The possibility that President Donald Trump’s decision to declassify decades-old government files on UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects) could expose a potential “cover-up” and reveal long-hidden federal secrets has sparked widespread interest and speculation. UFO expert and former U.K. Defense Ministry official Nick Pope recently shared his insights with Fox News Digital, emphasizing that the U.S. government has been investigating UFOs for decades through various programs. Pope suggested that many people believe there is a “smoking gun” in the files, potentially confirming the existence of extraterrestrial life or technology. This, he noted, is the central question driving public curiosity: “Is any of this extraterrestrial?” The CIA responded to inquiries by stating that many of its records are already publicly available, while the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) were referred for further comment.
Pope highlighted Trump’s unique approach to addressing unconventional issues, such as UFOs, which may not typically dominate election cycles but resonate deeply with the American public. He noted that Trump appears to have a keen sense of what ordinary citizens care about, describing him as having “his finger on the pulse of what ordinary Americans are interested in and want.” This includes not only the fascination with the possibility of extraterrestrial life but also concerns about potential threats to national security. Pope explained that some of the phenomena described in the files exhibit speeds, maneuvers, and accelerations far beyond the capabilities of current U.S. aircraft, raising questions about whether these objects could represent a technological leap by an adversary or something entirely unknown.
The declassification of UFO-related files is part of a broader push for transparency that includes other high-profile topics, such as the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, his brother Robert F. Kennedy, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., as well as the origins of COVID-19 and the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Pope referred to rumors that whistleblowers have testified in Congress about the existence of “legacy” programs, special access initiatives, and even recovered extraterrestrial craft and bodies, potentially dating back to the infamous 1947 Roswell incident. If these claims are true, Pope argued, the alleged cover-up would represent one of the most significant conspiracies in U.S. history, spanning nearly 80 years and costing taxpayers billions of dollars.
The issue has gained bipartisan traction in Congress, with both Republicans and Democrats collaborating on declassification efforts. A new oversight task force, led by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), has been established to focus on releasing federal secrets in the public interest. This initiative builds on Trump’s executive order to declassify records related to the JFK assassination and other events of national significance. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.), who appointed Luna to chair the Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets, emphasized the need for transparency to restore trust in government institutions. Luna echoed this sentiment, stating that the task force aims to “shine a light on the truth and end the era of secrecy.”
Pope speculated that Trump’s move to declassify UFO files could cement his legacy as the “disclosure president,” a label that could resonate with a public eager for answers. He also suggested that figures like Elon Musk might play a role in uncovering any multi-decade conspiracy, should one exist. The declassification of UFO-related materials, along with other sensitive topics, has the potential to unite Americans across party lines, as the intrigue surrounding these phenomena transcends political divides. Ultimately, the push for transparency reflects a broader cultural desire for truth and accountability, with the hope that sunlight will finally be shed on secrets long hidden from public view.