Trump Releases JFK, MLK Files but Omits Epstein Documents

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump authorized the full release of federal archives on the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 28, 2025, fulfilling a long-standing promise to historians and conspiracy theorists. However, the executive order notably excluded documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier and alleged sex trafficker.

“That’s a big one, huh?” Trump said upon signing the order. “A lot of people are waiting for this for a long—for years—for decades. And everything will be revealed.” Despite his assurances, the omission of Epstein’s files has sparked questions among lawmakers and conspiracy theorists alike.

Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, has been a central figure in conspiracy theories alleging a network of powerful figures involved in illicit activities. Trump’s past association with Epstein has also drawn scrutiny. In the early 2000s, Trump described Epstein as a “terrific guy” and “a lot of fun to be with” in an interview with New York magazine.

Several Republican senators expressed support for releasing Epstein’s files. “I’d like to see them,” said Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.). “The American people are entitled to know the truth. The man’s dead as Jimmy Hoffa—he’s gone—and his sidekick’s in jail. We’re entitled to know what he did, who he did it with, and whether he broke any laws.”

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) echoed the sentiment, stating, “I have long called for the administration to release the Jeffrey Epstein files. We deserve to know who is implicated in abusing children.” Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) also supported the release, though he hesitated when asked if Trump’s potential involvement in the files would complicate matters.

Meanwhile, newly sworn-in Sen. Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) appeared unaware of Epstein’s significance, offering a vague response. “I still need to get up to speed on [it],” he said.

Experts suggest the newly released documents on the Kennedy and King assassinations are unlikely to reveal groundbreaking information. According to NPR, the files are expected to provide additional context but no major revelations. For conspiracy theorists, however, the Epstein case remains a focal point of intrigue.

In a separate development, former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination as director of national intelligence faces growing uncertainty. Gabbard, a controversial pick due to her past positions on Israel and national security, is set for a confirmation hearing this week. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) expressed concerns about Gabbard’s clarity on key issues, while Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) indicated he would defer to the Intelligence Committee’s judgment.

Gabbard’s nomination highlights the challenges of navigating partisan divides in high-stakes confirmations. Her fate, like the Epstein files, remains unresolved, leaving both stories open to further speculation and debate.