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The President of the United States, Donald Trump, signed a decree this Thursday to declassify files related to the assassinations of three key figures in the country's history: President John F. Kennedy, his brother Robert F. Kennedy, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
During the signing of the document in the Oval Office of the White House, the new leader assured that this act represented "great news" and a long-awaited step for the nation.
"Many have waited for this for decades. Everything is going to be revealed," he emphasized.
The White House, through its official page, emphasized that the families of the victims and the American people "deserve transparency and truth," and that the records related to these assassinations will finally be released without further delay.
The decree establishes that, within the next 15 days, the national intelligence director and the Prosecutor's Office must present a plan for the release of documents related to the assassination of JFK, while a similar plan for the documents related to Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. must be submitted within 45 days.
The assassination of John F. Kennedy took place on November 22, 1963, when he was shot while traveling in a convertible in Dallas, Texas. Although the official account identifies former Marine sniper Lee Harvey Oswald as the sole perpetrator, numerous conspiracy theories about his death continue to persist.
While the National Archives had already released most of the documents related to JFK, some files remained classified for security reasons.
In June 2023, under the administration of Joe Biden, it was reported that 99% of the records had been declassified. Trump, however, stated that the withholding of information regarding Kennedy's assassination was not consistent with the public interest and that the release of those documents should have happened much earlier.
Regarding the declassification of files related to the murders of Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1968 in Los Angeles, and Martin Luther King Jr., who was shot in 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee, Trump stated that he also believes it is in the public interest to make the documents held by the federal government public.
However, there is no law that mandates the disclosure of the records related to these two murders.
This decree comes at the beginning of Trump's presidency, who assumed his second term last Monday.
With the declassification of these files, it is hoped that some of the mysteries surrounding these iconic assassinations in recent American history will be resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Declassification of JFK, RFK, and MLK Files
Why did Donald Trump decide to declassify the files related to the assassinations of JFK, RFK, and MLK?
Donald Trump signed a decree to declassify these files with the aim of providing transparency and truth to the American people regarding these iconic murders. He stated that withholding information was inconsistent with the public interest and that this release should have occurred much earlier.
What information could the declassified files reveal about the assassination of John F. Kennedy?
Although the official version points to Lee Harvey Oswald as the sole responsible party for JFK's assassination, there are numerous conspiracy theories surrounding his death. The declassification of the files could bring clarity to the details and possible implications of other entities in President Kennedy's assassination.
What deadlines were established for the publication of the declassified documents?
The decree establishes that within 15 days, the national intelligence director and the prosecutor's office must present a plan for the publication of the documents related to the assassination of JFK. For the cases of Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr., the deadline is 45 days to present a similar plan.
What impact is expected from the declassification of these files on American society?
The declassification is expected to resolve some uncertainties and conspiracy theories that have persisted for decades regarding these emblematic murders. Additionally, it could provide a sense of closure or justice for the victims' families and the public at large.
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