The Trump administration released approximately 200,000 pages of FBI files on the surveillance of Martin Luther King Jr., previously sealed since 1977. This release comes despite opposition from King's family, who expressed concerns about the potential misuse of the documents and the timing of the release, viewing it as a distraction from other political controversies. The King family maintains that the assassination of their father was the result of a conspiracy involving unnamed co-conspirators, including government agencies. Rev. Al Sharpton criticized the release, suggesting it was a political ploy by the Trump administration.

The King Center, led by Bernice King, also released a statement expressing disapproval. They viewed the release as ill-timed, given the many pressing issues facing the United States, and called for collective work addressing injustice. The documents were initially intended to remain sealed until 2027 but were released earlier following a request from Justice Department attorneys. Scholars and the public are now able to access the files.

Impact Statement: The release of these files could reignite debate surrounding the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. and the extent of government involvement, while also raising questions about the motives behind the timing of the release.