20 February 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : Former US President Donald Trump has said he does not know whether aliens actually exist but has directed the US government to release files related to UFOs and other unexplained aerial sightings, reigniting public fascination and debate over unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs).
Speaking at a public interaction, Trump acknowledged the long-standing curiosity surrounding UFOs, while maintaining a cautious stance on extraterrestrial life. “I don’t know if aliens are real,” he said, adding that there is significant public interest in what the government knows about unexplained sightings.
Order to Release Government Files
Trump said he had instructed federal agencies to make available previously classified or restricted information related to UFO sightings and investigations. The move is aimed at increasing transparency around what the government has officially documented over decades.
The files are expected to include military pilot encounters, radar data, internal assessments, and intelligence reviews related to unidentified objects observed in US airspace. Officials have clarified in the past that “unidentified” does not necessarily mean extraterrestrial, but rather objects that could not be immediately explained.
UFOs vs UAPs
In recent years, US authorities have shifted terminology from UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects) to UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena), reflecting a broader scientific and security-focused approach. These phenomena are studied primarily to determine whether they pose a threat to national security or aviation safety.
Trump’s directive aligns with growing bipartisan interest in Congress to understand whether some sightings could involve advanced foreign technology, sensor anomalies, or rare atmospheric events.
Public Curiosity and Political Impact
Trump’s remarks quickly gained traction on social media, where supporters and critics alike debated whether the file releases could reveal groundbreaking information or simply reaffirm known conclusions.
While Trump expressed skepticism about definitive proof of aliens, he acknowledged that some military pilots have reported encounters that defy easy explanation. “They see things that are hard to explain,” he said, referring to accounts from trained aviators.
What the Files May Reveal
Experts caution that expectations should be tempered. Previous declassified reports have shown that most UFO sightings are eventually attributed to drones, weather balloons, aircraft, optical illusions, or sensor glitches. A small percentage, however, remain unresolved due to insufficient data.
Security analysts say the primary concern is not extraterrestrial life, but whether rival nations could be operating advanced surveillance or hypersonic technologies.
Transparency Push Continues
The push to release UFO-related files did not begin with Trump alone. Over the past few years, US agencies have faced pressure to share more information with the public, following congressional hearings and whistleblower claims alleging that the government holds more data than it discloses.
Trump’s direction adds political weight to this transparency drive, ensuring continued attention on the issue.
Mixed Reactions From Experts
Scientists and astronomers remain cautious. While many agree that the universe likely contains life elsewhere, there is no verified evidence that aliens have visited Earth.
Defense experts, meanwhile, stress that unexplained sightings should be studied through a national security lens rather than sensationalism.
Why It Matters
The release of UFO files is significant not because it confirms alien life, but because it reflects changing attitudes toward government secrecy. By opening records to public scrutiny, officials aim to reduce speculation and misinformation surrounding unexplained phenomena.
For Trump, the issue blends curiosity, transparency, and national security—topics that consistently capture public attention.
As more documents are released, analysts expect renewed discussion over what governments know, how much remains classified, and whether unexplained phenomena truly challenge existing scientific understanding.
Summary
Donald Trump said he is unsure about the existence of aliens but directed US agencies to release UFO-related files, boosting transparency and renewing debate over unexplained aerial phenomena and national security.