Trump Administration Releases Declassified UAP Files: What You Need to Know
On May 8, 2026, the Pentagon began releasing what officials describe as "never-before-seen" files on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) — the government's term for what the public commonly calls UFOs. The release marks the beginning of a rolling disclosure process that could fundamentally change how the public understands UAP.
What Was Released
The initial batch includes approximately 160 files containing more than 400 documented incidents spanning from the 1940s to 2024. The collection includes:
- FBI documents on UAP investigations
- Apollo mission photographs showing unidentified objects
- Navy encounter videos from multiple incidents
- State Department cables referencing UAP sightings
- NASA transcripts from crewed space flights
- Military incident reports from Iraq, Syria, Greece, and Japan
The PURSUE Database
The files are being housed on a new government website at war.gov/UFO, part of the Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters (PURSUE). The system was created following a directive from President Trump in February 2026.
According to Pentagon officials, additional files will be added on a "rolling basis" as they complete security review and declassification. The department stated that many files "have not yet been analyzed for resolution of any anomalies."
Key Findings So Far
Early analysis of the released materials reveals several significant patterns:
- Multiple military encounters with objects demonstrating capabilities beyond known technology
- Consistent reporting of spherical and triangular objects across different theaters
- Radar and visual confirmation of objects making impossible maneuvers
- Apollo mission photos showing objects that NASA has not publicly explained
What the Government Says
The Pentagon has been careful not to draw conclusions. Each released file includes a disclaimer stating that readers should "not interpret any part of this description as reflecting an analytical judgment, investigative conclusion, or factual determination."
In other words: the government is releasing the data but explicitly declining to analyze what it means, leaving interpretation to the public.
What's Next
The Pentagon has indicated this is only the beginning. With 400+ incidents documented and more files undergoing review, the release could continue for months or years. Congressional sources indicate additional video footage — including some referenced by whistleblowers — may be released in future batches.
UAP News Now will continue to analyze each release and provide plain-English explanations of what the documents contain. Follow our coverage for ongoing updates.