JFK Assassination Expert Reacts to Trump’s Effort to Declassify Files, and What You Should Expect

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Tucker Carlson Show - "JFK Assassination Expert Reacts to Trump’s Effort to Declassify Files, and What You Should Expect"

Host: Tucker Carlson
Guest: Jefferson Morley, JFK Assassination Expert
Release Date: January 29, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Tucker Carlson Show, host Tucker Carlson engages in a profound discussion with Jefferson Morley, a seasoned journalist and expert on the JFK assassination. Morley brings over three decades of dedicated research and reporting on one of America's most enduring mysteries, providing listeners with an in-depth analysis of President Donald Trump's recent effort to declassify JFK assassination files.

The Significance of Declassifying JFK Files

[01:20] Jefferson Morley:
"Those of us who've been calling for the release of these records for more than a decade, this is a great and promising moment, but there's still pitfalls ahead."

Morley begins by expressing cautious optimism about Trump's announcement to declassify JFK assassination records. He emphasizes that while the decision marks a significant step forward, the process is fraught with challenges, primarily due to the entrenched resistance within intelligence agencies like the CIA.

Understanding the Declassification Process

[02:16] Morley:
"The President's orders a plan within 15 days from four top officials... Section 3 of the President's order contains a loophole... the CIA director could overrule any decision."

Morley delves into the procedural aspects of declassification, highlighting a critical loophole in Trump's order that allows the CIA director to potentially block the release of documents. He underscores the CIA's historical reluctance to divulge information, tracing back to the agency's initial obfuscation following JFK's assassination.

Historical Context and CIA Resistance

[04:00] Morley:
"The 1992 JFK Records Act passed unanimously by Congress... they caved into the CIA's demands for continuing secrecy."

Morley provides a historical overview, referencing the 1992 JFK Records Act, which mandated the release of assassination-related documents within 25 years. Despite overwhelming bipartisan support, the CIA managed to extend secrecy beyond the stipulated deadline, demonstrating the agency's persistent efforts to shield sensitive information.

Current State of JFK Documents

[05:01] Morley:
"There are 3,600 plus documents held by the National Archives that contain redactions... Additionally, the CIA has records that the JFK Assassination Review Board was unaware of."

The conversation shifts to the present, where Morley explains the state of JFK documents. He identifies two primary repositories: over 3,600 redacted documents within the National Archives and additional records held by agencies like the CIA and FBI. These hidden documents pose significant barriers to achieving comprehensive disclosure.

Implications of Full Disclosure

[12:07] Morley:
"This isn't a fishing expedition. This is a search for JFK records that have not been put on the public record by the CIA."

Morley stresses the importance of releasing these documents, asserting that their disclosure is crucial for an informed public debate. He warns that without full transparency, the integrity of the official narratives surrounding JFK's assassination remains questionable.

Comparative Analysis with Other Assassinations

[16:07] Carlson:
"I think of... the murder of Bobby Kennedy, the murder of JFK, the murder of MLK. The official story is the least plausible."

Carlson broadens the discussion to include other high-profile assassinations, questioning the official accounts and suggesting possible conspiracies. Morley supports this skepticism by pointing to inconsistencies and unexplained aspects in the cases of Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr., further advocating for the release of classified documents to uncover the truth.

Challenges in Achieving Transparency

[21:07] Morley:
"This threat needs to be removed. I hope the President's order has done that... the CIA has blown the deadline and this material should be made public."

Morley highlights the legal and bureaucratic obstacles that hinder the declassification process. He recounts personal experiences, including threats from CIA officials when attempting to discuss released information, illustrating the agency's determination to maintain secrecy.

Potential Revelations and Their Impact

[28:26] Morley:
"One of the things that's withheld... is the testimony of James Angleton in 1975 to the Church Committee about the Israeli nuclear program... it belongs in the public record."

Discussing specific documents, Morley mentions James Angleton's testimony regarding the Israeli nuclear program, revealing potential connections to JFK's assassination. He posits that such revelations could fundamentally alter the public's understanding of historical events and the CIA's role in them.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

[34:25] Morley:
"There are some very clear benchmarks to figure out is this working or not... On this issue, he's absolutely right. And we need to follow through on what he said."

As the episode wraps up, Morley reiterates the necessity of holding the declassification process accountable. He emphasizes the need for public vigilance to ensure that the release of documents is not merely symbolic but leads to genuine transparency and truth.

[34:29] Tucker Carlson:
"Thank you very much."

Carlson concludes the discussion by appreciating Morley's insights, underscoring the importance of continued dialogue and monitoring of the declassification efforts.

Key Takeaways

Trump's Declassification Effort: A significant move towards transparency, yet fraught with potential CIA resistance.
Historical Reluctance: The CIA has a long history of obstructing the release of JFK-related documents, dating back to the 1960s.
Critical Documents: Over 3,600 redacted documents exist in the National Archives, with additional records held by intelligence agencies yet to be disclosed.
Broader Implications: Declassifying JFK files may shed light on other assassinations and covert CIA operations, challenging established historical narratives.
Public Vigilance: Ensuring full disclosure requires ongoing public attention and pressure to overcome bureaucratic and legal barriers.

Notable Quotes:

Jefferson Morley [01:20]:
"Those of us who've been calling for the release of these records for more than a decade, this is a great and promising moment, but there's still pitfalls ahead."
Jefferson Morley [02:16]:
"The President's orders a plan within 15 days from four top officials... Section 3 of the President's order contains a loophole... the CIA director could overrule any decision."
Jefferson Morley [12:07]:
"This isn't a fishing expedition. This is a search for JFK records that have not been put on the public record by the CIA."
Jefferson Morley [28:26]:
"One of the things that's withheld... is the testimony of James Angleton in 1975 to the Church Committee about the Israeli nuclear program... it belongs in the public record."

This episode serves as a compelling exploration of the ongoing struggle between governmental transparency and institutional secrecy, particularly concerning one of America's most enduring historical enigmas. Jefferson Morley's expertise provides listeners with a critical lens through which to view the complexities of declassifying sensitive historical documents.