For decades, whispers about flying saucers, classified Pentagon programs and possible extraterrestrial encounters have fueled everything from late-night radio shows to Hollywood blockbusters. Now, a new political directive could pull back the curtain — at least partially — on what the U.S. government knows about UFOs and unidentified anomalous phenomena.
Last week, President Donald Trump called for the release of government files related to what officials now commonly refer to as UAPs — unidentified anomalous phenomena — as well as any materials connected to “alien and extraterrestrial life.” The directive has reignited public curiosity and prompted scientists to weigh in on what the documents might actually reveal.
So, will the public finally see proof of alien visitors? Or will the long-anticipated disclosure offer something far more grounded?
Here’s what leading experts say.
A Reality Check from the Pentagon’s Former UFO Investigator
Sean Kirkpatrick, the first director of the Pentagon’s All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), spent more than a year leading investigations into unexplained aerial incidents. His office was tasked with reviewing military sightings, sensor data and classified reports.
