Tucker Carlson - JFK Assassination Expert Reacts to Trump’s Effort to Declassify Files, and What You Should Expect
The conversation centers around the complexities and bureaucratic resistance in declassifying records related to the JFK assassination. Despite a presidential order for declassification, significant loopholes allow agencies like the CIA to maintain control over the release of documents. Historical context is provided, noting that the CIA has resisted full disclosure since Kennedy's assassination, often lying and obfuscating information. The 1992 JFK Records Act mandated public release of all records by 2017, but this deadline was ignored, highlighting the agencies' disregard for legal mandates. The discussion also touches on the existence of two main bodies of records: those held by the National Archives and others known to exist but not yet collected. The need for a dedicated bureaucratic effort to oversee the declassification process is emphasized, as well as the potential for whistleblowers to come forward under the current administration's order. The conversation also briefly explores related topics, such as the MLK and RFK assassinations, suggesting similar patterns of secrecy and the need for transparency.
Key Points:
- The CIA has resisted full disclosure of JFK assassination records since 1963, often lying about their knowledge of Lee Harvey Oswald.
- The 1992 JFK Records Act required all records to be public by 2017, but this has not been fully realized due to agency resistance.
- Two main sets of records exist: those in the National Archives and others known but not yet collected, requiring a serious declassification effort.
- A presidential order for declassification exists, but loopholes allow the CIA to maintain control, necessitating vigilance and oversight.
- Whistleblowers are encouraged to come forward, as the current administration's order may reduce legal risks for disclosing classified information.
Details:
1. 📰 The Evolution of JFK Assassination Reporting
- For over a decade, there has been a persistent push for the release of JFK assassination records, emphasizing the need to address challenges posed by powerful secret agencies.
- A significant loophole in the president's order allows the CIA director to overrule declassification decisions, undermining efforts for transparency.
- The CIA's resistance to full disclosure has been consistent since Kennedy's assassination, revealing a pattern of obfuscation and deception.
- The 1992 JFK Records Act required the release of all JFK records by 2017, but the deadline was missed due to CIA's demands for secrecy and lack of accountability.
- Key documents, such as those detailing the CIA's operations during Kennedy's presidency, remain withheld, affecting public understanding of potential conspiracies.
- Efforts to obtain full disclosure should focus on identifying specific documents and setting benchmarks, ensuring an effective declassification process.
2. 📜 Declassification Challenges in JFK Records
- Over 3600 documents with redactions are held by the National Archives, presenting a challenge in ensuring complete declassification without omissions.
- In the 1990s, the JFK Assassination Review Board declassified a million pages of records, uncovering CIA deception by revealing additional unknown records.
- Effective declassification requires addressing records in the National Archives and those still withheld by agencies like the CIA and FBI.
- A declassification plan ordered by the president is expected to be delivered in 15 days, aiming to release documents within 30 days.
- Political pressures are influencing Washington appointments, focusing on candidates likely to support declassification, indicating significant external influences on the process.
- Delays beyond the 30-day target for document release may highlight systemic issues in the declassification process.
3. 🔍 Unveiling CIA Secrets and Public Demand
- The CIA's reluctance to release certain documents suggests they may have something to hide, preferring to defy the law rather than disclose information.
- Millions of Americans focus on emergency preparedness, emphasizing the importance of having life-saving medications and prescriptions ready in case of crisis.
- The GAO's case is highlighted as an essential personal emergency supply kit, including antibiotics and critical prescriptions, underscoring the need for readiness.
- It is confirmed that key documents related to JFK are in the possession of the National Archives, indicating that they could be retrieved quickly if necessary.
- There is suspicion that if these documents are not produced or are found destroyed, it could indicate an ongoing cover-up by the CIA and FBI.
4. 🔓 Path to Full Disclosure: Hurdles and Hope
- The leadership of the CIA is responsible for defining and disclosing documents; however, current CIA Director John Ratcliffe has shown hesitance in this task.
- During Ratcliffe's confirmation hearings, the JFK files were not a priority, reflecting a lack of urgency from the Senate Intelligence Committee regarding disclosure.
- A dedicated bureaucratic leader is necessary to manage the disclosure process effectively, with former CIA officer Amaryllis Fox being a potential candidate for this role.
- Mike Walls, NSC advisor, alongside the attorney general, is expected to significantly influence the oversight of the disclosure process.
- Historically, there has been reluctance, as exemplified by former CIA director Mike Pompeo's advice against releasing certain files, causing frustration for former President Trump. This historical context underscores the ongoing challenges in achieving transparency.
5. 🕵️♂️ Revisiting Other Assassinations: MLK and RFK
- The official narrative regarding Martin Luther King's assassination is largely seen as implausible, suggesting the possibility of a larger conspiracy than a lone shooter.
- Key documents linked to JFK's assassination remain classified, including a critical memo by Arthur Schlesinger to JFK regarding CIA actions after the Bay of Pigs invasion.
- The CIA's non-compliance in releasing all documents, as required by law, hinders informed public debate and understanding of these historical events.
- President Trump's directive for full disclosure may lower legal risks for whistleblowers, potentially encouraging them to reveal classified details.
- Legal threats against those attempting to disclose JFK files indicate a need for stronger protections for free speech and whistleblowers.
6. 📂 Pre-Assassination Files of Oswald: Hidden Truths
6.1. CIA Surveillance of Oswald
6.2. Media Portrayal and Implications
7. 📑 Examining the RFK Assassination Files
- James Angleton, a counterintelligence chief, believed RFK was killed by organized crime figures, suggesting possible involvement beyond the lone shooter narrative.
- The CIA had personnel within the LAPD who influenced the investigation, potentially excluding witnesses whose testimonies did not align with the government's desired narrative.
- The RFK assassination documents are dispersed and not centralized, requiring a significant effort to collect, which justifies the 45-day delay set by the President for document release.
- Dr. Noguchi, the coroner, provided evidence suggesting Kennedy's head wound was a contact wound, implying the shooter was much closer than Sirhan Sirhan, challenging the official lone shooter account.
- There is speculation about Sirhan Sirhan being under mind control, as the CIA had programs for such techniques, raising questions about his involvement and memory of the assassination.
- Sirhan Sirhan's consistent claim of having no memory of the shooting, despite being alive and in prison, adds credibility to questions about the official narrative.