Trump Calls for Release of UFO and Alien Records

Former president orders Pentagon and agencies to disclose files on extraterrestrial life and unidentified flying objects.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Former President Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon and other government agencies to identify and release files related to extraterrestrials, UFOs, and unidentified aerial phenomena. Trump's announcement comes after former President Barack Obama recently suggested in a podcast interview that aliens are real, which Trump accused of disclosing 'classified information.' Trump said he may 'get Obama out of trouble' by declassifying the files due to 'tremendous public interest' in the topic.

Why it matters

The renewed public interest in UFOs and extraterrestrial life has led to increased scrutiny and transparency efforts from the government. This includes the creation of the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) in 2022 to centralize military UFO reporting. However, officials have stated that no evidence of extraterrestrial activity or coverups has been found so far.

The details

Trump said he is directing government agencies to release files related to 'alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs).' This comes after Obama suggested in a podcast that aliens are real, which Trump accused of disclosing 'classified information.' Trump said he may 'get Obama out of trouble' by declassifying the files due to 'tremendous public interest.' The renewed public interest in UFOs was sparked in 2017 when former Pentagon officials leaked Navy videos of unknown objects to the media.

  • In 2022, the Pentagon created the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) to centralize military UFO reporting.
  • In 2023, the head of AARO stated they had found no evidence of any reverse engineering of extraterrestrial technology.
  • In June 2024, an 18-page unclassified report to Congress said the military had made 485 reports of unidentified phenomena in the past year, but 118 were found to be 'prosaic objects.'

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who is directing government agencies to release files related to extraterrestrials and UFOs.

Barack Obama

The former President of the United States who recently suggested in a podcast interview that aliens are real, which Trump accused of disclosing 'classified information.'

All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO)

A Pentagon office created in 2022 to centralize military UFO reporting and investigation.

Sean Kirkpatrick

The former head of AARO who stated in 2023 that they had found no evidence of any reverse engineering of extraterrestrial technology.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know if they're real or not.”

— Donald Trump (tmj4.com)

“I may get him out of trouble by declassifying.”

— Donald Trump (tmj4.com)

“It is important to underscore that, to date, AARO has discovered no evidence of extraterrestrial beings, activity, or technology.”

— Sean Kirkpatrick, Head of AARO (tmj4.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.