The U.S. Defense Department has released dozens of previously classified files on unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) on Friday (8 May), following an order from President Donald Trump. U.S. officials described as a push for “unprecedented transparency”.
The release includes around 160 documents, photos and videos covering decades of alleged UFO sightings, though analysts say many of the materials had already been partially disclosed in earlier government releases.
The Pentagon said the declassification process will continue, with additional material expected in future tranches.
Among the newly published records is a 1947 report describing “flying discs”, along with imagery from NASA’s Apollo missions, including Apollo 12 and Apollo 17.
A transcript from Apollo 17 includes astronaut Ronald Evans describing “very bright particles or fragments” observed during lunar manoeuvres, which mission control acknowledged at the time.
However, experts note that such observations have long been attributed to space debris, optical effects, or asteroid impacts on the lunar surface.
While the release has renewed public interest in UFOs, analysts say the documents do not provide evidence of alien technology or extraterrestrial life.
Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb said the records reflect the government’s continued collection of UAP data but do not confirm non-human origins.
“I think we've already proven the existence of UAP, but that doesn't mean we've proven they're alien,” said journalist Leslie Kean, who has reported extensively on Pentagon UAP programmes.
UFO researcher Mick West said many of the newly released materials resemble earlier disclosures and show difficulty in identifying distant or unclear objects rather than evidence of advanced technology.
The release has been welcomed by some lawmakers, including U.S. Representatives Tim Burchett and Anna Paulina Luna, who have advocated for declassification of UAP-related material.
Luna said further documents are expected within the next month.
However, critics suggested the timing of the release could serve as a political distraction from other controversies facing the Trump administration, including foreign policy tensions and ongoing calls for additional transparency in unrelated investigations.
Former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene dismissed the release as a “shiny object” distraction from pressing political issues.
Despite scepticism, officials say the declassification effort will continue as part of broader efforts to increase public access to historical defence records involving unexplained aerial phenomena.
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