US President Donald Trump has said the Pentagon is preparing to release a new set of previously classified files related to UFOs, now officially called unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP).

The move has revived public interest in the possibility of extraterrestrial life, while also drawing scepticism from experts. The announcement follows a directive Trump issued in February, asking federal agencies to declassify records linked to UFO sightings and any potential alien-related material.

“We’re going to be releasing a lot of things that we haven’t,” Trump said at a White House event honouring NASA astronauts. “I think some of it’s going to be very interesting to people.”

Push for Transparency

Trump has framed the move as part of a broader push for transparency. Since returning to office, he has positioned himself as a leader willing to open long-held government secrets.

Earlier, he ordered the release of files related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr.. However, those disclosures mostly confirmed what was already publicly known.

Now, he is applying the same approach to UFO-related records, arguing that “the American people deserve transparency and truth.” At an April event in Phoenix, he said the first batch of documents would arrive “very, very soon.”

Experts Urge Caution

Despite rising expectations, experts have advised against assuming major revelations. The Pentagon has already been reviewing and gradually releasing UFO-related material for years, often withholding details due to national security concerns.

In 2022, the US Congress created the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office to study such incidents. Its 2024 report listed hundreds of sightings but found no confirmed evidence of alien technology. Another report is expected soon.

Former head of the office, Sean Kirkpatrick, dismissed expectations of hidden breakthroughs. He said there is no proof of secret documents showing contact with extraterrestrial beings.

“Readers should not get their hopes up,” he said, adding that many viral videos can be explained by advanced imaging systems that distort visuals.

Political Pressure Builds

The issue has also gained traction in US politics. Some Republican lawmakers close to Trump believe the Pentagon is hiding key information.

A congressional panel, the Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets, has been investigating reports of unknown aircraft near US military sites. Lawmakers argue these objects could pose national security risks.

Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna has been particularly vocal. She criticised the Pentagon for “less than adequate” transparency and demanded the release of several UAP videos identified by whistleblowers.

Witness Accounts and Claims

During hearings, military personnel have described unusual encounters. One senior Navy officer claimed he saw a glowing “Tic Tac” shaped object emerge from the ocean and rapidly disappear with similar objects.

Trump’s announcement has energised such claims, though no official confirmation supports extraterrestrial origins.

Mixed Views Within Leadership

Trump himself appears uncertain about alien life. Speaking in Phoenix, he said, “I figured this was a good crowd because I know you people, you’re really into that. I don’t know if I am.”

Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance has shown strong interest in the topic. He described himself as “obsessed” with UFO files and expressed a desire to investigate Area 51.

Vance also offered a different view, suggesting that some sightings could be linked to “spiritual demons” rather than extraterrestrial beings.

Long History of UFO Curiosity

Interest in UFOs is not new among US leaders. Former presidents like Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan have all shown curiosity about the subject.

Clinton even ordered a review of the Roswell Incident, which was later explained as a weather balloon crash.

The US government has studied UFO sightings since the 1940s, mainly to determine whether they involve advanced foreign technology or unknown phenomena.

Public Fascination Continues

The topic remains deeply popular in both politics and popular culture. A new film by Steven Spielberg titled Disclosure Day has added to the buzz.

Former President Barack Obama also sparked debate earlier this year by saying that while he has seen no evidence, “the odds are good there’s life out there.”

Expectations vs Reality

Among UFO enthusiasts, Trump’s promise has created both excitement and doubt. Many believe new disclosures could reveal hidden truths, while others expect little new information.

Historian Greg Eghigian said disappointment is likely regardless of what is released.

“There is almost no satisfaction that is possible for many of the really die-hard folks,” he said. “So in a sense, I think disappointment can almost be guaranteed to be expected no matter what comes out of this.”