Trump Says He’ll Release ‘All’ 80,000 JFK Files Today

Forbes - Mar 18th, 2025

President Donald Trump announced that his administration will release all government records related to the assassination of former President John F. Kennedy on Tuesday. This decision follows an executive order signed on the first day of his second term, which mandates the publication of documents pertaining to the assassinations of Kennedy, his brother Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. Trump made the announcement during a visit to the Kennedy Center in Washington, emphasizing that the public has waited decades for this information. The effort to release the records, which comprise about 80,000 pages, is being led by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Trump assured that there would be no redactions, a departure from his first term when some documents were withheld due to security concerns.

The release of these records is significant as it addresses long-standing public interest and conspiracy theories surrounding Kennedy's assassination. Although 98% of the records have already been made available under the President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992, some documents remain classified due to national security exceptions. Experts doubt that the newly released documents will reveal any groundbreaking information that contradicts the Warren Commission's conclusion that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. However, they may offer deeper insights into the CIA's activities during that time, including surveillance of Oswald. This development could reignite discussions and research into one of the most scrutinized events in American history, potentially impacting public perception and historical narratives.

Donald Trump Tulsi Gabbard Cia John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Lee Harvey Oswald Warren Commission

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RATING

6.4

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and relevant overview of President Trump's announcement to release additional JFK assassination files. It effectively captures public interest by addressing a subject that has long fascinated the American public. The article is generally accurate, though some claims require further verification, such as the role of Tulsi Gabbard. While the article is clear and well-structured, it could benefit from greater balance and transparency, particularly by including diverse perspectives and more detailed sourcing. The potential impact of the article is moderate, as it raises awareness but lacks the depth needed to drive significant policy changes or provoke widespread debate. Overall, the article is informative and engaging, but it could be strengthened by incorporating additional context and expert analysis.

Accuracy

The article makes several factual claims about the release of JFK assassination files by President Trump. It accurately reports Trump's announcement to release about 80,000 pages of documents and his executive order to declassify records related to JFK, RFK, and MLK Jr. However, the claim that Tulsi Gabbard is leading the release effort as Director of National Intelligence requires verification, as it is an unusual appointment. The assertion that no redactions will be made is also significant and needs confirmation, given the sensitive nature of the documents. The article correctly states that 98% of the JFK records are already public, aligning with the President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992. Overall, while the article is mostly accurate, some claims require further verification to confirm their precision.

Balance

The article primarily presents President Trump's perspective and actions regarding the release of the JFK assassination files. It does not provide viewpoints from other political figures, historians, or experts who might offer additional context or differing opinions on the significance of the release. This lack of diverse perspectives could lead to a perception of bias towards Trump's narrative. Including expert analysis or commentary from those who have studied the assassination records would have provided a more balanced view and deeper insight into the potential implications of the release.

Clarity

The article is generally well-written and easy to follow, with a logical structure that guides the reader through the key points. The language is clear and concise, making the complex topic of declassified government records accessible to a broad audience. The use of subheadings and bullet points helps to break down information into digestible parts. However, the article could benefit from more detailed explanations of certain terms or processes, such as the implications of declassifying sensitive documents, to enhance reader comprehension further.

Source quality

The article references statements made by President Trump and mentions the role of Tulsi Gabbard and the FBI. However, it lacks direct citations from official documents or statements from the National Archives or other authoritative bodies involved in the release of the records. The reliance on Trump's announcements without corroborating sources or expert opinions weakens the overall credibility of the reporting. Including quotes or insights from historians, archivists, or intelligence officials would enhance the article's reliability and provide a more comprehensive view of the situation.

Transparency

The article provides a clear account of Trump's announcement and the historical context of the JFK assassination records. However, it does not fully disclose the methodology behind the claims, such as how the information was obtained or the specific sources consulted. The lack of transparency about potential conflicts of interest or the basis for certain claims, such as the role of Tulsi Gabbard, leaves readers without a complete understanding of the factors influencing the narrative. Greater transparency in sourcing and methodology would improve the article's credibility and trustworthiness.