Trump Says Review of UFO Files Found 'Interesting' Documents

The former president claims the Pentagon will soon release information on unidentified aerial phenomena.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, abstract painting in muted earth tones featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise spirals, representing the structural order and unexplained forces of the universe.As the government prepares to disclose more information on unidentified aerial phenomena, a conceptual illustration captures the complex, mysterious forces at play in the skies.Phoenix Today

Former President Donald Trump announced that the Department of Defense has found 'very interesting documents' related to UFOs and unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) and will be releasing them 'very, very soon'. Trump's comments come amid increased pressure from Congress to disclose government files on UAP, which some lawmakers believe pose a national security threat.

Why it matters

The potential release of classified government information on UFOs and UAP has been a long-standing source of public fascination and debate. Trump's announcement suggests the Pentagon may be closer to disclosing what it knows about these unexplained aerial sightings, which could have significant implications for our understanding of advanced aerospace technology and the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

The details

In February, Trump directed the Department of Defense to begin reviewing government files related to extraterrestrial life. He now says that process has uncovered 'very interesting documents' that will be released 'very, very soon'. This follows recent calls from members of Congress, like Rep. Anna Paulina Luna and Rep. Tim Burchett, for the Pentagon to disclose information on UAP sightings. While the Pentagon has acknowledged receiving hundreds of UAP reports, it has not found evidence to substantiate the existence of alien life.

  • In February 2026, Trump directed the Department of Defense to begin reviewing government files on UFOs and extraterrestrial life.
  • On April 18, 2026, Trump announced the review has found 'very interesting documents' that will be released 'very, very soon'.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who directed the Department of Defense to review government files on UFOs and extraterrestrial life.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna

A Republican Congresswoman from Florida who chairs the House Oversight Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets and has pressed the Pentagon to release information on unidentified aerial phenomena.

Rep. Tim Burchett

A Republican Congressman from Tennessee who has also urged the administration to release information on UFOs.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As you remember, I recently directed the Secretary of War ... to begin releasing government files relating to UFOs and unexplained aerial phenomenon. This process is well underway, and we found many very interesting documents, I must say, and the first releases will begin very, very soon.”

— Donald Trump, Former President of the United States

What’s next

The Pentagon has not provided a timeline for the release of any documents related to UFOs and unidentified aerial phenomena. However, lawmakers like Rep. Anna Paulina Luna have threatened to use subpoena power if the information is not disclosed soon.

The takeaway

Trump's announcement that the Pentagon has found 'very interesting documents' on UFOs and UAP has reignited public interest and debate around the potential disclosure of classified government information on these unexplained aerial phenomena. The pressure from Congress to release this data suggests the long-standing mystery around UFOs may soon be addressed, with potentially significant implications for our understanding of advanced aerospace technology and extraterrestrial life.