We're sunsetting PodQuest on 2025-07-28. Thank you for your support!
Export Podcast Subscriptions
cover of episode J.F.K., the C.I.A. and the Original ‘Deep State’

J.F.K., the C.I.A. and the Original ‘Deep State’

2025/3/27
logo of podcast The Daily

The Daily

AI Chapters Transcript
Chapters
Julian Barnes discusses how President Trump's motivations for releasing the latest batch of JFK assassination documents are more complex than previously thought, potentially reinforcing the idea of a 'deep state.'
  • The U.S. government has been releasing JFK assassination documents for decades to dispel conspiracy theories.
  • President Trump's release of the documents is viewed as an attempt to highlight the intelligence community's misdeeds.
  • Trump's actions might reinforce the notion of a 'deep state' working against him.

Shownotes Transcript

For the past three decades, the U.S. government has released documents related to the assassination of John F. Kennedy with an overriding goal of dispelling conspiracy theories.

Julian E. Barnes, who covers the U.S. intelligence agencies, explains why President Trump’s motivations behind releasing the latest batch are far more complicated.

Guest: Julian E. Barnes), a reporter covering the U.S. intelligence agencies and international security matters for The New York Times.

Background reading: 

  • Inside the 24-hour scramble) among top national security officials over the Kennedy documents.
  • The thousands of documents posted online this week disappointed assassination buffs. But historians are finding many newly revealed secrets).

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily). Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. 

Photo: Reuters

Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts) or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.