US President Donald Trump has released over 2000 documents related to John F. Kennedy’s assassination, sparking renewed speculation about the events surrounding his death. The declassified files reveal the CIA’s inner workings during the Cold War, including its efforts to destabilize hostile governments and contain communist expansion.
While some have questioned the motives behind Trump’s decision, others see it as a calculated move to tap into JFK’s legacy of peacemaking. Trump has often positioned himself as a peacenik, echoing JFK’s nuclear disarmament efforts and his famous “peace race” challenge to Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev.
The timing of this revelation is interesting, coming as the Trump administration navigates a tumultuous relationship with Russia. By invoking JFK’s image, Trump may be attempting to shore up public support for his own peacemaking agenda.
However, some critics argue that Trump’s act of declassification is self-serving, aimed at boosting his own image and bolstering the CIA’s influence. JFK’s aide, Arthur Schlesinger Jr., had expressed concerns about the agency’s autonomy and power in 1961, stating that it possessed “many of the characteristics of a state within a state”.
Ultimately, the true motivations behind Trump’s move remain unclear. One thing is certain, though: by drawing on JFK’s legacy, Trump may be attempting to cement his own place as a champion of peace. But can he live up to the standards set by the 35th President?
Source: https://www.ndtv.com/opinion/why-is-trump-invoking-jfk-hint-russia-7976977