The Department of War on Friday released a significant collection of previously classified documents pertaining to unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs), commonly known as UFOs. This public disclosure follows a direct order issued by President Donald Trump, marking a notable move towards greater government transparency regarding observations that have long fueled public speculation. The newly established online archive, accessible through a government website, consolidates photographs, videos, and mission records gathered from various federal agencies over several decades.
"Now we’ve got a few very bright particles or fragments or something that go drifting by as we maneuver." — Apollo Astronaut, Apollo 12/17 Mission Recording
Officials involved in the initiative stated that the release is part of a broader transparency effort initiated by President Trump. The Department of War announced the publication of these materials in a statement posted on X, emphasizing the immediate public access to these records. "The American people can now access the federal government’s declassified UAP files instantly," the department stated, highlighting the intent to make information directly available to citizens.
Among the declassified materials are compelling records connected to the United States' historic space program. The archive includes photographs and audio recordings from the Apollo 12 and Apollo 17 moon missions, conducted in the late 1960s and early 1970s. These recordings capture astronauts discussing unusual objects and bright fragments observed outside their spacecraft windows during lunar maneuvers. One astronaut, in an audio clip included in the newly released records, is heard saying, "Now we’ve got a few very bright particles or fragments or something that go drifting by as we maneuver." Another voice from the mission recordings described the scene vividly, stating, "There’s a whole bunch of big ones on my window down there. It looks like the Fourth of July out of Ron’s window." Further descriptions by crew members detail visible objects as "very jagged, angular fragments that are tumbling."
The release also sheds light on the seminal Apollo 11 mission, which saw humanity's first moon landing in 1969. A declassified document reportedly details a debriefing session with the Apollo 11 astronauts. During this discussion, astronaut Buzz Aldrin recounted seeing an unidentified object during the journey towards the moon. Aldrin reportedly stated, "The first unusual thing that we saw I guess was one day out or something pretty close to the moon." He also referenced "little flashes inside the cabin" and a "fairly bright light source" that the crew initially considered might be related to laser activity or spacecraft equipment.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth commented on the release, noting that these records have fueled public speculation for years and asserting that the public has a right to direct access to such information. FBI Director Kash Patel and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard also publicly commended the declassification effort. Both officials indicated that additional declassification initiatives concerning UAP records are anticipated in the future, suggesting this initial release is part of an ongoing process.
While the released files have undergone review for national security concerns prior to their publication, officials acknowledged that many of the materials have not yet been subjected to additional scientific or intelligence analysis regarding the unexplained observations documented within them. This distinction suggests that the government's primary aim with this release is transparency and public access to raw data, rather than providing definitive explanations or interpretations of the phenomena. The initial batch of declassified files reportedly comprises approximately 162 documents and photographs, as detailed by media reports covering the Department of War's disclosure.
The declassification marks a significant moment for advocates of government transparency and those interested in UAPs, offering unprecedented public access to information previously held in classified government archives. This move by President Trump's administration opens new avenues for public discourse, academic research, and independent analysis of these long-debated phenomena, potentially reshaping public understanding and scientific inquiry into unidentified anomalous phenomena.
