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Unknown Flying Objects: USA Releases Numerous Previously Secret UFO Files
๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Germany /Culture & Society

Unknown Flying Objects: USA Releases Numerous Previously Secret UFO Files

From Die Zeit · (12m ago) German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The US government has released numerous previously classified documents concerning alleged UFO sightings.
  • The Pentagon stated the release aims to provide unprecedented insight into the topic for the public.
  • Critics argue the release distracts from political pressures on Trump, including the war in Iran and the Jeffrey Epstein case.

The United States government has declassified a substantial volume of documents pertaining to alleged UFO sightings, a move framed by the Department of Defense, under Pete Hegseth, as an effort to offer the public unparalleled insight into the subject. President Donald Trump echoed this sentiment, suggesting that past administrations were not sufficiently open about such matters and that these documents will allow citizens to form their own understanding of 'what in the devil is going on.' Hegseth further commented that these long-suppressed files have fueled considerable speculation over the years. The released materials, sourced from the military, FBI, and NASA, span from the 1940s and include records from Apollo missions, such as a photo from Apollo 12 and a transcript from Apollo 17 where pilot Ronald Evans reported observing 'very bright particles or fragments.' However, the documents reportedly lack definitive evidence of extraterrestrial origins or any official interpretation of the images and videos. Critics, including former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, view this release as a diversionary tactic to deflect attention from Trump's political challenges, such as the ongoing conflict in Iran and the public demand for more information regarding Jeffrey Epstein. Greene expressed her weariness with what she termed 'propaganda' designed to distract with 'shiny objects.' Trump had initially announced the release in February, citing significant public interest, and had previously accused former President Barack Obama of making a 'mistake' by revealing 'secret information' about aliens.

was zum Teufel da vor sich geht

โ€” Donald TrumpTrump's statement on what the public can understand from the UFO documents.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.