GOPers press for the release of JFK, Epstein files: Here’s why they’re not released yet

Republicans Push for Transparency: Demanding the Release of Classified Documents

In recent weeks, Republican lawmakers have intensified their efforts to pressure the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to release classified documents related to some of the most significant events in American history, including the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Additionally, there is a growing demand for the declassification of records tied to the case of Jeffrey Epstein, the financier who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The push for transparency is being spearheaded by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), who leads the House Oversight Committee’s Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets. Luna has expressed frustration over the DOJ’s lack of response to repeated inquiries about the status of these documents, which were ordered to be declassified under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in January.

President Trump’s Executive Order and the Path to Declassification

The momentum behind the declassification effort began when President Trump signed an executive order in January, instructing federal agencies to develop plans for the release of classified records. Specifically, the order mandated the declassification of documents related to the JFK assassination, as well as those tied to the assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. The order also addressed the Epstein case, directing the DOJ to coordinate with other federal agencies to make these records public. Under the terms of the executive order, the DOJ was required to establish a plan for the release of the JFK files by February 7 and to outline a strategy for releasing the MLK and Robert F. Kennedy documents by March 9. However, Rep. Luna and other Republican lawmakers have grown impatient with the lack of progress, accusing the DOJ of dragging its feet.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna Takes the Lead in the Fight for Transparency

As the chair of the House Oversight Committee’s Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna has emerged as a key figure in the push for transparency. Luna has sent multiple letters to top federal officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and White House Counsel David Warrington, requesting a briefing on the status of the declassification process. In a recent post on the social media platform X, Luna expressed her frustration with the DOJ’s silence, stating that her office had not received a response to letters sent on February 11 and February 19. She also called out Attorney General Bondi directly, asking, “What is the status of the documents? These documents were ordered to be declassified.”

The Epstein Client List: A Key Focus of the Declassification Effort

Among the documents being sought by Republican lawmakers is the client list of Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier whose high-profile associates have sparked widespread public interest. Epstein’s ties to influential figures in politics, business, and entertainment have raised questions about potential wrongdoing and cover-ups at the highest levels. Attorney General Pam Bondi has confirmed that the Epstein files are currently under review, stating, “It’s sitting on my desk right now to review.” However, Luna and other Republicans are pressing for greater urgency, arguing that the American public has a right to know the truth about Epstein’s activities and the individuals involved.

Republicans Vow to Hold the Biden Administration Accountable

The push for declassification is not just about uncovering historical secrets but also about holding the Biden administration accountable for its handling of sensitive information. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) has accused Democrats of undermining efforts to expose the full extent of Epstein’s trafficking ring, vowing to seek answers under the leadership of newly confirmed FBI Director Kash Patel. Meanwhile, Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) has emphasized the public’s right to access these documents, stating, “The time for transparency is now. It’s about damn time they be given access to it!” The Republican push for declassification is framed as a broader fight against government secrecy and in favor of accountability.

The Road Ahead: A Public Hearing and the Promise of Transparency

As the debate over declassification continues, the House’s Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets is scheduled to hold its first public hearing on March 26. This hearing could provide a platform for lawmakers to scrutinize the Biden administration’s handling of these documents and to demand greater transparency. Meanwhile, President Trump has pledged to declassify all remaining JFK-related documents if he wins the 2024 presidential election, further fueling the political stakes surrounding this issue. For now, Republican lawmakers like Rep. Luna and Senator Blackburn remain determined to keep the pressure on the DOJ and other federal agencies, insisting that the American people deserve access to the truth. Whether the Biden administration will yield to these demands or continue to cite national security concerns as a reason for withholding the documents remains to be seen.