The Pentagon has begun publishing previously classified documents and videos related to UFOs — now often called UAPs (unidentified aerial phenomena) — and President Trump said the releases are meant to increase transparency. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told CBSN it was time for the American people to “see it for themselves,” as the Pentagon posted the first public batch of material.
Officials released hundreds of pages and dozens of videos that span decades of unexplained sightings. The initial set included roughly 28 new clips alongside older material documenting unresolved reports. Among items noted by Pentagon reporters were a 2013 incident in the Middle East and what officials say are photographs taken on the lunar surface by Apollo-era astronauts. A recently posted 2023 video from Greece shows an object skimming near the ocean surface and making multiple roughly 90-degree turns at speeds officials described as inconsistent with known aircraft.
Mr. Trump posted a message on Truth Social saying previous administrations had not been fully transparent, and that with the posted files “the people can decide for themselves.” He invited public scrutiny of the documents and videos.
The releases build on work by a Pentagon office created to investigate UAPs; that office has previously issued reports finding no clear evidence of extraterrestrial origin in the cases it has reviewed. Some incidents have been identified as drones, birds or balloons, but hundreds remain unresolved. The Pentagon says the office will continue examining cases and will publish further files in the weeks ahead.
CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson provided the initial coverage, noting the material is part of a larger effort to make more records public while investigations continue.