Donald Trump has directed U.S. Government agencies to prepare for the release of files pertaining to unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), commonly known as UFOs, and the search for extraterrestrial life. The former president announced the directive in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, following comments made by his predecessor, Barack Obama, regarding the possibility of alien life.
Trump stated he would instruct the Secretary of Defense and other relevant officials “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).” He accused Obama of disclosing “classified information” after the former president, during a podcast interview last weekend, said, “They’re real, but I haven’t seen them,” referring to aliens. Obama clarified that he meant it was statistically probable life exists elsewhere in the universe, but that he had not observed any evidence of extraterrestrial contact during his presidency.
“He’s not supposed to be doing that,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, adding, “He made a big mistake.” When asked if he shared Obama’s belief in the existence of aliens, Trump responded, “Well, I don’t recognize if they’re real or not.” He suggested he might “get [Obama] out of trouble by declassifying” information.
Obama’s initial comments were made during a quickfire question round on the podcast hosted by Brian Tyler Cohen. He later elaborated on Instagram, stating, “I saw no evidence during my presidency that extraterrestrials have made contact with us. Really!”
The renewed focus on UFOs and potential government secrecy comes after the release of Navy videos depicting unidentified objects to U.S. Media in 2017. This prompted Congressional hearings on UFOs in May 2022 – the first in half a century. Officials indicated that the objects observed, described as green triangles, were likely drones. Since then, the Pentagon has pledged increased transparency on the topic, releasing information showing that while the majority of reported UAP sightings remain unexplained, those that are identified are generally benign.
Lara Trump, the former president’s daughter-in-law, suggested this week that Trump had a prepared speech on the subject of aliens, intending to deliver it at an opportune moment. Although, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the claim as news to her when questioned by reporters on Wednesday.
