Hundreds Of Social Security Numbers Made Public In Unredacted JFK Files
ForbesMAR 22
Unredacted JFK Files Expose Private Information of Hundreds of Former Staffers
Above: US Pres. Donald Trump shows a signed executive order calling to declassify files related to the killings of Pres. John F. Kennedy, former U.S. senator Robert F. Kennedy and civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr, in the Oval Office on Jan. 23, 2025. Image copyright: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/Contributor via Getty Images
The Spin
Democratic narrative
These files were released in a reckless and unprofessional way that exposes private citizens to identity theft and security risks while adding nothing meaningful to the public's understanding of the Kennedy assassination. This incident further highlights that the Trump administration is more concerned with political theater than protecting individuals' privacy.
Republican narrative
While it's likely that there's nothing earth-shattering in the files, the Trump administration is committed to maximum transparency and any redacted information could fuel conspiracy theories. Most of those whose personal information has been disclosed are long gone, and the White House is working to assist and protect the living ones.