Trump Releases Formerly Classified Files Connected To JFK’s Assassination
on Mar 18, 2025
United States President John F. Kennedy Was Killed On November 22, 1963
One day before his 2025 inauguration, Donald Trump vowed to release important files connected to JFK’s assassination, which have long been hidden from the general public.
John F. Kennedy, or JFK, served as the 35th President of the United States from 1961 to 1963. His term came to a tragic end when he was killed in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963.
JFK was shot while traveling in an open motorcade through downtown Dallas. His wife, Jacqueline, was seated next to him.
JFK was pronounced dead at Dallas’ Parkland Hospital at 1 PM local time.
The “official” narrative has always been that JFK was killed by a lone assailant named Lee Harvey Oswald. Oswald worked at the Texas School Book Depository, which overlooked the route the Presidential motorcade traveled on that fateful day.
Many Americans had almost immediate doubts about the degree of Oswald’s involvement, especially after he proclaimed he was just “a patsy.” Citizens grew even more suspicious when Oswald was killed by Dallas nightclub owner Jack Ruby. Oswald died on November 24, 1963, two days after JFK.
Through the years, people have attributed JFK’s death to numerous individuals, groups, and organizations. Sometimes, Oswald fits into those theories. Others believe that Oswald wasn’t involved at all.
Over six decades after JFK was killed, people are still searching for answers. Many scholars and everyday folks have devoted their lives to unraveling the story behind his death.
President Trump Orders Release Of Files Pertaining To JFK’s Assassination
Those yearning to know the truth about JFK’s assassination got a dash of hope when Donald Trump vowed to release crucial files pertaining to the case. Reuters reports Trump shared this vow on January 19, 2025, one day before he was sworn in to start his second term as President.
Additionally, Trump promised to release classified documents related to the assassinations of Robert Kennedy (JFK’s brother and former Attorney General) and Martin Luther King Jr.
This wasn’t Trump’s first time making such a promise. In fact, he delivered on that promise once before. During his first term in office (from 2017 to 2021), Trump released some of the files pertaining to JFK’s assassination. But there were more documents to share.
An executive order Trump signed on January 23, 2025, read:
“More than 50 years after the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Federal Government has not released to the public all of its records related to those events. Their families and the American people deserve transparency and truth. It is in the national interest to finally release all records related to these assassinations without delay.”
During their review, the FBI discovered thousands of previously undisclosed files relating to the JFK assassination. Then, on March 17, Trump announced that a total of 80,000 JFK assassination files would be released the following day (March 18).
Trump also voiced his belief that there would not be any redactions.
“You got a lot of reading. I don’t believe we’re going to redact anything. I said, ‘just don’t redact, you can’t redact,'” he said, as quoted by The Hill.
As promised, those files were released around 7 PM ET on Tuesday, March 18.
Take note: The National Archives stated the files will be released “on a rolling basis.” So, all of the documents may not be available at the time of this writing. Keep checking back for any new additions or updates.
🚨 NEW: The National Archives is making it easy for the American people to access the President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection.
— U.S. National Archives (@USNatArchives) February 28, 2025
Go to https://t.co/lWZAHSeOAp to explore the collection and get updates on our ongoing efforts to digitize the entire collection. pic.twitter.com/e415aNmCrx
What Was Revealed In The JFK Files?
Many of the “files” are scans of old documents that have become challenging to read in the 60+ years since JFK’s death. The new drop also contains some photos and recordings.
Multiple documents mention the Warren Commission. JFK’s Vice President and successor, Lyndon Johnson, established the Commission to investigate the assassination.
Oswald is also mentioned throughout many of the documents. One document that stood out to researchers and outlets such as USA Today is dated November 20, 1991. Josh Meyer, who contributed to USA Today’s report, said it:
“…appears to be a teletype of U.S. intelligence reporting on Lee Harvey Oswald, his time in the Soviet Union, his stormy relationship with his Soviet wife – and his apparently poor marksmanship.”
Oswald defected to the Soviet Union in 1959, where he met and married his wife, Marina. He returned to the U.S. in 1962, bringing Marina and their young daughter with him.
KGB files contained in the new release “also reflected that Oswald was a poor shot when he tried target firing in the USSR.”
In regard to other details, USA Today quotes a statement from JFK assassination scholar Jefferson Morley, who said:
“These long-secret records shed new light on JFK’s mistrust of the CIA, the Castro assassination plots, the surveillance of Oswald in Mexico City, and CIA propaganda operations involving Oswald.”
As of press time, none of the uncovered documents have confirmed any conspiracies relating to JFK’s death, although some of the documents make references to such theories.
This story will be updated with more information about the files’ contents and any revelations.
Head here to view the files yourself on the National Archives website. Click on the button near the top of the page to view the newly released documents. Links to past documents released in prior years are at the bottom of the page.
