The United States released more than 160 UFO files last week. This happened after President Donald Trump ordered greater transparency on government records tied to unidentified anomalous phenomena, or UAPs.
The newly declassified records include Cold War-era sightings over Europe and reports of metallic oval-shaped craft. They also mention alleged recovered debris and unusual observations linked to space missions, according to the released material.
Trump said on his social media platform that the public should review the records and decide “what exactly is going on.” In addition, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the files had fueled speculation for decades because they remained secret for so long.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said the release was “only the beginning.” She stated that additional records would be published in phases through a dedicated online portal.
One document linked to the Apollo 11 Moon Landing mission said astronaut Buzz Aldrin reported three unusual observations during the journey. These included a mysterious object en route to the moon, flashes of light inside the cabin and a bright light during the return trip.
The oldest file, dated November 1948 and marked “Top Secret” by the U.S. Air Force Intelligence Directorate, described repeated sightings of unexplained objects in European airspace. The document said U.S. officials contacted Swedish intelligence authorities about the sightings.
Other records cited a 2023 sighting of a metallic, oval-shaped object above trees and a 1955 account involving U.S. Sen. Richard Russell Jr., who allegedly saw two flying-saucer-shaped objects while travelling by train in the former Soviet Union.
Several files referenced debris from a crashed unidentified craft and witness accounts describing possible occupants. However, the records also noted that claims of extraterrestrial encounters have not been officially verified. The Pentagon said more records would be released gradually through a public-access portal.
