On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he has directed federal agencies to start the process of clarifying and making public government documents concerning unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and extraterrestrial beings. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump expressed that given the vast interest in the subject, he is assigning Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and other relevant departments and agencies to this initiative.

Trump referenced prior claims regarding former President Barack Obama, suggesting that Obama had disclosed 'classified' information about extraterrestrial life. When pressed by reporters about these allegations, Trump reiterated that Obama had shared secret information, suggesting that it was inappropriate for him to do so without clarifying the specifics of what was classified. Trump's statements appear to be an extension of his long-standing fascination with UFO phenomena and his aim to elevate the conversation around governmental transparency related to these topics.

This move comes amid a broader context of rising public interest and governmental review regarding UFO sightings and related phenomena. The decision to declassify such documents could have significant implications for national security, public discourse, and even potential scientific research, as it might shed more light on the long-debated question of extraterrestrial life and unidentified aerial phenomena. As the conversation around UFOs gains traction, Trump's directive may also serve to rally support among his base, who are often intrigued by conspiracy theories surrounding the government and UFOs.