Pentagon Drops 160 UFO Files After Trump Teases ‘Interesting’ Revelations

The Pentagon released about 160 files on unidentified anomalous phenomena on Friday. This opened a new government portal for UFO-related records, just two days after President Donald Trump said the material would be “very interesting” to the public.

The first batch contains documents, images, videos, and historical records related to sightings reported over nearly 80 years. The Defense Department stated that these files are part of a gradual disclosure effort ordered by Trump in February.

More releases are expected as agencies review and declassify additional records.

The new portal, called the Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters or PURSUE, was created to publish unresolved UAP cases and historical documents. The Pentagon noted that the cases listed on the site remain unresolved because officials could not make a clear determination about what was observed, often due to insufficient data.

On February 19, Trump instructed federal agencies to identify and release government files related to “alien and extraterrestrial life,” UAPs, and UFOs, citing public interest in the topic.

The Pentagon explained that this effort involves the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and requires coordination among numerous agencies that review records spanning decades, including some that exist only on paper.

The release includes a 1947 report on “flying discs,” photographs and records from the Apollo lunar missions, military reports, and videos of objects that personnel could not identify at the time.

Reuters reported that the files also contain a 1969 Apollo 12 image taken from the moon’s surface, along with a 1972 Apollo 17 transcript where astronauts described bright particles or fragments drifting nearby.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement accompanying the files that the administration aimed to bring more transparency to the government’s understanding of UAPs.

“These files, hidden behind classifications, have long fueled justified speculation, and it’s time the American people see it for themselves,” Hegseth said.

Trump also issued a statement with the release, emphasizing that the public should be able to evaluate the records for itself.

“Whereas previous Administrations have failed to be transparent on this subject, with these new documents and videos, the people can decide for themselves, ‘WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?’” Trump stated, according to Reuters. “Have fun and enjoy!”

The first batch did not provide conclusive proof of extraterrestrial life. Reuters reported that experts who reviewed the release noted it included new videos linked to known sightings, but no clear evidence of alien technology.

The files feature images and reports from various parts of the world, along with material involving U.S. military operators, NASA missions, and combatant commands.

The Pentagon site includes examples like infrared still images from the western United States, an Apollo 17 image showing lights above the lunar terrain, a reported UAP near Greece, and a football-shaped object reported near Japan.

Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, two Republicans who have advocated for more UFO transparency, welcomed the release. Luna mentioned that another batch of files is expected in about 30 days, according to Reuters.

Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb told Reuters that the records demonstrate the government has collected UAP material, while pointing out that some lunar images could have natural explanations, including asteroid impacts.

UAP analyst Mick West told Reuters that the files did not present new evidence of alien life and noted that some video shapes could be due to camera lens effects.

The Pentagon indicated it will continue to release new batches every few weeks as records are located and declassified. Officials mentioned that resolved UAP cases will still be handled separately under existing reporting requirements.