The Trump administration has published the first batch of long-awaited UFO files, featuring nearly two minutes of infrared footage captured by a US military platform in 2013. The video appears to show a glowing object resembling an 'eight-pointed star' with uneven arms moving across a dark sky, seemingly shape-shifting in mid-air. At one point, the military sensor zooms in on the object as it drifts, leaving a visible trail. The object exits the frame and reappears after an apparent cut.
Officials caution that the footage is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as proof of the object's nature or origin. The release includes hundreds of previously unseen videos, photographs, and records, ordered declassified by President Trump in a directive to the Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth.
Apollo Mission Revelations
Among the most striking materials are images and transcripts from NASA's Apollo 12 and Apollo 17 missions. One photo from the lunar surface shows three unexplained dots hovering above the moon. An Apollo 17 transcript details astronauts discussing mysterious objects drifting near the spacecraft. 'Now we've got a few very bright particles or fragments or something that go drifting by as we maneuver,' one operator told mission control. Another replied: 'There's a whole bunch of big ones on my window down there - just bright. It looks like the Fourth of July out of Ron's window.'
Presidential Statement
President Trump wrote on Truth Social: 'In an effort for Complete and Maximum Transparency, it was my Honor to direct my Administration to identify and provide Government files related to Alien and Extraterrestrial Life, Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, and Unidentified Flying Objects. 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?” Have Fun and Enjoy!'
The disclosure also includes FBI images from New Year's Eve 1999 showing unidentified objects near US military aircraft, and photographs by military pilots of fast-moving objects streaking past planes. Tennessee Representative Tim Burchett, a long-time advocate for disclosure, said on X: 'Remember the Feds told us these files didn't exist and [Donald Trump] stood up to the deep state. The 1st drop will be big, but in comparison to what is coming they will be a drop in the bucket. I would say "Holy Crap" is coming.'
Military Reports
One newly declassified Mission Report (MISREP) describes a service member observing 'several bright objects maneuvering quickly west to east northeast' before tracking one with an onboard targeting pod for roughly 20 seconds. The object suddenly dimmed and disappeared. Officials note that descriptions reflect eyewitness observations and are not confirmation of the object's nature or capabilities.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said the administration is committed to 'unprecedented transparency' regarding UFOs. Portions of several documents are redacted to protect witness identities and sensitive military locations, but officials say no information directly related to the reported encounters has been withheld.
Future Releases
Lawmakers note that Friday's release is only the first batch, with more to come, though no timeline has been set. Another file includes an excerpt from the Gemini VII mission transcript, where astronaut Frank Borman reported seeing an unidentified object in space. The document contains NASA recording references and handwritten notes identifying relevant portions of mission audio.
One document summarizes statements from seven federal officers who independently reported witnessing multiple UAPs across the western US over two days in 2023. Witnesses described 'orbs launching other orbs,' a large glowing sphere hovering in place, and a semi-transparent object compared to a 'translucent kite.' Special agents also reported orange-colored orbs releasing smaller red orbs at least five times before fading in and out of view.
Many documents feature testimony from military personnel, including a report dated January 1 detailing a US military operator spotting a UAP flying just above the ocean's surface before making multiple sharp 90-degree turns at an estimated speed of 80mph. Another newly released document is a Navy Range Fouler Report, used to document unauthorized objects entering restricted airspace. It describes a 'round, cold object' tracked by infrared sensor traveling northwest at roughly 20mph before making abrupt directional changes.
FBI Director Kash Patel said: 'The FBI is proud to stand alongside President Trump and our interagency partners in this landmark release of UAP records. For the first time in history, the American people have unfettered access to declassified government files on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomenon - a level of transparency that no prior administration has delivered. The FBI remains committed to supporting this rolling declassification effort with the same rigor and integrity we bring to every national security matter. As these files continue to be reviewed and released, the American people can be confident that their security remains our highest priority.'
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman also commented: 'I applaud President Trump's whole-of-government effort to bring greater transparency to the American people on unidentified anomalous phenomena. At NASA, our job is to bring the brightest minds and most advanced scientific instruments to bear, follow the data, and share what we learn. We will remain candid about what we know to be true, what we have yet to understand, and all that remains to be discovered. Exploration and the pursuit of knowledge are core to NASA's mission as we endeavor to unlock the secrets of the universe.'
