US President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he is directing federal agencies to begin “identifying and releasing” government records related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs), unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and extraterrestrial life—a move long sought by UFO enthusiasts.
“Based on the tremendous interest shown, I will be directing the Secretary of War, and other relevant Departments and Agencies, to begin the process of identifying and releasing Government files related to alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs),” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. He added that the files should cover “any and all other information connected to these highly complex, but extremely interesting and important, matters,” though he did not clarify whether classified documents would be made public.
Earlier Thursday, Trump criticized former President Barack Obama for allegedly disclosing “classified” information on extraterrestrial life during a viral podcast. “They’re real, but I haven’t seen them and they’re not being kept in… Area 51,” Obama told host Brian Tyler Cohen, dismissing claims of secret underground facilities. Commenting on Obama’s remarks, Trump said, “He gave classified information, he is not supposed to be doing that,” adding, “He made a big mistake.”
Regarding his own stance on aliens, Trump, 79, said, “I don’t know if they are real or not.” Currently, no evidence exists confirming intelligent life beyond Earth.
Interest in UFOs and UAP has grown amid concerns that foreign powers could be testing advanced technologies. In March 2024, the Pentagon reported that most UAP sightings were attributable to conventional sources such as weather balloons, satellites, and spy planes, finding no proof of extraterrestrial origin.
