Transparency. President Donald Trump Releases the Wrong Files

The Trump administration unexpectedly released a vast collection of documents concerning Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, amid widespread calls for the declassification of files related to Jeffrey Epstein.

Officials described the move as an inadvertent error, with the 230,000-plus pages intended to be part of the Epstein dossier instead.

The MLK files, coordinated through the Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Central Intelligence Agency, and National Archives and Records Administration, detail the government's extensive surveillance of the civil rights icon during the 1960s.

These records include reports on wiretaps, informant accounts, and efforts to undermine King's reputation over alleged communist affiliations.

Epstein's documents, by contrast, stem from court proceedings involving the late financier's sex trafficking network and his associations with prominent individuals across politics and entertainment.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the mix-up during a briefing.

"The president has been clear about transparency on these matters, but this batch was uploaded in error while teams were finalizing the Epstein releases," she said.

The administration has already begun unsealing portions of the Epstein grand jury records under Attorney General Pamela Bondi, following an executive order aimed at public disclosure.

However, full access remains pending due to ongoing reviews for sensitive information that could impact current investigations.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard commented on the situation in a separate statement.

"While we regret the confusion, this release offers a valuable look at historical overreach by federal agencies against American leaders," Gabbard noted.

Progressive activists have pointed out how the MLK documents underscore patterns of institutional bias that persist in modern discussions of equity and justice. Yet the timing has diverted attention from Epstein's web of influence, which includes names like former presidents and billionaires implicated in depositions.

A senior administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained the broader strategy.

"Americans deserve the truth on Epstein, but sifting through redactions takes time to protect innocents and avoid baseless speculation," the official said.

The MLK release complies with Executive Order 14176, mandating declassification of assassination-related records. It totals 243,496 pages, including audio files from FBI operations.

Former FBI Director Christopher Wray, now in a consulting role, weighed in on the historical context.

"These files show the bureau's past mistakes in targeting dissenters under the guise of national security," Wray observed.

As demands for the Epstein files intensify, the administration maintains that the accidental disclosure serves a dual purpose. It educates the public on civil rights history while buying necessary time to handle the more explosive Epstein materials responsibly.

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