Key takeaways from Trump's order:

• Trump has mandated the declassification of documents related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr.
• The executive order aims to release thousands of files that have been classified for decades, responding to long-standing calls for transparency.
• The National Archives has indicated that 99% of the documents related to the JFK assassination have been released, but several thousand remain under wraps.
• Questions about the conclusions of the Warren Commission continue to fuel conspiracy theories regarding these high-profile assassinations.
• The anticipated revelations may not satisfy all public curiosity, but they continue to generate significant interest in U.S. history.

In a significant move towards transparency, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order calling for the release of classified documents concerning the assassinations of three pivotal figures in American history: President John F. Kennedy, former Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. The order was signed during the first week of Trump's second term, signaling a continuation of his commitment to declassify these records, a promise he had made during his previous campaigns.

"A lot of people have been waiting for this for years, for decades," Trump stated, emphasizing the importance of releasing the files for the sake of public interest and accountability. This order directs the Director of National Intelligence and the Attorney General to develop a plan for the release of JFK-related records within 15 days, with a similar timeline of 45 days for the RFK and MLK records.

The context surrounding these assassinations has led to enduring speculation and conspiracy theories since each event transpired. The Warren Commission famously concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the assassination of JFK on November 22, 1963, yet public belief in alternative explanations has persisted. A Gallup poll indicated that over 50% of Americans have historically doubted the official narrative, suggesting a collective desire for more definitive answers.

This executive order comes amid a backdrop of previously unsealed files, with the National Archives stating that 99% of JFK-related documents have been made available to the public. However, many remain curious about the remaining classified documents, with researchers hoping to uncover further insights into the events that transpired during the politically tumultuous 1960s. Critics argue that the reality behind these historical events is often more complex than narratives presented in public discussions.

As anticipation builds for the release of these documents, experts caution that there may be no "smoking gun" but hope that new information could piece together a more detailed historical narrative. Discussions about the implications of Trump's decision continue to unfold, as both historians and the general public await access to these long-guarded files.

For further details, refer to the original articles linked below:

• VOA News
• AP News
• CNN
• USA Today