The release of the long-awaited JFK files has ignited a fresh wave of interest surrounding one of the most infamous assassinations in American history. With layers of secrecy still clouding the tragic event, the release of these files at the request of President Donald Trump offers a unique glimpse into the government’s extensive record on former POTUS John F. Kennedy’s assassination. While the new documents provide some answers, they may raise even more questions than people initially had. The JFK files being released, providing the general public with unprecedented access, may potentially unlock the secrets that have surrounded the event for over six decades.
Where Can I See The JFK Files?
You can access the files through the National Archives’ website, where the U.S. government has made thousands of documents (including government reports and surveillance records) available. The JFK documents have technically been released in stages since the 1990s, but recent declassifications have opened up even more materials. Despite the wealth of information now accessible to the public, some people believe the government is still holding out on crucial documents. These hypothetically crucial documents could provide the missing pieces of this complex puzzle. So, the political implications of these files cannot be understated.
For decades, politicians, historians and conspiracy theorists alike have questioned the narrative around JFK’s assassination. Some see the documents as proof that the U.S. government—particularly the intelligence agencies—knew more about the assassination than they let on. Others point to gaps and inconsistencies in the records, which they argue could indicate a cover-up.
About the Newly Declassified Documents
While many of the JFK files have already been declassified, some documents still remain under wraps or have been partially redacted. These files could include a variety of important information, such as intelligence reports, foreign government communications and even investigative materials. These might provide new insights into the events surrounding Kennedy’s assassination. There are speculations that the remaining files could reveal more about the possible involvement of foreign governments, such as the Soviet Union or Cuba. They could even shed light on the role of American agencies like the CIA and FBI.
The continued release of these files is often a political flashpoint, with some lawmakers calling for full transparency, while others argue that certain details must remain classified for national security reasons. As the release continues, the public and historians alike will be watching closely. Plenty of Americans are hoping to piece together a clearer picture of what truly happened in Dealey Plaza on that fateful day in 1963.
As we analyze these newly released files, it’s clear that the quest for truth continues. The documents may shed light on events we thought we understood, or they could deepen the mystery. What is undeniable though is that the assassination of John F. Kennedy remains a pivotal moment in American history. It is one that shapes the political and cultural landscape to this day. The release of these files serves as a reminder that even the most scrutinized events in history can remain ambiguous for generations, leaving us to ask: How much of the truth are we really ready to face?
Kennedy Files Summary
Seeing as there are approximately 80,000 pages of documents related to the JFK assassination, few who have been following the story have time to sift through them all. The newly released records include CIA and FBI reports, intelligence assessments and previously redacted testimonies that shed light on the surveillance of Lee Harvey Oswald, Cold War-era espionage and internal tensions within the U.S. government. Here is a summary of key findings from the recent declassification.
Social Security Numbers and Personal Details Leaked
The National Archives are facing backlash after publicizing the JFK files, which contain Social Security numbers and personal details of individuals still alive today. This has raised issues regarding privacy and identity theft, with some suggesting the Archives should have redacted this information.
JFK’s Lack of Trust in the CIA
The late John F. Kennedy’s growing distrust of the CIA was especially prevalent after the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961. Some of the newly declassified records show that the former president was considering breaking up the CIA or drastically reducing its power, seeing it as a “state within a state.” Even with this new information, there’s no concrete evidence within the declassified documents linking the CIA to Kennedy’s assassination.
KGB and CIA’s Assessments of Lee Harvey Oswald
According to the newly declassified details, the CIA was monitoring Lee Harvey Oswald (Kennedy’s killer) before he attacked the president. The documents include unredacted testimony from James Angleton, the former CIA counterintelligence chief, who oversaw the agency’s files on Oswald. His testimony notes that the threat Oswald posed might have been underestimated, although his movements were being tracked by the agency when he defected to the Soviet Union in 1959 and later returned to the U.S. in 1962. To this day, critics argue that had the Secret Service been informed of the threat, JFK’s assassination could’ve been prevented.
Elsewhere in the Kennedy files, an assessment from the Soviet KGB of Oswald reveals he was viewed with suspicion during his time in Russia. Ultimately, they couldn’t trust him enough to recruit him to their agency, suggesting he was “unstable,” and “possibly a U.S. spy.” This aligns with past findings that the Soviets monitored Oswald but were not involved in the assassination, also reaffirming that the KGB did not consider Oswald to be a reliable operative.
FBI’s Response to Kennedy’s Assassination
In one of the declassified documents, FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover made a point to make sure the public knew Oswald was the lone gunman. He wrote, “[There must be] something issued so we can convince the public that Oswald is the real assassin.” To some conspiracy theorists, this was proof that the government was eager to control the narrative rather than investigate all possibilities. Still, the FBI maintains their focus was on avoiding panic amongst the general population and navigating Cold War tensions with the Soviet Union.
When Was JFK Assassinated?
President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on Nov. 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas. He was brutally struck down while riding in a motorcade to warmly greet admiring citizens. This moment, which is etched into the collective memory of Americans and the world, has been the cause of many conspiracy theories.
While the date of his assassination may be clear, the circumstances are what really have people curious about the files. Kennedy was suddenly shot three times during the assassination. Two bullets hit his upper back and neck, while the fatal shot struck his head. The public, media and many within the government were left grappling with the speed and brutality of the attack. Despite this, the more one delves into the newly released files, the clearer it becomes that the circumstances surrounding JFK’s death are far from straightforward.
What Were JFK’s Last Words?
JFK’s final words were, ”I’m going to do my best.” He said this just before the fatal shots rang out as he sat beside his wife Jacqueline, traveling through Dealey Plaza. Kennedy’s last declaration reflected his character and stolen future leading the country. He had a hope and determination that defined his presidency. For many, these words hold a more somber significance today, even as the nation has yet to fully uncover the entire truth about his death.
