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Over 240,000 Pages of Secret Files on Martin Luther King Jr.'s Assassination Declassified by Trump Administration
Washington D.C., July 22, 2025 — One of the most sensational political assassinations in U.S. history has come under renewed scrutiny as the Trump administration has declassified over 240,000 pages of previously classified documents related to the life, surveillance, political activities, and post-assassination investigation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Authorized by President Donald Trump, the documents were released Monday and include FBI and other intelligence agency records. Among the materials are details of CIA interest in King’s international activities, his role in the civil rights movement, and intelligence assessments of his shifting political positions. It remains unclear whether the documents reveal any previously unknown information.
King Family Responds: "This Was a Deep Personal Loss"
Dr. King’s surviving children—Martin Luther King III (67) and Bernice King (62)—released a lengthy statement.
“Our father’s death was a profound personal loss to our family, one we have carried for 57 years,” they said. They urged the public and media to evaluate the documents within their “full historical context.”
The family added that they were given early access to the files prior to their release and are having them reviewed by a panel of experts. The King family also reiterated their long-standing belief that James Earl Ray may not have acted alone—or may not have been guilty at all.
Tulsi Gabbard Praises Move as “Unprecedented Transparency”
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard praised the release as an act of “unprecedented transparency” and thanked President Trump, saying:
“This is a testament to our accountability to history.”
However, critics argue the move is politically motivated and designed to distract public attention. It comes amid mounting pressure on the Trump administration over unreleased documents in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case.
Civil Rights Leader Calls It a Political Diversion
Veteran civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton said the timing of the release was suspect.
“This isn’t about transparency—it’s an attempt to draw attention away from political fires,” he stated.
Gabbard’s statement also included remarks from King’s niece and conservative political commentator Alveda King, who praised President Trump’s transparency, though she noted her disagreement with Bernice and Martin III on many issues.
Fulfilling a Campaign Promise
As a presidential candidate, Donald Trump had promised to release files related to the assassinations of JFK, RFK, and MLK. JFK’s files were released in March, some RFK documents followed in April, and now the extensive MLK assassination-related records have been made public.
Bernice King Responds on Instagram
Bernice King posted a solemn photo of her father on Instagram with the caption:
“Now release the Epstein files.”
Reaction from The King Center
The King Center, founded by Coretta Scott King and currently directed by Bernice King, released a separate statement:
“This is unfortunate and poorly timed, as our country and the world are facing deeper crises. If renewed attention is being brought to the killing of this great man of peace, our collective response should be to work toward realizing his dream.”
