Donald Trump, the President of the United States, accused Barack Obama, his predecessor, of disclosing classified information about aliens. Trump made the claim during a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One on February 19, 2026. He later directed federal agencies to release files on UFOs and extraterrestrial life.
Obama’s Podcast Remarks
Obama sparked the controversy in a podcast interview with Brian Tyler Cohen around February 14, 2026. Cohen asked if aliens existed. Obama replied: “They’re real, but I haven’t seen them. And, they’re not being kept in Area 51.”
He clarified on Instagram: “Statistically, the universe is so vast that the odds are good there’s life out there. But the distances between solar systems are so great that the chances we’ve been visited by aliens is low, and I saw no evidence during my presidency that extraterrestrials have made contact with us. Really!”
Trump’s Accusation Aboard Air Force One
Trump addressed Obama’s comments directly. He stated: “He gave classified information, he’s not supposed to be doing that.”
Trump added: “He made a big mistake.” When asked if aliens were real, Trump responded: “I don’t know if they’re real or not. I can tell you he gave classified information.” He suggested declassification could help Obama.
Declassification Directive
Later that day, Trump posted on Truth Social. He announced: “Based on the tremendous interest shown, I will be directing the Secretary of War, and other relevant Departments and Agencies, to begin the process of identifying and releasing Government files related to alien and extraterrestrial life.”
“Unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs), and any and all other information connected to these highly complex, but extremely interesting and important, matters.” He added.
Context and Reactions
The accusation followed increased public interest in UFOs after Pentagon reports. However Trump provided no specifics on the classified details. Meanwhile social media users debated the claims, with some viewing them as political distractions. Obama issued no further response.