Trump Orders Release of UFO Government Files

The president's decision follows former President Obama's podcast comments about aliens.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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President Trump announced on social media that he will direct the defense secretary and relevant departments to begin the process of releasing government files related to alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena, and unidentified flying objects.

Why it matters

The release of these files could shed light on the government's knowledge and handling of UFO-related matters, which have long been a source of public fascination and speculation. This move follows recent comments made by former President Obama about the potential existence of aliens, further fueling public interest in the topic.

The details

In his social media post, President Trump cited the 'tremendous interest shown' by the public as the reason for ordering the release of these files. The files are expected to contain information related to the government's knowledge and investigations into alien and extraterrestrial life, as well as unidentified aerial phenomena and unidentified flying objects.

  • On February 20, 2026, President Trump announced the decision to release the government files.

The players

President Trump

The current President of the United States who has ordered the release of government files related to UFOs and extraterrestrial life.

Former President Obama

The former President of the United States who recently made comments about the potential existence of aliens, which may have influenced President Trump's decision to release these files.

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What they’re saying

“Based on 'tremendous interest shown,' Trump said in a social-media post Thursday night, he will direct the defense secretary and relevant departments to begin the process of releasing government files related to alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena, unidentified flying objects 'and any and all other information connected to these highly complex, but extremely interesting and important, matters.'”

— President Trump (wsj.com)

What’s next

The release of the government files is expected to be a gradual process, as the relevant departments work to declassify and prepare the information for public disclosure.

The takeaway

The decision to release these files reflects the growing public interest and demand for transparency regarding the government's knowledge and handling of UFO-related matters. This move could potentially shed light on long-standing questions and theories surrounding the existence of alien life and extraterrestrial activity.