Former President Donald Trump announced on Thursday night his intention to declassify government files related to alien life and unidentified flying objects (UFOs), a move prompted by what he described as the “tremendous interest” in the subject. This announcement came shortly after Trump expressed uncertainty about the existence of extraterrestrial beings. He communicated his plan through his Truth Social platform, stating, “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).”
Earlier that day, Trump criticized former President Barack Obama for declaring that aliens are “real,” asserting that Obama had disclosed “classified information” by commenting on the existence of extraterrestrial life. Historically, politicians have often sidestepped discussions regarding potential UFOs or government programs analyzing them, due to fears of political backlash. However, recent years have seen this topic shift into the mainstream, especially following revelations about secret federal programs that studied unexplained phenomena, along with the release of videos showing aircraft that seemed to bend the laws of physics.
A YouGov poll from November indicates that 56% of Americans believe in the existence of aliens, a growing sentiment that may be fueled by a series of recent statements from public figures. During a podcast appearance, Obama remarked that aliens exist but admitted he had never personally encountered them. This prompted questions regarding whether government entities might be concealing evidence of extraterrestrial life. He later clarified that while statistically, given the vastness of the universe, there could be life beyond Earth, he had not seen any evidence during his presidency of alien contact.
In response to Obama’s comments, Trump claimed that the former president made a “big mistake,” although he did not elaborate on any specific classified information he believed Obama had revealed. He also expressed a willingness to declassify relevant files to clarify the matter, stating, “I might declassify the relevant files and get him out of trouble.”
Former President Bill Clinton has previously acknowledged the possibility of alien life but also confirmed he lacked firsthand knowledge on the matter. He even mentioned having sent officials to investigate Area 51, a military base in Nevada often associated with alien conspiracies, but found no evidence of extraterrestrial technology or beings.
Lara Trump, the former president’s daughter-in-law, mentioned on a New York Post podcast that her father-in-law has been somewhat ambiguous when family members have inquired about aliens, suggesting he might have even prepared a speech regarding the topic. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt remarked that a prepared speech on extraterrestrial life would come as a surprise to her.
This latest development in the ongoing discourse surrounding UFOs and possible alien life builds on years of escalating public interest and could represent a surge in governmental transparency about these once-taboo subjects.