A long-running controversy concerning the release of classified papers related to two of the most important moments in American history—the 1963 killing of President John F. Kennedy and the 1968 assassination of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.—has been rekindled by President Donald Trump. Trump demanded in an executive order that all remaining data be declassified, claiming that openness is necessary to respect the American people and the families of those affected.
The ruling stated, “The federal government has yet to release all of its records related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., more than 50 years after these events occurred.” “The American people and their families deserve openness and truth. The immediate release of all records is in the best interests of the country.
Trump declared, “Everything will be revealed,” reinforcing his pledge to complete transparency and portraying the action as a long-overdue step toward accountability. However, his choice has come under heavy fire, particularly from JFK’s grandson Jack Schlossberg, who charged Trump with exploiting the matter for political ends.
A History of Conspiracy and Speculation
For many years, the Kennedy assassination has been the subject of intense conjecture and conspiracy theories. The government’s concealment of thousands of pages of papers has contributed to the general suspicion around the Warren Commission’s 1964 conclusion that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. The assassination of MLK has also raised questions about whether the whole truth has ever come to light. The mystery has only grown as a result of earlier document releases, which have left many questions unsolved.
Declassification proponents contend that keeping these documents secret increases public suspicion and feeds rumors of a possible cover-up. Both conspiracy theorists and transparency advocates are eager to learn what secrets, if any, the files may contain, and Trump’s executive order satisfies their desires.
Schlossberg’s Rebuttal
One of the most outspoken opponents of Trump’s effort has been Jack Schlossberg, the son of Caroline Kennedy and the grandson of JFK. Schlossberg attacked the action on social media, calling it exploitative and a betrayal of his grandfather’s memory.
The truth of JFK conspiracy theories is far more depressing than the myth; it was an unnecessary tragedy. On X (previously Twitter), Schlossberg commented, “Not part of an inevitable grand scheme.” When JFK isn’t around to defend himself, declassification is the use of him as a political prop. It’s not heroic in any way.
Online, Schlossberg’s position provoked strong criticism. Critics accused him of undermining the public’s right to know the truth and questioned if he had personally examined the confidential papers. “Imagine not wanting to know how your grandfather died,” a person said. “How strange,” one person said, while another said, “Have you read the documents? What qualifies you to assess their significance?
Schlossberg’s direct answer to the criticism, “I know everything d***,” sparked additional discussion, with some people casting doubt on the Kennedy family’s stance on openness.
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Keeping Security and Transparency in Check
Trump’s desire for complete declassification resonates with people who are looking for answers to one of the most persistent mysteries in history. It connects to his larger populist theme of opposing government secrecy and returning power to the people. Critics counter that doing so would unintentionally reveal private information or rekindle dangerous conspiracies that misrepresent historical facts.
The conflict between the public’s right to know and the Kennedy family’s wish to preserve their legacy is brought to light by Schlossberg’s objection. Reopening this chapter can feel to the family like revisiting a very personal sorrow, making it once more a public spectacle.
A Rekindled Discussion
The JFK and MLK files were made public by Trump’s executive order, reigniting discussions about government accountability, historical transparency, and the impact of individual legacies on public opinion. While some believe the action is a step in the right direction, others are concerned that it could lead to more conjecture rather than resolution.
It’s unclear what would happen if the files were released or kept secret. For the time being, Trump’s choice emphasizes how history continues to influence political narratives and popular opinion. These records serve as a powerful reminder of how unanswered questions from the past can influence the present, regardless of whether they shed light on these tragedies or add to their mystery.
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