Former President Barack Obama affirmed the existence of extraterrestrial life in a recent interview with progressive podcaster Brian Tyler Cohen, while simultaneously dismissing claims of a government cover-up at Area 51. “They’re real,” Obama stated, adding, “But I haven’t seen them. They’re not being kept at Area 51. There’s no underground facility—unless there’s this enormous conspiracy and they hid it from the President of the United States.”
The remarks, published Saturday, came during a wide-ranging conversation that also addressed the controversial federal immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota and a recent incident involving a racially charged video posted by his successor, Donald Trump. Obama’s comments on extraterrestrial life echo a growing openness within the U.S. Government regarding unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs), though he offered no specific details or evidence to support his assertion. Time Magazine reported on similar statements made by Obama earlier this month.
A significant portion of the interview focused on the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to Minnesota, which Obama characterized as “rogue behavior” reminiscent of authoritarian regimes. He specifically referenced the case of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, whose parents were targeted during the enforcement surge. “Using five-year-olds to try to bait their parents,” Obama said, “is deeply concerning and dangerous.”
Obama’s criticism aligns with previous statements he made following the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good during federal immigration operations in Minneapolis. In a joint statement with his wife Michelle posted on X, Obama accused Trump and his administration of attempting to “escalate the situation” rather than ensuring accountability for the agents involved. He reiterated his call for an end to the operations, stating, “This has to stop.”
The Trump administration announced Thursday it would conclude “Operation Metro Surge” in Minnesota, following months of protests over alleged excessive force by ICE agents. Border Czar Tom Homan, dispatched by Trump to address the unrest, confirmed the decision at a press conference in Minneapolis. WFMD reported on the winding down of the operation.
Obama also addressed, albeit indirectly, the controversy surrounding a video shared by Trump that depicted him and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. He described the current media landscape as a “clown show” and lamented a perceived loss of “shame” and “decorum” in political discourse. Trump, however, has refused to apologize for sharing the video, claiming he had not seen the offending portion.
The White House has been approached for comment on the matter by TIME Magazine, but has not yet responded. The incident underscores the continued animosity between Obama and Trump, even after leaving office and highlights the increasingly polarized nature of American politics.
