Trump Orders Release of Govt Files on UFOs, Extraterrestrial Life

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Feb 20, 2026 #alien investigation US, #extraterrestrial life documents, #Pentagon UAP reports, #Trump UFO files, #UAP disclosure United States, #unidentified flying objects records, #US government declassification UFO, #US transparency UFO

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President Donald Trump has announced plans to begin releasing United States government files relating to unidentified flying objects, extraterrestrial life and what officials now refer to as unidentified aerial phenomena.

In a post shared on his verified X account, Trump said he would direct the Secretary of War and other relevant departments and agencies to begin identifying and releasing government records connected to the long debated subject.

“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),” he wrote.

He added that the documents would include “any and all other information connected to these highly complex, but extremely interesting and important, matters”.

Interest in UFOs and possible extraterrestrial encounters has grown significantly in the United States in recent years following several government reviews and congressional hearings.

The term UFO has gradually been replaced in official language with unidentified aerial phenomena, a broader phrase used by defence and intelligence agencies.

The United States Department of Defense has released multiple reports acknowledging encounters by military pilots with objects that appeared difficult to explain, though officials have stressed there is no confirmed evidence of alien technology.

In 2021, a report compiled by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence reviewed more than 140 incidents reported by US military personnel. Many of the cases remained unexplained.

Members of the United States Congress have also pushed for greater transparency, arguing that secrecy surrounding unidentified aerial encounters has fuelled speculation and mistrust.

Several hearings in Washington featured testimony from former military officers and intelligence officials who said some aerial objects demonstrated unusual flight characteristics.

However, defence authorities have repeatedly said the sightings may involve a mix of airborne clutter, sensor anomalies, experimental technology or foreign surveillance systems.

Public fascination with UFOs in the United States dates back decades, including Cold War era investigations such as the Air Force’s Project Blue Book, which examined thousands of sightings before it was closed in 1969.

In recent years, declassified military footage showing unidentified objects recorded by US Navy pilots reignited global debate over what governments may know about unexplained aerial encounters.

Trump’s latest directive suggests another attempt to make more official information public, though it remains unclear which documents could ultimately be released or how quickly the process would unfold.