the progressive movement of the 1960s.
And King? His murder in Memphis robbed the country of its greatest moral leader during the height of the civil rights movement. His legacy endures, but questions about the circumstances of his death remain unresolved.
The Role of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Adding to the intrigue is the involvement of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s newly appointed health and human services secretary. As the son of Robert Kennedy and nephew of JFK, Kennedy Jr. has long been vocal about his skepticism of the official accounts. He’s openly accused the CIA of involvement in his uncle’s death and questioned the lone gunman theory in his father’s case. His controversial views have drawn both praise and criticism, but one thing is clear: his presence in the administration could shape the way these files are handled and interpreted.
Our Take
Trump’s announcement is sure to delight conspiracy theorists and transparency advocates alike. But it also raises important questions about the balance between national security and the public’s right to know. Releasing these files could offer long-awaited clarity—or simply fuel new waves of speculation and mistrust.
For conservatives, the stakes are high. These assassinations represent critical moments in American history, and unresolved questions erode trust in our institutions. By releasing these files, Trump has a chance to restore some of that trust. However, it’s crucial that this process is handled responsibly. Transparency is essential, but so is protecting the integrity of our intelligence agencies.
Ultimately, this is a pivotal moment for the country. The truth, whatever it may be, has the power to heal old wounds—or deepen existing divides.
