Former President Donald Trump’s move to declassify the final files on John F. Kennedy’s 1963 assassination has reignited tensions within the Kennedy family. The decision, part of Trump’s pledge to promote government transparency, has drawn mixed reactions from key family members, highlighting enduring debates over one of America’s most infamous tragedies.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated by Trump to head the Department of Health and Human Services, applauded the declassification. Speaking to reporters, RFK Jr. said, “This is a great move. Americans deserve the truth about our history, and this decision reflects a commitment to transparency.”
Kennedy Jr. has long questioned the official narrative surrounding his uncle’s assassination, often referencing theories that implicate the CIA. While controversial, his stance resonates with many Americans who remain skeptical of the lone gunman theory implicating Lee Harvey Oswald.
In stark contrast, JFK’s grandson, Jack Schlossberg, criticized the move as exploitative. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Schlossberg declared, “Using JFK’s legacy for political gain is shameful. This isn’t about truth; it’s about theatrics.”
Schlossberg dismissed lingering conspiracy theories, labeling them distractions from the true tragedy—a preventable loss that shook the nation. “Declassification won’t rewrite history,” he wrote. “It only fuels myths while my grandfather can’t defend himself.”
Trump signed the executive order on Thursday, instructing his Director of National Intelligence to prepare a release plan within 15 days. The files, which include CIA memos and intelligence reports, may shed light on Oswald’s activities leading up to the assassination.
“This is a moment people have waited decades for,” Trump remarked, adding that the move honors the public’s demand for transparency. Trump ceremoniously handed the pen he used to RFK Jr., calling the decision “a historic step.”
The files could reignite debates about Oswald’s alleged ties to foreign governments. In the weeks before the assassination, Oswald reportedly visited Soviet and Cuban embassies in Mexico City, fueling Cold War-era suspicions.
Former Rhode Island Congressman Patrick Kennedy, another member of the prominent family, has previously supported full disclosure. “We owe it to the American people to provide a complete understanding of our history,” he told Politico in 2021.
Historians remain cautious about the significance of the remaining documents. Most agree the files are unlikely to unveil a grand conspiracy. Gerald Posner, author of Case Closed, notes that “the vast majority of records have been released, and they support the conclusion that Oswald acted alone.”
Yet, conspiracy theories persist. Amateur researchers and skeptics often point to inconsistencies in eyewitness accounts and the infamous “grassy knoll” theory, which suggests a second shooter.
JFK’s assassination marked a turning point in American history, leaving an enduring mark on the nation’s psyche. His motorcade through Dealey Plaza in Dallas on November 22, 1963, ended in tragedy when Oswald allegedly fired three shots from the Texas School Book Depository.
Oswald’s subsequent murder by Jack Ruby, broadcast live on television, further fueled allegations of a cover-up.
The declassified files are expected to be released within months, barring any national security objections. The release may finally close one of the last chapters in the JFK assassination saga—or deepen the mystery.
For older Americans, particularly those who remember the day of Kennedy’s death, the release is a reminder of a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. The files could provide closure—or reignite old debates that refuse to fade with time.
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What “political gain” could DJT get from declassifying the documents? He has no more terms as president to seek. He has no profit to make. I would think the family could also be eager to know if there is more to the story than the Warren Commission (or Oliver Stone!) has told us. I suspect most of the opponents of the disclosure are whiners still suffering from TDS. Get over it, Democrats.
Kennedy clan are playing politics only because it’s Trump doing this….which should have been done decades ago.
This is long overdue!!