Fact Check: The CIA released nearly 1,500 pages of previously classified documents relating to New York Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and his 1968 assassination.

Fact Check: "The CIA released nearly 1,500 pages of previously classified documents relating to New York Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and his 1968 assassination."

What We Know

Recently, the CIA indeed released approximately 1,500 pages of previously classified documents concerning the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, who was killed in 1968. This release was part of a broader effort initiated by President Donald Trump to declassify records related to significant historical events, including the assassinations of RFK, his brother President John F. Kennedy, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. (PBS, CBS News). The documents include various memos and details about the CIA's investigations into RFK's assassination, as well as his prior interactions with the agency, particularly following a trip he made to the Soviet Union in 1955 (PBS, U.S. News).

The National Archives has been tasked with making these records available to the public, and they have indicated that the release of RFK-related documents will continue on a rolling basis (National Archives). The documents released on May 7, 2025, included 1,499 PDF files and additional audio files, contributing to a total of over 10,000 pages released in relation to RFK's assassination (National Archives).

Analysis

The claim that the CIA released nearly 1,500 pages of documents regarding RFK's assassination is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press reported on the release, confirming that the documents detail the agency's investigation into RFK's killing and his previous contacts with the CIA (PBS). Furthermore, CBS News corroborated this information, noting that the release included 54 specific documents that provide insights into the CIA's actions and RFK's interactions with the agency (CBS News).

The credibility of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. The National Archives, which oversees the declassification process, is a governmental body responsible for maintaining and providing access to federal records, further lending reliability to the information about the document release (National Archives).

However, it is essential to note that while the documents were released, some information may still be redacted due to ongoing legal protections under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (National Archives). This aspect highlights the complexity of transparency in government records, but it does not detract from the veracity of the claim regarding the number of pages released.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The claim that the CIA released nearly 1,500 pages of previously classified documents relating to New York Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and his 1968 assassination is accurate. The release was confirmed by multiple reputable sources, including the CIA and major news outlets, and aligns with the ongoing efforts to declassify historical records.

Fact Check: The CIA released nearly 1,500 pages of previously classified documents relating to New York Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and his 1968 assassination.