More than 200 former congressional staffers and others had their personal information, including Social Security numbers, exposed this week in a release of previously classified documents related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The documents, released by the Trump administration, contain over 80,000 pages, many of which were previously redacted, now unveiled without any obscured details.
The disclosure, which included sensitive information such as birth dates, birthplaces, and Social Security numbers, has raised concerns about privacy violations and identity theft. Among those affected is Joseph diGenova, a former Trump campaign lawyer, who expressed outrage upon learning his personal data had been exposed. DiGenova, who has previously reported threats against him to the FBI, described the release as “sloppy” and “unprofessional.” He emphasized the dangers posed by such careless handling of sensitive information, noting the potential for identity theft and physical threats.
The records were posted to the National Archives’ website under the heading “JFK Assassination Records — 2025 Documents Release.” The documents primarily relate to investigations by the Senate Church Committee, which was formed in the 1970s to examine abuses by U.S. intelligence agencies. Many of the individuals whose information was disclosed are still alive, including former high-ranking government officials, intelligence researchers, and lawyers.
Legal experts have expressed concerns that the release may violate the Privacy Act of 1974, which aims to safeguard individuals’ personal information. Mary Ellen Callahan, a former chief privacy officer at the Department of Homeland Security, called the leak “absolutely a Privacy Act violation,” highlighting the severity of exposing Social Security numbers, which can be used for a variety of fraudulent activities.
Mark Zaid, a national security attorney, criticized the release, describing it as “incredibly irresponsible.” He pointed out that, for years, the only thing redacted in these documents had been Social Security numbers, a safeguard now removed without any apparent consideration for the consequences.
Several affected individuals have already taken steps to protect their financial security, freezing their bank accounts and credit cards. Some have even considered legal action against the National Archives. This incident underscores the risks associated with the handling of sensitive government documents and raises questions about the responsibility of agencies tasked with safeguarding personal data.
As the fallout continues, many are calling for greater attention to the privacy of individuals whose personal details are entrusted to the government.
