The Pentagon has released a large collection of previously classified UFO files, giving the public access to government records about unexplained aerial sightings.
The documents became available on Friday through a new Defence Department website.
Trump comments on UFO file release
Donald Trump announced the release on social media and criticised earlier administrations for lacking transparency.
He encouraged Americans to review the documents and form their own conclusions about the unexplained sightings.
The newly launched website includes photographs, reports and archived material linked to unidentified aerial phenomena, often referred to as UFOs.
Officials said the current release represents only the first batch of files. More material is expected to be declassified in the future.
The records include accounts gathered over many years through various government investigations. One of the best-known programmes was the Pentagon’s Advanced Aviation Threat Identification Program, which began nearly two decades ago.
Many reports involve unusual aerial sightings observed by military personnel and civilians.
Debate over unexplained sightings
Although UFOs are often linked to theories about extraterrestrial life, experts have also pointed to possible human explanations. These include advanced aircraft technology developed by foreign powers.
The US government did not offer any final conclusions in the latest release. Instead, officials said they want the public to review the material independently.
Pete Hegseth said the files had remained classified for too long, which contributed to public speculation.
The release follows earlier remarks by Barack Obama during an interview in February, when he discussed the possibility of life beyond Earth.
Obama later clarified that he had not personally seen evidence of alien life.
The UFO disclosure also follows other high-profile document releases by the Trump administration, including records connected to historical investigations and classified government archives.
