Key Takeaways

  • Trump announced on February 19–20, 2026 that he would direct agencies to identify and release UFO/UAP-related government files
  • The directive triggers a review and release process — it does not immediately declassify all related documents
  • Claims that '4 million UFO files were wiped' are unverified internet rumour, unsupported by credible reporting
  • No confirmed evidence of extraterrestrial contact or recovered alien technology exists in official government documents
  • Public and political interest in UFO disclosure is at an all-time high, driven partly by viral comments from former President Obama

Trump Orders UFO Files to Be Released

On February 19–20, 2026, Donald Trump announced — primarily via social media — that he would direct the Pentagon and various government agencies to begin identifying and releasing files related to UFOs, extraterrestrial life, and Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs). The announcement was framed as a response to surging public interest, and came just days after former President Barack Obama's comments about aliens went viral.

The key wording of Trump's announcement is important: he said he would "begin the process of identifying and releasing government files related to alien and extraterrestrial life, UAPs, and UFOs."

However — and this is crucial — the announcement did not explicitly instruct the immediate declassification of all such files. This is more of a review and release process than an instant unlocking of every secret archive in the Pentagon vaults.

Which Agencies Are Involved?

Several key institutions will play a role in this process:

  • The U.S. Pentagon — the primary custodian of defence-related UAP records
  • The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) — the newly established body that has been studying UAP reports for years. So far, AARO has concluded that the phenomena do not constitute confirmed extraterrestrial technology
  • Intelligence community review teams — responsible for making classification decisions on what can be safely released to the public

Separating Fact from Rumour: Are Files Being Wiped?

One persistent claim spreading online is that "4 million UFO files" have been deleted, wiped, or destroyed ahead of disclosure — the implication being that something is "too hot" to reveal.

There is no credible reporting confirming that millions of UFO files were wiped.

At this time:

  • Major reputable outlets — including the Associated Press, Washington Post, and Sky News — have not reported any verified destruction or deletion of anything resembling 4 million government documents on UFOs
  • The narrative of "millions of files wiped" appears to be internet rumour and fringe speculation, rather than confirmed fact — much like broader claims from the UFO disclosure movement that have long alleged government cover-ups
  • The most reliable public archives of declassified UFO/UAP files, such as The Black Vault, hold millions of pages of documents obtained via Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests over decades. There is no evidence from those archives that they were suddenly wiped

What We Actually Know So Far

Trump Is Pushing UFO/UAP Records to Be Identified and Released

This is real. The directive is aimed at unearthing relevant files for potential disclosure — a meaningful step, even if it falls short of the full transparency some advocates have called for.

It's Not Clear How Much Will Be Fully Declassified

Experts point out that the language used likely triggers the bureaucratic process of review rather than automatic full disclosure. Trump did not say "everything is declassified right now." Expect a gradual, managed release rather than a dramatic data dump.

There Is No Authenticated Proof That Aliens Have Been Found

Numerous sceptics — including NASA and independent Pentagon studies — emphasise that while many sightings remain unexplained, there is no confirmed evidence of extraterrestrial visitation or recovered alien technology in government files. Unexplained does not mean extraterrestrial.

Public Belief and Interest in UFO Disclosure Is Surging

Polls continue to show that a majority of Americans believe extraterrestrial life is possible, even if it has not been proven by official files. This surge in popular belief has helped drive political interest in transparency — which is itself a significant shift from the scepticism that dominated official channels just a decade ago.

The Political Context: Why Now?

Connection to Obama's Comments

Former President Barack Obama's recent remarks on aliens went viral, reigniting public and political attention on the subject. Trump publicly criticised Obama's comments, claiming they revealed classified information — even though Obama later clarified he was speaking statistically rather than from direct knowledge of hidden files. The back-and-forth kept UFOs firmly in the news cycle.

A Politically Advantageous Move

Experts and commentators have noted that UFO disclosure resonates widely across the political spectrum. Pushing for transparency — on an issue that many citizens feel the government has been evasive about for decades — can be politically advantageous, regardless of what the files ultimately contain.

Ongoing Congressional Interest

Some lawmakers have been pushing for access to classified facilities and records, including claims of secret sites holding unidentified materials and even what some sources have described as "non-human bodies." These claims remain unverified beyond testimony from a small number of whistleblowers, and no official body has substantiated them.

The Bottom Line

Here is what you need to know:

  • There is a legitimate government initiative underway to review and potentially release UFO/UAP files — this is confirmed and real
  • There is no verified evidence that millions of UFO files were wiped or deleted before disclosure. Rumours of "4 million wiped files" remain speculative and unsupported by reliable reporting
  • Trump's directive is real, but procedural — it does not automatically make everything public, and a full, sweeping declassification is unlikely in the short term
  • There is still no confirmed proof of aliens or extraterrestrial contact in official government documents — just unexplained sightings and ongoing investigations

Final Thoughts

UFO disclosure is a topic that blends science, speculation, politics, and genuine public fascination. Trump's recent announcement has fuelled excitement and debate, but disclosure is not suddenly complete — and the most sensational claims circulating online, such as colossal data wipes, should be treated with healthy scepticism unless backed by verifiable evidence.

This is a story worth watching. If there are genuine document releases or major developments in the declassification process, we will bring you verified information as it becomes available.


Sources:


Ian Clayton

About Ian Clayton

Amateur astronomer and founder of WatchTheStars.co.uk, dedicated to helping others explore the wonders of our universe.

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