US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday released dozens of previously classified files on alleged UFO sightings, extraterrestrial life, and unidentified aerial phenomena, promising what they called “unprecedented transparency” for the American public.
“These files, hidden behind classifications, have long fueled justified speculation — and it’s time the American people see it for themselves,” Hegseth said in a statement.
The roughly 170 files include a photograph of “unidentified phenomena” allegedly captured from the Moon’s surface during the Apollo 12 mission in 1969, along with transcripts from the Apollo 17 crew describing mysterious objects spotted near the Moon in 1972.
— JonStewartIL (@JonStewartIL)
In one Apollo 17 transcript, pilot Ronald Evans reportedly said, “a few very bright particles or fragments or something that go drifting by as we maneuver.”
“Roger. Understand,” mission control replied.
— Alexarmstrong (@Alexarmstrong)
One document, dated December 1947, contains a series of reports on “flying discs.” Another Air Force intelligence report marked “top secret” from November 1948 details sightings of “unidentified aircraft” and “flying saucers.”
A separate file documents a 2023 incident in which three teams of federal law enforcement agents independently reported seeing orange “orbs” in the sky that appeared to emit or launch smaller red orbs.
According to the Daily Mail, FBI-related files also mention reports of “four-foot-tall” beings allegedly emerging from UFOs. The report further claimed that newly released footage showed a glowing “eight-pointed star-shaped” object.
The files quickly sparked debate online, with many users sharing theories and reactions on social media.
— MarioNawfal (@MarioNawfal)
“Most people still expect to see metal flying saucers when in fact the files of the US Central Command reveal something far more disturbing. This eight-pointed star-shaped structure moves like a living organism and defies everything we know,” one social media user wrote.
“A U.S. military sensor tracked an object making 90-degree turns at 80 mph near the ocean surface. The sensor locked it with a targeting reticle at minute one. The same system used to track missiles. The object became indistinguishable from the background and the sensor lost it entirely. Not because it flew away. Because it became invisible to military infrared optics. The sensor spent the last 30 seconds “rapidly cycling zoom levels and contrast thresholds” trying to find it again,” wrote startup founder Mario Nawfal.
Many other conspiracy theorists also took to social media to share their views.
(With agency inputs)
