Tulsi Gabbard has indicated that the US government is ready to declassify files on alien and extraterrestrial life, UAPs and UFOs. As Director of National Intelligence, her pledge follows President Donald Trump's February order directing agencies to release such records.
The move addresses growing calls for UAP transparency and could provide new insight into decades of unexplained sightings.
Trump's Directive on UFO and UAP files
On 20 February, Trump posted on Truth Social that he was directing the Secretary of War and other departments to begin identifying and releasing government files related to alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs). He cited the tremendous interest shown by the public, particularly following comments from former president Barack Obama.
The announcement has been interpreted as a response to sustained pressure from Congress and the public. Multiple hearings in recent years have examined reports from military pilots who described encountering objects with performance characteristics far beyond known technology. While most sightings have conventional explanations, a persistent minority remains classified as anomalous.
Trump himself has said he doesn't know if they're real or not. Yet the order signals a willingness to open the archives, potentially including radar data, video footage and investigative reports from thousands of incidents logged since the Second World War. Gabbard's intelligence community is central to the effort, ensuring coordination across agencies to review and declassify material where possible.
Gabbard Commits to Sharing the Truth
Gabbard has expressed openness on the topic before taking her current role. In a 2025 podcast interview, she confirmed she believes aliens may exist and added that her team would 'be transparent with the public when the time comes'. She went on to say, 'We're continuing to look for the truth and share that truth with the American people'.
Her recent statement that the US is ready to declassify the relevant files has been widely reported, including in a viral Instagram post that featured screenshots of the announcement. The post highlighted her readiness to act on Trump's directive and has sparked fresh debate among researchers and enthusiasts.
As DNI, Gabbard oversees a declassification initiative focused on public interest matters. This includes historical files on assassinations and other sensitive topics, demonstrating a pattern of prioritising transparency. Her background as a former congresswoman who pushed for accountability in government has informed her approach to UAP issues.
What Declassification Could Reveal
The files are likely to cover unexplained sightings reported by service personnel, including cases involving high-speed objects that outmanoeuvre fighter jets. Analysts expect releases to include summaries from the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office, which has enhanced data collection in recent years. However, officials will redact information that could compromise national security or ongoing operations.
Public expectations are high, with some hoping for clarity on long-rumoured programmes. The initiative comes at a time when other anomalies, such as drone incursions over military bases, continue to raise questions. Gabbard's leadership ensures the process adheres to legal standards while delivering on the promise of openness.
As agencies prepare the first batches of documents, the development marks a notable advance in UAP transparency. It reflects a broader commitment under the administration to restore public trust through declassification of previously guarded information on unexplained sightings.
