Introduction: Trump and the JFK Files
When Donald Trump first became president in 2017, he promised to release all classified JFK assassination files. However, key figures in his administration, including then-CIA Director Mike Pompeo and FBI officials, advised against full disclosure, citing national security concerns. As a result, some files remained redacted, fueling speculation that something sinister was still being hidden.
Now, in his second term, Trump has just released the remaining JFK files—yesterday. With these long-awaited documents finally made public, the world is once again questioning the official story: was it the CIA, the Mafia, the military-industrial complex, or even Lyndon B. Johnson himself?
For decades, the government has insisted that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. But conspiracy theories have flourished, and some of them may have just been vindicated. With new evidence now in the open, it’s time to ask: who was actually right?
Assassination of John F. Kennedy
The CIA: Did America’s Own Spooks Kill JFK?
One of the most persistent theories is that the CIA orchestrated the assassination. Critics point to JFK’s growing distrust of the agency, especially after the Bay of Pigs invasion fiasco. Declassified documents show that CIA officials lied to Kennedy about their covert operations in Cuba, leading to his famous vow to “splinter the CIA into a thousand pieces.”
Who First Proposed It?
- Mark Lane (1966) – His book Rush to Judgment was the first mainstream work questioning the Warren Commission.
- Fletcher Prouty (1973) – A former Pentagon officer, he claimed the CIA had a role.
- Oliver Stone (1991) – His film JFK cemented the CIA theory in the public mind.
- Tucker Carlson (2022) – Stated that a source confirmed CIA involvement.
Verdict: Growing Credibility
Documents released under Trump’s administration confirm that the CIA had extensive ties to Oswald before the assassination—suggesting they knew more than they admitted. The theory that rogue intelligence officials orchestrated the killing is no longer fringe.
The Military-Industrial Complex: Killing Kennedy to Keep the War Going?
JFK planned to withdraw troops from Vietnam—a decision that would have cost defense contractors billions. After his death, Lyndon B. Johnson reversed this, leading to full-scale war. Some believe the military-industrial complex had Kennedy eliminated to ensure war profits continued.
Who First Proposed It?
- Fletcher Prouty (1973) – He argued that JFK’s National Security Action Memorandum 263 (ordering Vietnam withdrawal) was a death sentence.
- Oliver Stone (1991) – JFK linked the Pentagon to the assassination.
- James Douglass (2008) – His book JFK and the Unspeakable popularized the theory.
Verdict: Most Likely True
While JFK did intend to withdraw from Vietnam, there’s no smoking gun linking the military to his assassination. However, the fact that his death directly benefited war hawks keeps this theory alive.
The “Second Shooter” & Grassy Knoll Theory
Many believe Oswald wasn’t the only gunman. Eyewitnesses claimed shots came from the grassy knoll, and some even saw a mysterious “Umbrella Man” signaling. The House Select Committee on Assassinations (HSCA) in 1979 concluded there was likely a second shooter—yet the government never followed up.
Who First Proposed It?
- Mark Lane (1966) – First questioned the lone gunman theory.
- Jim Garrison (1967) – New Orleans DA investigated a conspiracy.
- Oliver Stone (1991) – JFK made this theory mainstream.
Verdict: Possible but Unproven
Acoustic evidence and eyewitness accounts suggest multiple shooters. Even the U.S. government admitted it was probable—yet no further investigation was done.
Other Suspects in the JFK Assassination
The Federal Reserve: Did JFK Threaten the Banking System?
Some believe Kennedy was killed because he challenged the Federal Reserve. In 1963, JFK issued Executive Order 11110, which aimed to reduce the Federal Reserve’s power by allowing the U.S. Treasury to issue silver-backed currency. This move was seen as a threat to the central banking system, leading to speculation that powerful financial interests wanted him eliminated.
Who First Proposed It?
- Jim Marrs (1989) – His book Crossfire linked JFK’s assassination to banking interests.
- G. Edward Griffin (1994) – Argued in The Creature from Jekyll Island that Kennedy’s monetary policy was a motive for assassination.
Verdict: Unlikely, but Possible
While JFK did sign Executive Order 11110, it had minimal impact on the Federal Reserve. His death did not lead to any major changes in U.S. monetary policy, making this theory less compelling.
Anti-Castro Cubans: Revenge for the Bay of Pigs?
Many Cuban exiles saw JFK as a traitor after he refused to provide military support for the failed Bay of Pigs invasion. Some believe anti-Castro militants, backed by rogue CIA elements, decided to take revenge.
Who First Proposed It?
- HSCA Investigation (1979) – The House Select Committee on Assassinations considered Cuban exiles as possible conspirators.
- Gaeton Fonzi (1993) – His book The Last Investigation explored CIA and Cuban exile involvement.
Verdict: Possible, but Not Alone
There is evidence that anti-Castro Cubans hated Kennedy, but they likely did not act alone. Many researchers believe they may have been used as pawns by the CIA.
The Soviet Union: Cold War Retaliation?
During the height of the Cold War, the Soviet Union was considered a prime suspect. Some believed the KGB orchestrated the assassination to destabilize the U.S. government.
Who First Proposed It?
- Warren Commission (1964) – Initially investigated Soviet ties but dismissed them.
- Ion Mihai Pacepa (2007) – A former Romanian intelligence officer, he claimed the KGB played a role.
Verdict: Highly Unlikely
No credible evidence links the Soviet Union to JFK’s assassination. In fact, the Soviets feared being blamed for the killing, as it could have sparked war.
The Secret Service: An Inside Job?
Some researchers argue that Kennedy’s own Secret Service may have been involved—either through negligence or deliberate participation. Witnesses reported that Secret Service agents acted strangely on the day of the assassination, including an unusual stand-down order that left JFK more vulnerable than usual.
Who First Proposed It?
- William Cooper (1991) – Claimed in Behold a Pale Horse that the Secret Service was complicit.
- Douglas Horne (2009) – Argued that medical evidence was altered to cover up Secret Service involvement.
Verdict: Suspicious, but Unproven
There are unexplained lapses in security, but there is no smoking gun proving the Secret Service actively participated in the assassination.
Lyndon B. Johnson: Did He Orchestrate a Coup?
Kennedy’s own vice president, Lyndon B. Johnson, had much to gain from his death. He was facing multiple corruption scandals and was about to be dropped from the 1964 ticket. Some believe he worked with Texas oilmen and intelligence agencies to remove Kennedy and take power.
Who First Proposed It?
- Madeline Brown (1997) – LBJ’s alleged mistress claimed he knew about the plot.
- Roger Stone (2013) – In The Man Who Killed Kennedy, Stone accused LBJ of being the mastermind.
Verdict: Suspicious, but No Direct Proof
LBJ benefited greatly from JFK’s death, but there is no hard evidence linking him directly to the plot.
Mossad & Israel: Nuclear Dispute as a Motive?
JFK was pressuring Israel to stop developing nuclear weapons at Dimona. Some theorists argue that Mossad saw him as a threat and orchestrated the assassination to ensure continued U.S. support for Israel.
Who First Proposed It?
- Michael Collins Piper (1994) – In Final Judgment, he argued Mossad had Kennedy killed.
- Gideon Spiro (2013) – An Israeli journalist who suggested Mossad’s involvement.
Verdict: Controversial and Unproven
JFK did oppose Israel’s nuclear program, but there is no clear evidence linking Mossad to his death.
The Mafia: A Mob Hit on the President?
The Mafia had multiple reasons to want Kennedy dead. His brother, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, aggressively pursued organized crime. Some believe the mob carried out the hit as revenge—or as part of a larger conspiracy involving the CIA.
Who First Proposed It?
- G. Robert Blakey (1979) – HSCA chief counsel who concluded the Mafia was involved.
- Sam Giancana’s Family (1992) – In Double Cross, they claimed the mob boss admitted to orchestrating the hit.
Verdict: Highly Likely
The Mafia had the means, motive, and opportunity. Many researchers believe the mob played a role, possibly in coordination with the CIA.
Texas Oilmen: Big Money Behind the Hit?
Texas oil barons hated Kennedy for threatening the oil depletion allowance, a tax break that saved them billions. Some believe Texas billionaires, such as H.L. Hunt and Clint Murchison, financed the assassination.
Who First Proposed It?
- Barr McClellan (2003) – In Blood, Money & Power, he argued Texas oilmen were behind the hit.
Verdict: Financial Motive, but No Smoking Gun
While Kennedy’s policies threatened oil interests, there is no direct evidence linking Texas oilmen to the assassination.
Final Verdict: Who Was Right?
The JFK assassination remains one of history’s greatest mysteries. With Trump’s latest document release, some theories may gain credibility, while others will fade. One thing is clear: someone wanted JFK dead badly enough to cover it up for over 60 years. The real question is—will we ever know the full truth?
While no single theory can be fully proven, some have gained credibility over time.
✅ Most Likely:
- CIA Involvement – Documents show Oswald had CIA connections.
- The Military-Industrial Complex Killing JFK to keep the Vietnam war going
- Multiple Shooters – Even the HSCA concluded there was more than one gunman.
- Mafia’s Role – Had motive and may have been hired for the job.
❌ Less Likely:
- LBJ as the Mastermind – Benefited, but no direct evidence.
- Mossad & Israel – JFK opposed their nuclear program, but no hard proof.
Trump’s JFK files confirmed some suspicions but left many questions unanswered. If the U.S. government is still hiding information 60 years later, the real story might be even darker than we think.
So, what do you believe?