Former President Donald Trump, now a Republican presidential candidate, has reiterated his commitment to fully declassifying the JFK assassination files if he wins the 2024 election. This promise comes amidst criticism over his previous failure to release all documents during his presidency.
Confronted on Unfulfilled Promise
Trump faced scrutiny over the unfulfilled promise during an appearance on the “All In” podcast. When asked why he had not fully released the JFK files as he had pledged, Trump explained that he had followed the advice of trusted aides who suggested delaying the complete release. “They asked me not to do it, and I’m saying, ‘Why? Tell me why?'” Trump remarked, emphasizing his decision to heed their counsel.
Partial Releases and Remaining Documents
In 2017, Trump did authorize the release of 2,800 documents, yet he stopped short of a full disclosure. The White House later indicated that additional documents would be released incrementally, with minimal redactions. However, substantial portions of the JFK files remain undisclosed, with estimates suggesting that approximately 21,980 documents, comprising over 368,000 pages, are still withheld either partially or entirely.
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Impact on Conspiracy Theories
The delay and partial release of these documents have perpetuated various conspiracy theories, including allegations of CIA involvement in the assassination. Newly released files have provided insights into Lee Harvey Oswald’s activities, such as his attempts to secure Soviet or Cuban visas and his interactions in Mexico City. These details continue to intrigue researchers and conspiracy theorists.
Trump’s Stance on CIA Involvement
During the podcast, Trump was questioned about his views on the CIA’s potential involvement in the JFK assassination. His response, “I think CIA was probably behind it,” has further fueled controversy and speculation surrounding the event.
Commitment to Transparency
Throughout his presidency and beyond, Trump has consistently advocated for transparency regarding the JFK assassination. In a 2017 tweet, he underscored his dedication to releasing the files to promote full disclosure and dispel conspiracy theories. Despite this stance, the complete declassification has not yet been achieved, leaving many questions unanswered.
Trump’s renewed vow to release all JFK assassination documents if re-elected is a significant part of his campaign narrative, as he seeks to address past criticisms and fulfill a longstanding commitment to transparency. The public remains keenly interested in the full disclosure of these historical documents, which hold potential insights into one of the most scrutinized events in American history.
