Trump directs US government to prepare release of files on aliens and UFOs
BBC World
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
US President Donald Trump has announced that he will direct government agencies, including the Department of Defense, to begin releasing classified files related to extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs), and UFOs. This decision comes after Trump criticized former President Barack Obama for allegedly sharing classified information when he mentioned the existence of aliens in a podcast interview. Trump accused Obama of making a "big mistake" by discussing such sensitive topics publicly.
In his post on Truth Social, Trump stated that he was acting "based on the tremendous interest shown" regarding these matters. He clarified that while he doesn’t personally claim to know whether aliens are real, he believes the release of these files is necessary due to public curiosity and media attention. This move follows Obama’s recent comments, which sparked headlines after he admitted his belief in the likelihood of extraterrestrial life given the universe's vastness but emphasized that no conclusive evidence was found during his presidency.
The announcement aligns with growing interest in UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomena, particularly since a 2023 House panel hearing on UAPs failed to reveal any major breakthroughs or confirm alien contact. While Trump’s directive is significant, it remains unclear how much information will be declassified and whether it will address public speculation about alleged government cover-ups or encounters with extraterrestrials.
This development underscores the ongoing political rivalry between Trump and Obama, who have been vocal opponents for years. The release of these files could shed light on decades-long rumors surrounding UFOs, Area 51, and alleged alien sightings. For now, the decision has sparked both intrigue and skepticism among followers of the UFO and extraterrestrial community, as well as political observers tracking Trump’s actions during his presidency.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/20/2026