Declassified JFK Files: What We Now Know About JFK, RFK, and MLK Assassinations

The assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 remains one of the most debated events in American history. For decades, conspiracy theories have swirled around the circumstances of his death, as well as the assassinations of his brother, Robert F. Kennedy (RFK), and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK). On January 23, 2025, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order to declassify the remaining files related to these historic events, promising to reveal "everything." This move has reignited public interest and speculation about what these documents might uncover.
In this article, we delve into the newly declassified JFK files, their implications for the RFK and MLK assassinations, and the broader historical context surrounding these pivotal moments in American history.

The JFK Assassination: A Nation in Shock

On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was fatally shot while riding in a motorcade through Dallas, Texas. The official investigation, led by the Warren Commission, concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in assassinating the 46-year-old president. However, this conclusion has been met with widespread skepticism, with many Americans believing there was a larger conspiracy at play.
The newly declassified files aim to shed light on lingering questions, including:

• Who killed JFK?
• While the Warren Commission identified Oswald as the lone gunman, theories have implicated the CIA, the Mafia, Cuba, and even Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson. The files may provide new insights into these claims.
• What do the files reveal?
• According to reports, the declassified documents include intelligence memos, FBI reports, and communications that were previously withheld for national security reasons. These records could clarify the extent of Oswald's connections to foreign governments and whether he acted independently.

RFK Assassination: A Tragic Continuation

Less than five years after JFK's death, his younger brother, Robert F. Kennedy, was assassinated on June 5, 1968, while campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination. RFK was shot by Sirhan Sirhan, a Palestinian-born Jordanian, at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. Sirhan was convicted of the murder, but questions about his motives and whether he acted alone have persisted.

What the RFK Files Could Reveal

The declassified RFK files may provide new details about:

• Sirhan Sirhan's motives:
• Was Sirhan acting on his own, or was he part of a larger conspiracy? Some theories suggest that RFK's stance on Israel and Palestine may have made him a target.
• CIA involvement:
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr., RFK's son, has publicly stated that there is "very convincing" evidence of CIA involvement in his father's assassination. The newly released documents could either substantiate or debunk these claims.

MLK Assassination: A Civil Rights Icon Silenced

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader of the civil rights movement, was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. James Earl Ray was convicted of the murder, but like the JFK and RFK assassinations, doubts about the official narrative have persisted.

MLK Files: What to Expect

The declassified MLK files may address:

• James Earl Ray's role:
• Did Ray act alone, or was he part of a larger plot? MLK's family has long expressed doubts about Ray's guilt.
• Government surveillance:
• The FBI, under J. Edgar Hoover, conducted extensive surveillance of MLK. The files could reveal the extent of this surveillance and whether it played a role in his assassination.

Trump’s Role in Declassifying the Files

Former President Donald Trump has been a vocal advocate for government transparency, particularly regarding the JFK assassination. In 2017, during his first term, Trump authorized the release of thousands of JFK-related documents but allowed some to remain classified due to national security concerns. His latest executive order, signed in January 2025, mandates the full release of all remaining files related to the assassinations of JFK, RFK, and MLK.

Why Now?

Trump's decision to declassify the files comes amid growing public demand for transparency. In a 2023 Gallup poll, 65% of Americans said they did not believe the official account of JFK's assassination. By releasing these documents, Trump aims to address decades of speculation and restore public trust in government institutions.

Jack Schlossberg’s Criticism

Not everyone is pleased with the decision to declassify the files. Jack Schlossberg, JFK's grandson, has criticized the move, calling it a political stunt. Schlossberg argues that using JFK's legacy for political gain undermines the significance of his presidency and the tragic circumstances of his death.

What’s Next?

The declassification process is expected to take several weeks, with the Director of National Intelligence and the Attorney General tasked with presenting a plan for the release of the JFK files within 15 days and the RFK and MLK files within 45 days. While the exact contents of the files remain unknown, historians and conspiracy theorists alike are eagerly awaiting their release.

Key Questions Moving Forward

• Will the files resolve lingering doubts?
• While the declassified documents may provide new information, they are unlikely to satisfy everyone. Conspiracy theories surrounding these assassinations are deeply ingrained in American culture.
• What impact will the files have on public perception?
• The release of these documents could either reinforce or challenge existing narratives about the assassinations.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Transparency

The declassification of the JFK, RFK, and MLK files marks a significant moment in American history. While it remains to be seen what these documents will reveal, their release represents a step toward greater transparency and accountability. For the families of the victims and the American public, the hope is that these files will finally provide answers to questions that have lingered for decades.
As we await the full release of these documents, one thing is clear: the legacy of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. continues to shape the nation, and the quest for truth remains as important as ever.

Sources:

• National Archives and Records Administration
• White House Executive Orders
• Public statements by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
• Gallup Polls on JFK assassination beliefs

This article is based on the latest available information as of January 2025. Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge from the declassified files.