Trump to Direct Release of Pentagon UFO Files Amid Renewed Interest
Published 19 February 2026
Highlights
- Former President Donald Trump announced plans to release government files on UFOs and extraterrestrial life, sparking renewed interest in the topic.
- Trump's announcement followed comments by Barack Obama, who stated that while aliens are statistically likely, he saw no evidence of contact during his presidency.
- The Pentagon's 2024 report found no evidence of alien life, with most UFO sightings attributed to ordinary objects.
- Public interest in UFOs surged after leaked Navy videos in 2017, leading to congressional hearings in 2022.
- Trump's daughter-in-law hinted at a prepared speech on aliens, though the White House denied knowledge of such plans.
In a move that has reignited public fascination with extraterrestrial life, former President Donald Trump announced his intention to direct the release of government files concerning UFOs and alien life. This decision comes on the heels of comments made by former President Barack Obama, who recently discussed the statistical likelihood of alien existence on a podcast, though he clarified he had no evidence of contact during his tenure.
Trump's Announcement and Obama's Comments
Trump's declaration was made via his social media platform, Truth Social, where he stated that he would instruct the defense department and other agencies to begin identifying and releasing files related to unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs), UFOs, and extraterrestrial life. This announcement followed Obama's viral podcast appearance, where he humorously addressed the possibility of aliens, stating, "They're real, but I haven't seen them," and dismissing the notion of secretive government facilities like Area 51.
Obama later clarified his remarks, emphasizing the vastness of the universe makes alien life statistically plausible, but he saw no evidence of contact during his presidency. Trump's response included an accusation that Obama might have disclosed classified information, though he also admitted uncertainty about the existence of aliens.
Public Interest and Government Transparency
Public intrigue surrounding UFOs and potential government cover-ups surged after 2017, when former Pentagon officials leaked Navy videos showing unidentified objects. This led to the first congressional hearings on the matter in 50 years, held in May 2022. Despite the increased scrutiny, the Pentagon's 2024 report concluded there was no evidence of alien life, attributing most UFO sightings to mundane explanations.
Trump's daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, suggested that the former president had a prepared speech on aliens, ready to be delivered at an opportune moment. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed these claims, stating she was unaware of any such speech.
What this might mean
The potential release of government files on UFOs could further fuel public curiosity and speculation about extraterrestrial life. If significant information is disclosed, it may prompt additional congressional hearings and increase demands for transparency from government agencies. Experts suggest that while the files may not confirm alien contact, they could provide insights into how the government handles unexplained phenomena. As public interest continues to grow, the debate over the existence of extraterrestrial life and the government's role in concealing information is likely to persist.
