US President Donald Trump has announced that he has directed federal agencies to begin identifying and releasing government files related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs), unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and possible extraterrestrial life.
In a post on his social media platform, Trump said the decision was driven by long-standing public interest in the subject, adding that all relevant departments have been instructed to locate and disclose information connected to what he described as complex but important matters. He did not clarify whether classified documents would be included in the public release.
Earlier in the day, Trump accused former President Barack Obama of revealing classified information during recent podcast remarks about extraterrestrial life. Obama had stated that while unidentified objects have been recorded, there is no evidence of aliens being hidden at Area 51 or in secret underground facilities, dismissing popular conspiracy theories.
Reacting to the comments, Trump claimed Obama had disclosed information he was not authorised to share, though he did not specify which part of the remarks was classified. He added that the former president had made a serious mistake.
Asked about his own views on the existence of aliens, Trump said he was uncertain whether extraterrestrial life exists.
Despite renewed public interest, no confirmed evidence has been produced to prove the existence of intelligent life beyond Earth. Recent attention has been fuelled by Pentagon investigations into reports of unusual aircraft, amid concerns that some sightings could involve advanced foreign technologies.
In a report released in March 2024, the US Department of Defense stated that it found no proof linking UAP sightings to alien technology, noting that many incidents were later identified as weather balloons, satellites, spy aircraft, or other conventional objects.
