Trump Says Review of UFO Files Found 'Interesting' Documents

The president directed the Pentagon to begin releasing government files on UFOs and unexplained aerial phenomena.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:57am

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A highly structured abstract painting in soft, muted colors featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conveying the structural order and unseen forces of the universe.As the government prepares to release new files on unidentified aerial phenomena, a conceptual illustration captures the complex, mysterious forces at play.Phoenix Today

President Donald Trump announced that the Department of Defense will soon release 'very interesting documents' related to UFOs and unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) following a review he ordered earlier this year. Trump's comments come amid increased pressure from Congress to disclose more information about government files on these unexplained sightings.

Why it matters

The release of these documents could shed new light on the government's knowledge and investigation of UFOs and UAPs, which have long been a source of public fascination and speculation. It also reflects growing political interest in the topic, with lawmakers pressing for more transparency around potential national security implications.

The details

In February, Trump directed the Department of Defense to begin reviewing government files related to extraterrestrial life and UFOs. On Friday, he said 'very interesting documents' were found and the 'first releases will begin very, very soon.' This comes after former President Barack Obama's recent comments about the reality of alien life, and as Congress has pushed for the release of videos and other data on UAP sightings.

  • 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 that 'very interesting documents' were found and will be released 'very, very soon.'

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who directed the Pentagon to review government files on UFOs and unexplained aerial phenomena.

Pete Hegseth

The former Secretary of Defense who was tasked by Trump to oversee the review of UFO-related government files.

Anna Paulina Luna

A Republican Congresswoman who has pressed the Pentagon to release videos and data on unidentified aerial phenomena.

Tim Burchett

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

Barack Obama

The former President of the United States who recently commented that aliens are real, though he said he did not see evidence of alien life while in office.

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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

“The continued lack of transparency surrounding these anomalies and the potential national security threat they pose is troubling. The presence of UAPs in and around the sensitive airspaces of U.S. military installations poses a threat to the security of the armed forces and their readiness.”

— Anna Paulina Luna, Congresswoman

“Thank you for keeping your word to me @realDonaldTrump.”

— Tim Burchett, Congressman

What’s next

The Pentagon has not provided a specific timeline for the release of the UFO-related documents, but has indicated the first batch will be made public 'very, very soon.'

The takeaway

The upcoming release of government files on UFOs and unexplained aerial phenomena reflects growing political and public interest in the topic, with lawmakers pushing for more transparency around potential national security implications. While the details remain unclear, this development could shed new light on the government's knowledge and investigation of these mysterious sightings.