Trump orders release of UFO files, directing federal agencies to begin disclosing government records related to aliens and unidentified flying objects.
In a social media post, President Donald Trump said he would instruct the Pentagon and other agencies to release information on the matter, calling it “extremely interesting and important.” He cited strong public curiosity surrounding UFOs and extraterrestrial life.
Trump said he would ask Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and other officials to facilitate the disclosure.
Trump Orders Release of UFO Files Amid Pentagon Reviews
Earlier in the day, Trump criticised former President Barack Obama, alleging without evidence that Obama improperly discussed classified information when speaking about aliens publicly.
During a podcast interview, Obama said he had seen no evidence of extraterrestrials visiting Earth. He also dismissed claims that aliens were being hidden at Area 51, the classified U.S. Air Force facility in Nevada.
There was no indication in Obama’s remarks that classified material had been disclosed. Obama later reiterated that he had not seen proof of alien contact during his presidency.
Alien files incoming: Trump orders government release of UFO records https://t.co/ZooXFvOlIv https://t.co/ZooXFvOlIv
— Reuters (@Reuters) February 20, 2026In recent years, the Pentagon has investigated numerous reports of what it calls Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs). Military officials have stated that investigations found no evidence of extraterrestrial technology or alien contact.
A 2024 Defense Department report concluded that most sightings were misidentified objects or natural phenomena. It also found no proof that the unexplained incidents involved foreign adversaries or alien spacecraft.
Area 51 and Public Curiosity
Area 51 has long been at the center of conspiracy theories involving crashed spacecraft and extraterrestrial beings. In 2013, the CIA formally acknowledged the site’s existence but dismissed claims related to alien technology.
The National Archives and Records Administration maintains collections of government records related to UFOs across multiple agencies.
Read: Obama Says Aliens Are Real: What the Former President Actually Meant
Public interest has remained strong, fueled by online discussions and viral campaigns such as “Storm Area 51.” Meanwhile, some lawmakers have called for greater transparency regarding unexplained aerial sightings in restricted airspace.
Despite directing agencies to release UFO files, Trump said he had not personally seen evidence confirming the existence of aliens.
