The UFO files are out, and they’re a total nothingburger

The latest UAP files dump offers plenty of blurry white dots but zero proof that we aren’t alone

U.S. President Donald Trump announced in February that his administration would declassify numerous files related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs). This occurred just days after former President Barack Obama appeared on a podcast with Brian Tyler Cohen, said that aliens are “real but I haven’t seen them,” and quickly walked back his comments.

“Based on the tremendous interest shown,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Feb. 19, “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.”

The declassification process has now begun. The first batch of “new, never-before seen” UFO and UAP files were released by the U.S. Department of War on May 8.

“The American people can now access the federal government’s declassified UAP files instantly. The latest UAP videos, photos, and original source documents from across the entire United States government are all in one place—no clearance required,” the Department of War mentioned on X. “While past administrations sought to discredit or dissuade the American people, President Trump is focused on providing maximum transparency to the public, who can ultimately make up their own minds about the information contained in these files.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was quoted as saying in an official Facebook post, “The Department of War is in lockstep with President Trump to bring unprecedented transparency regarding our government’s understanding of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena. These files, hidden behind classifications, have long fueled justified speculation—and it’s time the American people see it for themselves. This release of declassified documents demonstrates the Trump Administration’s earnest commitment to unprecedented transparency.”

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard also added, “the American people have long sought transparency about the government’s knowledge of unidentified anomalous phenomena … Today’s release is the first in what will be an ongoing joint declassification and release effort.” As well, FBI Director Kash Patel said “the FBI is proud to stand alongside President Trump and our interagency partners in this landmark release of UAP records.”

What did the files contain? There were no smoking guns to the disappointment of some, but there were a few simmering flames in the form of unusual photos, videos, military reports and case files. Many publications and news outlets, including Fox News, CNN, New York Post, ABC News, Reuters, Daily Mail, TMZ and a host of others reproduced this material. This includes Canada, too.

Could something bigger be on the horizon when the next batch of files is released? Tim Burchett, a Tennessee Republican congressman who has long called for the release of the UFO and UAP files, certainly seemed to suggest this.

“Remember the Feds told us these files didn’t exist and @realDonaldTrump stood up to the deep state,” Burchett wrote on X on May 8. “The 1st drop will be big but in comparison to what is coming they will be a drop in the bucket. I would say ‘Holy Crap’ is coming.” He also thanked the President for “keeping his word” in a statement to the Associated Press, and included this analysis: “I would like to remind people that transparency won’t all happen at once, it will take some time.”

What are my thoughts?

As I’ve said and written in the past, I don’t believe in UFOs, UAPs or little green men from Mars. I’m willing to accept the possibility, as reputable scientists have suggested, that there could have been tiny microorganisms on other planets. Otherwise, I believe that we’re alone in the universe-and have always been alone.

The first batch of UFO and UAP files did contain some interesting information. There are many unexplained events and sightings that have puzzled experts and casual observers alike. As an intellectual exercise, it was enjoyable to go through the documents. It’s virtually impossible to figure out what to make of what’s been released, however.

There are no photos or videos of aliens. Questions about Roswell, the Phoenix Lights, the Lubbock Lights and other well-known events and locations remain unanswered. Many videos focused on white dots moving at unusually high speeds. The source documents revealed a large number of reported UFO and UAP sightings that spanned many decades. Documents related to the Apollo 12 and Apollo 17 missions seemed to suggest unusual sightings on the Moon’s surface. The unidentified objects and phenomena didn’t make a great deal of sense to most of the people who witnessed them at the time, and still don’t make much sense to this day.

Similar to the nine-page Preliminary Assessment: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, which was posted in June 2021, nothing has been resolved in the first batch of UFO and UAP files. The hearts and minds of most skeptics won’t be changed, either.

If there’s really something out there, we’ll have to wait a bit longer to find out what it is. I won’t be holding my breath, of course.

Michael Taube is a political commentator, Troy Media syndicated columnist and former speechwriter for Prime Minister Stephen Harper. He holds a master’s degree in comparative politics from the London School of Economics, lending academic rigour to his political insights.