King’s family objected to the release, saying the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s surveillance of the progressive leader was tainted by the agency’s political bent at the time.

The Trump administration has released records of the FBI’s surveillance of Martin Luther King Jr., despite opposition from the slain Nobel laureate’s family and the civil rights group that he led unt...

“These bizarre allegations are ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction,” said Patrick Rodenbush, a spokesman for Mr. Obama.