US President Donald Trump has ordered federal agencies to release government files on aliens and UFOs, citing strong public interest. The move matters as it could reveal previously classified information and fuel public debate on extraterrestrial life. The decision directly affects federal agencies, researchers, and the global community interested in UFO phenomena.
Trump announced on social media that Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and other agencies will begin releasing the information, calling the matter “extremely interesting and important.” He also criticized former president Barack Obama for allegedly disclosing classified information on aliens.
Read more: Epstein files: Trump referenced over a million times
Trump clarified that he has not seen evidence confirming extraterrestrial life, saying, “I don’t know if they’re real or not.” His remarks followed Obama’s earlier comments during a podcast and Instagram post, in which Obama acknowledged the statistical possibility of alien life but denied knowledge of any visits to Earth or secret facilities like Area 51.
The Pentagon has previously investigated UFO reports, including a 2024 report stating that post-World War Two inquiries found no evidence of extraterrestrial technology. Most sightings were misidentified ordinary objects or natural phenomena. Senior military officials in 2022 also confirmed no evidence suggested alien visits or crash landings.
Read more: Trump administration accused over Epstein list
Trump’s directive to release UFO records comes amid rising public interest and ongoing speculation about unidentified aerial phenomena. The files, held across multiple National Archives and Records Administration collections, may include reports, sightings, and related government communications spanning decades.
Analysts say the release could intensify debate over government transparency and the scientific study of UFOs. Researchers, enthusiasts, and the media are expected to closely examine the records for any new insights into unexplained aerial phenomena and the possibility of extraterrestrial life.