Are aliens real? Donald Trump orders release of 'classified information' on UFOs
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
US President Donald Trump has made headlines by ordering the release of classified files related to UFOs, extraterrestrial life, and unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP). In a statement on TruthSocial, Trump announced his decision, citing public interest and accusing former President Barack Obama of disclosing classified information during recent remarks about aliens. While Trump claimed he doesn’t have a personal opinion on the matter, he suggested that declassifying these files could resolve any issues Obama may have faced.
The renewed focus on UFOs stems from the release of Navy videos in 2017 and subsequent congressional hearings in May 2022, which marked the first such meetings in over five decades. Following this attention, the Pentagon established the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) to handle reports of unidentified aerial phenomena. While AARO’s director has stated that no evidence of extraterrestrial technology has been found, many military sightings remain unresolved.
Despite Trump’s claims, Obama clarified that he had not encountered evidence supporting direct contact with aliens but acknowledged the statistical likelihood of life beyond Earth due to the universe’s vastness. Meanwhile, Trump’s daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, hinted at a potential speech on the topic, though White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt downplayed the idea.
The debate over UFOs and extraterrestrial life has captivated public interest globally, with many viewing it as a matter of national security and scientific inquiry. As Trump pushes for transparency, the implications for US policy and international perceptions remain significant. Whether this move will shed light on long-standing mysteries or fuel further speculation remains to be seen.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/20/2026