“For us, the assassination of our father is a deeply personal family loss that we have endured over the last 56 years. We hope to be provided the opportunity to review the files as a family prior to its public release.”

On the evening of April 4, 1968, King was shot and killed by James Earl Ray as he stood on a second-floor balcony at a Memphis hotel.

While the assassination may have taken place nearly 60 years ago now, King’s family have continued to search for answers regarding his death.

Martin Luther King was assassinated in 1968 (Bettmann via Getty Images)

Also impacted by Trump’s new order is JFK’s family, after the 47th US president announced plans to release classified files on the assassination of the 35th president.

In 1963, JFK was gunned down in broad daylight as he rode through Dallas, Texas, becoming the subject of numerous conspiracy theories over the years.

Jack Schlossberg, the former president’s grandson, has since spoken out following Trump’s executive order.

Taking to Twitter, he wrote: “JFK conspiracy theories — The truth is a lot sadder than the myth — a tragedy that didn’t need to happen. Not part of an inevitable grand scheme.

“Declassification is using JFK as a political prop, when he’s not here to punch back. There’s nothing heroic about it.”

It’s certainly been an eventful first week in Trump’s second term as president!