The archival material comprises approximately 230,000 pages that were originally barred from public access by a court order since 1977. Despite this historical unveiling, members of King's family expressed their disapproval. In a statement from his surviving children, Martin III and Bernice, they condemned any misuse of the documents intended to tarnish their father’s legacy.

King Jr. was assassinated at the age of 39 on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, and while James Earl Ray admitted guilt for the crime, he later recanted his confession. Prior to this release, King's children highlighted the pervasive surveillance and disinformation tactics inflicted upon their father by FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, which they described as "relentless targeting." They urged those who engage with these newly public files to approach them with "empathy, restraint, and respect."

The Trump administration's decision to declassify documents relating to the assassinations of both King and former President John F. Kennedy reflects a commitment made during his campaign, which included an executive order signed in January aimed at full transparency regarding these historical events.