Opinion: If Aliens Really Are Coming, Shouldn't We Tidy Up a Bit?

As the 'UFO beat reporter' for The Daily Beast, this author believes the recent surge in alien interest reflects our confusing earthly situation.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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In this opinion piece, the author discusses recent comments made by former President Barack Obama and Lara Trump about the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and argues that our fascination with the supernatural is a reflection of the confusing state of affairs on Earth. The author suggests that rather than appealing to aliens or the divine for salvation, we should focus on addressing the very human-made problems plaguing our planet through civic engagement and practical solutions.

Why it matters

This article touches on the growing public interest in the possibility of alien life, which the author believes is a symptom of the chaotic and bewildering state of current events. The author argues that rather than looking to the stars for answers, we should turn our attention to the very real and solvable problems facing humanity.

The details

The article references recent comments made by former President Barack Obama and Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of former President Donald Trump, about the potential existence of extraterrestrial life. The author also mentions a claim made by British UFO researcher Mark Christopher Lee that Trump has a prepared speech on the topic of aliens that he plans to deliver on July 8, the 80th anniversary of the Roswell UFO incident. The author suggests that our fascination with the supernatural and the possibility of alien visitation is a way of avoiding the very human-made problems that are causing turmoil on Earth, such as tribalism, fears of scarcity, technological disruptions, and greed.

  • On May 1, a source of British UFO researcher Mark Christopher Lee is expected to go public with information about a speech President Trump has prepared on the topic of extraterrestrial life.
  • On July 8, 2026, the 80th anniversary of the Roswell UFO incident, President Trump is reportedly planning to deliver a speech on the topic of aliens.

The players

Barack Obama

The former President of the United States who recently commented on the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

Lara Trump

The daughter-in-law of former President Donald Trump who recently made a cryptic allusion to a speech Trump has prepared on the topic of aliens.

Mark Christopher Lee

A British UFO researcher who has claimed that a source of his is aware of a speech President Trump has prepared on the topic of extraterrestrial life.

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What they’re saying

“Statistically, the universe is so vast that the odds are good there's life out there. But the distances between solar systems are so great that the chances we've been visited by aliens is low, and I saw no evidence during my presidency that extraterrestrials have made contact with us. Really!”

— Barack Obama, Former President of the United States (The Daily Beast)

“I guess at the right time... he is going to break out and talk about, and it has to do with maybe some sort of extraterrestrial life.”

— Lara Trump (The Daily Beast)

What’s next

On May 1, the source of British UFO researcher Mark Christopher Lee is expected to go public with information about the speech President Trump has reportedly prepared on the topic of extraterrestrial life. If this information is confirmed, it could lead to further speculation and discussion about the potential existence of aliens.

The takeaway

Rather than looking to the stars or the supernatural for answers to our problems, the author argues that we should focus on addressing the very real, human-made issues facing our planet through civic engagement, practical solutions, and a renewed commitment to representative democracy, diplomacy, and expanding freedoms for all people.