Washington, United States. President Donald Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth released dozens of previously classified files on alleged UFO sightings and extraterrestrial life on Friday, citing what they called “unprecedented transparency” for the American people.
Pentagon outlines scope of release
The US Defence Department said the disclosure of the long-sought documents and photos of “unidentified anomalous phenomena” would be followed by future releases as more materials are declassified.
The roughly 170 files include a 1947 report of “flying discs,” a photo of “unidentified phenomena” taken from the moon’s surface during the Apollo 12 lunar mission in 1969, and a transcript of the Apollo 17 crew describing unidentified objects seen from the moon in 1972.
Apollo transcripts included
Apollo 17 mission pilot Ronald Evans reported “a few very bright particles or fragments or something that go drifting by as we manoeuvre,” according to the transcript.
“Roger. Understand,” mission control replied.
Officials and lawmakers react
“These files, hidden behind classifications, have long fuelled justified speculation – and it’s time the American people see it for themselves,” Hegseth said in a statement.
Trump said in a statement: “Whereas previous Administrations have failed to be transparent on this subject, with these new Documents and Videos, the people can decide for themselves, “WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?” “Have fun and enjoy!”
The move was welcomed by US Representatives Tim Burchett and Anna Paulina Luna, both proponents of declassifying UFO files. Luna said an additional tranche of material was expected in around 30 days.
Debate over secrecy and evidence
The records release is likely to fuel fresh debate over government secrecy and the possible existence of life in the cosmos.
“The files show that UAP are not simply a matter of speculation or public curiosity,” Harvard University astrophysicist Avi Loeb said in an email to Reuters. “The government has collected records.”
What questions do you still have about the newly released UAP files and what may be declassified next?
