Obama Confirms Aliens Are Real, But Podcast Host Fails to Follow Up

Former president's admission sparks criticism over lack of probing questions

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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In a recent interview, former President Barack Obama confirmed the existence of extraterrestrials, but the podcast host, Brian Tyler Cohen, failed to follow up on this historic revelation, quickly moving on to other topics. The exchange has sparked a wave of online criticism, with many observers noting the missed opportunity to further explore this significant statement from a former world leader.

Why it matters

The confirmation of the existence of aliens by a former U.S. president is a momentous event that would typically warrant extensive questioning and discussion. However, the lack of follow-up from the podcast host has left many audience members wondering why such a profound admission was treated as a mere throwaway line.

The details

During a 'lightning round' segment of the 47-minute podcast episode, Cohen asked Obama point-blank if aliens are real. Obama's immediate response was 'yes,' confirming the existence of extraterrestrials. However, Cohen did not pause to probe the admission further and instead quickly moved on to a question about what Obama first wanted to know when he took office, followed by a lengthy discussion about Pope Leo XIV.

  • The podcast episode was released on Saturday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Barack Obama

The former President of the United States who confirmed the existence of aliens during the podcast interview.

Brian Tyler Cohen

The progressive podcast host who interviewed former President Obama and failed to follow up on his admission about the existence of aliens.

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What they’re saying

“Aliens are real.”

— Barack Obama, Former President of the United States (Tampa Free Press)

“One of the most epic interview fumbles of all time. Getting a president to say 'aliens are real' in plain English usually warrants more than zero follow-up questions.”

— Jay Anderson, Podcaster (Tampa Free Press)

“This is a master class in why not everyone is suited for journalism. A statement like that requires immediate, relevant questioning.”

— Calvin Robinson, British political analyst (Tampa Free Press)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of thorough and probing journalism, even in the context of a podcast interview. The failure to follow up on such a significant revelation from a former president has left many questioning the host's priorities and the missed opportunity to delve deeper into this potentially groundbreaking information.