Trump says he's declassifying files about aliens and UFOs. That's going to make some longtime betters on Polymarket very rich.
Business Insider
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
President Donald Trump has announced plans to declassify government files related to aliens, UFOs, and extraterrestrial life, potentially leading to significant payouts for traders betting on such disclosures through platforms like Polymarket. This move could settle long-standing bets, with millions of dollars already wagered on whether the U.S. will confirm alien existence or release classified UFO files.
The decision comes amid heightened public interest and speculation about extraterrestrial life. Trump's announcement was partly motivated by criticism of former President Barack Obama, who faced accusations of improperly discussing classified material when acknowledging the possibility of alien life during a podcast. Trump hinted that declassifying these files could resolve such issues and align with his administration's approach to transparency.
Polymarket, a decentralized prediction platform, has seen aliens emerge as a major betting category. Traders have invested over $4 million in markets predicting whether the U.S. will confirm alien existence by 2027 or declassify UFO files under Trump's tenure. Odds for these outcomes have climbed above 80%, reflecting high confidence among bettors.
The intrigue surrounding extraterrestrial life extends beyond theoretical debates, with mysterious incidents like the November 2024 New Jersey drone sightings fueling speculation. Such events have sparked online communities and furthered interest in alien theories. Trump himself has hinted at government knowledge of these phenomena, suggesting that transparency could soon shed light on long-rumored secrets.
This development highlights the intersection of national security, public curiosity, and market dynamics. The potential release of classified UFO files could not only satisfy decades of speculation but also demonstrate how transparency impacts business and financial markets. For now, bettors remain poised to cash in if definitive information emerges from these declassified documents.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/20/2026