Donald Trump announced that he will begin the process of identifying and releasing government files related to “alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs), and any and all other information connected to these highly complex, but extremely interesting and important, matters,” saying the decision comes in response to public interest and following controversial comments by former President Barack Obama.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 20, 2026
Trump wrote, “Based on the tremendous interest shown, I will be directing the Secretary of War, and other relevant Departments and Agencies, to begin the process of identifying and releasing Government files related to alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs), and any and all other information connected to these highly complex, but extremely interesting and important, matters. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
The announcement comes days after Obama addressed questions about extraterrestrial life during an interview on the “No Lie” podcast with host Brian Tyler Cohen. In that interview, Obama confirmed that unidentified aerial phenomena are “real,” but said he has not seen them personally and pushed back against popular conspiracy theories about secret government storage sites. Obama said, “They’re real, but I haven’t seen them,” and added, “They’re not being kept at Area 51. There’s no underground facility — unless there’s this enormous conspiracy and they hid it from the President of the United States.” When asked what question he wanted answered first upon becoming president, Obama said, “Where are the aliens?”
Barack Obama on aliens: “They’re real”
— UAP James (@UAPJames) February 14, 2026
“But I haven’t seen them. They’re not being kept at Area 51. There’s no underground facility — unless there’s this enormous conspiracy and they hid it from the President of the United States.” pic.twitter.com/c6t0DYxewU
Following Obama’s remarks, Trump was asked by reporters for his reaction. Trump criticized Obama’s comments, saying, “He’s not supposed to be doing that. He made a big mistake giving out classified information.” That initial rebuke underscored a tension between Trump’s position as a current public official and Obama’s statements as a former head of state.
Doocy: Barack Obama said aliens are real.
— Acyn (@Acyn) February 19, 2026
Trump: He's not supposed to be doing that. He made a big mistake giving out classified information. pic.twitter.com/UF6DWCgcIA
Trump’s announcement shifts the focus back to the issue of government transparency on unexplained aerial phenomena and extraterrestrial life. By directing multiple agencies to identify and begin releasing related documents, the administration appears to be responding to heightened public interest and ongoing debates over what, if any, information remains classified.
The move could result in the publication of a range of government files, though it remains unclear which documents will ultimately be released and how soon that process will occur. Government records related to UAPs have gained increased attention in recent years, with lawmakers and advocacy groups pressing for greater disclosure.
The context for this latest development includes broader public curiosity about UAPs and a series of declassified reports in recent years that have acknowledged unidentified sightings by military personnel. Trump’s directive signals a renewed effort by the executive branch to engage with these subjects in a highly visible way.
How much information is eventually made public and how agencies define the scope of “all other information connected” to UAPs and extraterrestrial life will be closely watched by researchers, lawmakers, and the public, as calls for transparency continue to grow.
