WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced on Thursday, February 19, 2026, that he has ordered the release of government records related to UFOs, Area 51, and alleged extraterrestrial life. Speaking at the White House, Trump said he directed the Pentagon and intelligence agencies to begin declassifying documents tied to unidentified aerial phenomena.

“I have asked my administration to start releasing government records related to Unidentified Flying Objects and any material tied to alien and extraterrestrial life,” Trump declared, adding that the move was intended to provide transparency and address long-standing public curiosity.

The announcement comes after renewed global interest in UFOs, following viral comments by former President Barack Obama earlier this month suggesting that governments may be withholding information about unexplained aerial sightings. Trump’s directive specifically mentioned Area 51, the highly secretive U.S. Air Force facility in Nevada long associated with conspiracy theories about alien technology.

According to reports, the Pentagon has already begun identifying files for release, with the first batch expected to include decades-old military sightings, radar data, and internal communications. Officials cautioned that while some documents may shed light on unexplained phenomena, they do not necessarily confirm the existence of extraterrestrial life.

The decision has sparked mixed reactions. UFO enthusiasts welcomed the move as a historic step toward disclosure, while skeptics argued that the release may not provide definitive answers. Analysts also noted that the announcement could have political implications, as Trump continues to position himself as a leader willing to challenge secrecy in government.

For now, the world awaits what the declassified files will reveal. Whether they confirm suspicions of alien encounters or simply document unexplained military observations, the release is expected to reignite debates about humanity’s place in the universe.