The Pentagon begins releasing previously classified records on unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs), commonly referred to as UFOs, following an order from President Donald Trump. Multiple outlets report that the first tranche goes live on Friday and includes both documents and video materials, as well as images. Coverage describes the release as a major step toward transparency and notes that the effort has been sought for years by some members of the public.
Reports say the initial batch is relatively limited compared with the full collection planned, but includes hundreds of files in the first release and specific figures are cited, including 161 documents in one account. CBS News and other outlets highlight that the first set contains video recordings, with CBS reviewing 28 videos and selecting several that they say stood out.
The Pentagon and senior officials frame the disclosure as allowing the public to review what the government has on the topic. Some outlets describe the objects in the files in broad terms—such as “bright lights” or “mysterious objects”—without asserting new findings about what causes the sightings. Across coverage, agencies are declassifying and posting material previously held for decades on the UAP/UFO subject.
