Jefferson Morley, a seasoned journalist and author specializing in the JFK assassination, delves into the recent discovery of over 2,000 new FBI documents. He sheds light on the CIA's prior knowledge of Lee Harvey Oswald and the ongoing secrecy surrounding JFK's assassination. The discussion ventures into the lasting impact of JFK's vision for global cooperation and the erosion of public trust in government institutions since his death. Morley emphasizes the importance of transparency and historical accuracy in unraveling the complex narratives of this pivotal event.
The discovery of over 2,000 JFK-related documents raises significant questions about transparency and government accountability since the assassination.
The CIA's historical involvement and foreknowledge of Lee Harvey Oswald complicate the narrative surrounding JFK's assassination and its aftermath.
Deep dives
Newly Discovered JFK Records
Recent revelations indicate that over 2,000 new records related to John F. Kennedy's assassination have been discovered, raising questions about their contents and the extended delay in their release. The context around these documents tracks back to the JFK Records Act of 1992, which aimed to ensure public access to all government records relevant to the assassination. This act was initially a response to public demand for transparency and accountability, especially after controversies surrounding media portrayals, such as in Oliver Stone's film. However, recent government actions, particularly under Presidents Trump and Biden, have resulted in significant delays in compliance with the law, leading to ongoing public skepticism regarding the motivations behind the continued secrecy.
Biden's Decision on Disclosure
President Biden's recent order regarding the JFK files has sparked criticism for undermining the transparency mandated by the JFK Records Act. After taking office, Biden was presented with requests from agencies like the FBI and CIA to maintain secrecy over large volumes of documents, which they claimed could not be disclosed due to complications arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. This justification has been termed inadequate, as critics argue the agencies had ample time to prepare for the release of these records. Ultimately, the final authority on the release of JFK-related documents now rests with the CIA, which raises concerns about conflicts of interest and the potential for continued obfuscation.
The Role of the CIA in the Assassination
The conversation highlights crucial questions surrounding the involvement of the CIA in the context of JFK's assassination, especially given the agency's historical inaccuracies and failures. Notably, the presence of CIA officials, like Alan Dulles on the Warren Commission, poses serious conflicts of interest regarding the validation of the commission's findings on the assassination. Furthermore, details around the surveillance of Lee Harvey Oswald by the CIA before the assassination complicate the narrative, as it indicates a foreknowledge of potential threats to Kennedy's safety that was never acted upon. This historical oversight and lack of accountability for agencies involved in national security leave room for public suspicion and dissent.
Legacy of JFK and the Call for Accountability
John F. Kennedy's assassination represents a significant turning point in American history, one that prompted a shift in both public perception of government and the conduct of foreign policy. Kennedy's vision for a diplomatic approach to global issues starkly contrasts with the subsequent militaristic stance that defined U.S. involvement in international crises. His policies aimed at de-escalation, particularly in Vietnam, might have set a different trajectory for the nation had he survived. The discussion underlines a desire for greater accountability within U.S. institutions and the necessity of addressing past events to inform current governance and foreign relations.
In early 2025, the FBI announced that they had found more than 2,000 new records related to John F. Kennedy’s assassination. What do they include? Why did it take so long to find them? How many will be made public? The world waits to find out.
In late 2023, we sat down with journalist, author, and co-founder of the substack JFK Facts Jefferson Morley. We discussed revelations regarding the CIA’s knowledge of Lee Harvey Oswald before November 22nd, the lasting legacy of JFK’s approach to foreign policy, and how clandestine intelligence agencies continue to withhold information about the 35th president’s death.
Check out JFK Facts at jfkfacts.substack.com and Jeff’s books The Ghost: The Secret Life of CIA Spymaster James Jesus Angleton, Our Man in Mexico: Winston Scott and the Hidden History of the CIA, and Scorpions’ Dance: The President, the Spymaster, and Watergate.
Conspiracy Theories is on Instagram @theconspiracypod! Follow us to keep up with the show and get behind-the-scenes updates from Carter and the team.
