Trump Directs Pentagon to Release UFO Files Citing 'Tremendous Interest'
In a move that has reignited public fascination with unidentified aerial phenomena, U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon and other government agencies to release classified files on aliens and UFOs. The directive, posted on his Truth Social account on Thursday night, February 19, 2026, cites "tremendous interest" in the subject matter.
Accusations and Political Intrigue
The announcement follows Trump's earlier accusations that former President Barack Obama leaked "classified information" during a podcast appearance where Obama suggested extraterrestrials might be real. While Obama later clarified that he had not seen evidence of first contact, he noted the statistical likelihood of life existing elsewhere in the vast universe.
"Well, he gave classified information; he's not supposed to be doing that," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One when questioned about Obama's comments. "I don't know if they're real or not, but he gave classified information ... he made a big mistake."
Declassification Order and Public Scrutiny
Trump elaborated that declassifying the files could potentially help Obama, stating, "maybe I'll get him out of trouble. I'll get him out of trouble by declassifying." In his social media post, Trump described the topics of aliens, extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena, and UFOs as "highly complex, but extremely interesting and important matters."
The order specifically directs the Department of War and other relevant departments to release the files, though Trump maintained a personal ambivalence, saying, "I don't have an opinion on it. I don't talk about it. A lot of people do. A lot of people believe it."
White House Reaction and Historical Context
The announcement caught the White House off guard, particularly after Trump's daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, hinted earlier in the week that the president had a prepared speech on aliens ready for delivery at the "right time." Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded with laughter when asked about such a speech, telling reporters via The Associated Press, "A speech on aliens would be news to me."
Public interest in UFOs and potential government cover-ups surged again in 2017 after former Pentagon and government officials leaked navy videos of unknown objects to major news outlets. This led to Congress holding the first hearings on UFOs in 50 years in May 2022, where officials suggested the objects, described as green triangles floating above a navy ship, were likely drones.
In response to the renewed scrutiny, the Pentagon has pledged greater transparency, establishing the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office in July 2022 to collect reports of all military UFO encounters. Trump's latest directive adds a new chapter to this ongoing saga, blending political drama with enduring public curiosity about the unknown.
