At a Turning Point USA event in Phoenix, President Trump announced his intention to direct Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to initiate the release of government UFO files in the near future. Trump mentioned that the review process is already in progress and has uncovered intriguing documents.
“I recently directed the Secretary of War … to begin releasing government files relating to UFOs and unexplained aerial phenomena,” Trump stated. “And I figured this was a good crowd because I know you people –– you’re really into that, I don’t know if I am.”
This announcement comes after calls from Rep. Tim Burchett for transparency in government spending on classified programs and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla) using subpoena authority to obtain specific classified videos of UAP formations.
Rep. Luna highlighted the national security implications of the lack of disclosure, pointing to the presence of US military installations and restricted airspace.
In February, Trump had shared on Truth Social that he instructed the DOD to release files “related to alien and extra-terrestrial 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.”
Rep. Tim Burchett drew attention to former intelligence official David Grusch's testimony, suggesting the US has a long-standing program focused on reverse-engineering recovered alien spacecraft.
Burchett emphasized that the issue revolves around government transparency and fiscal responsibility, questioning the conflicting information provided by “alphabet agencies” despite significant taxpayer spending.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, through her subpoena authority, requested 46 classified videos of UAP formations captured over high-conflict regions such as Iran, the Persian Gulf, and the East China Sea.
Although the Pentagon missed the April 14 deadline for these videos, Luna expressed confidence that collaborating with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will lead to their eventual release.
Luna reiterated that UAPs pose a genuine threat to military readiness and the security of US restricted airspace and military installations.
