Trump Promised UFO Disclosure, But Pentagon Still Holding Files

Weeks after Trump called for release of classified UFO records, no new files have surfaced as the review process moves slowly.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Former President Donald Trump said in February that federal agencies should begin releasing classified files on UFO sightings and possible extraterrestrial activity. However, weeks later no such records have been made public, as the Pentagon's review process appears to be moving at a glacial pace. The gap between Trump's promise and the lack of actual disclosure has become the story, reflecting the familiar pattern of bureaucratic delays whenever national security records are involved.

Why it matters

The latest surge of interest in UFO disclosure began after former President Barack Obama joked about aliens, raising expectations that long-rumored government files on the topic might finally be released. Trump's call for disclosure further fueled those expectations, but the reality is that even with a presidential endorsement, the declassification process is slow and complex, as officials must carefully review documents line-by-line to remove any sensitive information.

The details

Records connected to unexplained aerial sightings can contain information about military technology, radar capability, intelligence gathering and satellite systems, which means they cannot simply be dumped into the public domain without review. Security officials have to examine documents carefully and remove or redact anything that could expose weapons systems, surveillance methods or troop locations. The sheer volume of material spread across decades and agencies can stretch the review process for months or even years.

  • In February 2026, former President Donald Trump said federal agencies should release classified UFO files.
  • Weeks after Trump's statement, no new UFO records have been made public.

The players

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States who called for the release of classified UFO records.

Barack Obama

Former President of the United States who joked about the existence of aliens, sparking renewed interest in UFO disclosure.

All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office

A Pentagon unit set up to investigate unusual objects reported by military personnel, which is helping to coordinate the review of records that could eventually be released.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Pentagon's All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office is continuing to review records that could eventually be released to the public.

The takeaway

Even with a presidential endorsement, the process of declassifying sensitive government records on UFOs and potential extraterrestrial activity remains slow and complex, as officials must carefully review the material to protect national security information. Disclosure of the most revealing files, such as high-resolution imagery or sensor data, is unlikely due to the risk of exposing the capabilities of military surveillance systems.