President Donald Trump speaks to the media in the Oval Office with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on April 7, 2025. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Washington, D.C. February 17 (Epicstorian New) — President Donald Trump announced on February 19, 2026, that he is directing the Secretary of War, a historical title referencing modern Department of Defense authority, and “other relevant Departments and Agencies” to begin identifying and releasing U.S. government files related to Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), and potential extraterrestrial life.
UFO, UAP, and Government Transparency
The U.S. government has formally acknowledged UAP and UFO encounters in recent years. Notable steps include the 2021 report from ODNI, which examined 144 UAP observations and concluded that most remain unexplained but did not indicate extraterrestrial origin.
The AARO was established to centralize UAP data from multiple military and intelligence sources and coordinate assessments.
Despite prior releases, comprehensive public access to records remains limited, prompting ongoing advocacy and media attention.
Trump vs. Obama: The Alien Remark
Former President Barack Obama recently said in a podcast interview, “They’re real, but I haven’t seen them,” referring to extraterrestrial life elsewhere in the universe, not evidence of alien visitation to Earth.
Obama clarified he had no classified information confirming alien contact and dismissed conspiracy theories about Area 51.
Trump publicly criticized Obama’s remarks, calling them a “big mistake” and claiming that he improperly disclosed classified information, though no evidence has been provided to support this allegation. Trump also said, “I don’t know if they’re real or not,” emphasizing caution while committing to increased transparency.
Political and Public Reaction
Lawmakers and experts responded to Trump’s directive with mixed opinions. Republican members and transparency advocates hailed it as a step toward openness, while Democrats and scientists stressed careful evaluation and rigorous analysis.
Public fascination with UAPs and UFOs continues, fueled by popular media, documentaries, and advocacy groups seeking accountability. Experts warn that “unexplained” phenomena do not equate to proof of extraterrestrial contact without scientific verification.
Government and Scientific Oversight
Since 2017, the Pentagon released verified military videos of UAPs, including FLIR1, Gimbal, and GoFast recordings. NASA and independent panels have reviewed such data scientifically, focusing on sensor accuracy and environmental explanations rather than speculation about aliens.
AARO leads investigations within DoD, while ODNI provides intelligence oversight. Declassification and public release involve review by NARA and PIDB to protect sensitive information.
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Trump’s announcement underscores recognition of the public’s high interest in UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomena, though the extent of revelations remains uncertain.
