GOP senator knocks 'false' Tucker Carlson allegation he's fighting against JFK assassination files release

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) is denying an accusation from conservative pundit Tucker Carlson that he worked to block the release of sensitive government information related to the assassination of former President Kennedy.

Carlson, during a conversation with NewsNation host Chris Cuomo, alleged Cotton tried to stand in the way of one of President Trump's Cabinet nominees, whom he did not name, because the official in question "would be certain to push for the release of the JFK files."

"Tom Cotton of Arkansas did that," Carlson said.

Cotton's office, in a statement to The Hill on Tuesday, denied the pundit's claim.

“This is completely made up, Senator Cotton does not oppose releasing the JFK files, and he doesn’t have any involvement in how the Executive Branch releases documents," a representative for the Republican said.

In a social media post responding to a clip of Carlson's claims, Cotton said if the commentator would have asked him directly, he would have clarified his views on the JFK files.

"I would’ve explained that I’ve never spoken to President Trump or his associates or administration officials about the files, never objected to the appointment of any person because of the files, and have complete faith that Tulsi Gabbard, John Ratcliffe, Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, and other officials will release the files as appropriate in accordance with President Trump’s directive," Cotton said.

President Trump in January signed an order directing the release of federal government documents related to the assassinations of Kennedy, former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

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