Summary
The White House and Department of War have initiated the first public release of declassified files on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) under the Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters (PURSUE). This interagency effort, involving the White House, Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), Department of Energy (DOE), All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), NASA, FBI, and other intelligence components, made 162 files available via WAR.GOV/UFO. The release includes military incident reports, NASA Apollo mission records, intelligence assessments, and diplomatic cables, with 108 files containing redactions for security. Official statements from President Trump and agency heads emphasize an unprecedented commitment to transparency, with further rolling releases planned. The files, spanning from the late 1940s to 2026, are presented as unresolved cases, inviting public and scientific review prior to full anomaly resolution analysis.
Detailed Report
1. The Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters
The Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters (PURSUE) was established by presidential directive in early 2026 to centralize and expedite the declassification and public release of UAP-related records. The Department of War leads the program, with operational management by AARO. Interagency participants include the White House, ODNI, DOE, NASA, FBI, State Department, and additional U.S. intelligence community components. The legal authority for PURSUE is rooted in the 2026 presidential directive and the Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Disclosure Act of 2023. All released files are hosted on the dedicated portal WAR.GOV/UFO, with new tranches scheduled for release every few weeks.
2. Scope and Content of the Released Files
The initial tranche comprises 162 files: 120 PDF documents, 28 videos, and 14 images. These materials span from the late 1940s to early 2026 and include military incident reports, intelligence assessments, diplomatic cables, astronaut transcripts, sensor data, and photographs. Of the 162 files, 108 contain redactions to protect witness identities, sensitive facility locations, and unrelated military site information; no redactions were made regarding the nature or existence of any UAP encounter. Some FBI files contain fewer redactions than previously released versions. The Department of War confirmed that many materials have not yet been analyzed for anomaly resolution, reflecting a commitment to transparency even in unresolved cases.
3. NASA and Apollo Mission Files
NASA’s contributions focus on Apollo-era mission files, notably Apollo 11, 12, and 17:
· Apollo 11: Astronaut Buzz Aldrin reported observing a “sizeable” object near the Moon, prompting use of a monocular for inspection. He also described a “fairly bright light source” and flashes inside the cabin. The crew discussed whether observed objects might be separated panels from the Saturn V rocket or other mission hardware. Aldrin has previously suggested at least one object was likely a separated rocket panel.
· Apollo 12: Lunar Module Pilot Alan Bean described “particles and flashes of light sailing off in space” (day five), while Commander Charles “Pete” Conrad observed floating debris illuminated by the module’s tracking light (day six). Observations were made using the Alignment Optical Telescope (AOT), with some phenomena attributed to mission debris or optical effects.
· Apollo 17: A NASA photograph from December 1972 (NASA-UAP-VM6) shows “three dots in a triangular formation in the lower right quadrant of the lunar sky.” The Pentagon caption states: “There is no consensus about the nature of the anomaly. New preliminary US government analysis suggests the image feature is potentially the result of a physical object in the scene.” Commander Eugene Cernan reported “a flash on the lunar surface north of Grimaldi (crater)” and “flashing, rotating phenomenon.” Lunar Module Pilot Harrison “Jack” Schmitt and Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans described bright, jagged, tumbling fragments. While some lights may have been ice or debris, not all observations could be conclusively explained. Six released photographs are from Apollo 12 and Apollo 17. All Apollo mission files are described as “unresolved cases, meaning the government is unable to make a definitive determination on the nature of the observed phenomena.”
4. Declassified Military UAP Encounters Across the Globe
The Department of War and AARO released detailed military incident reports from Iraq, Syria, UAE, Greece, and the Indo-Pacific:
· Iraq: Multiple 2022–2023 reports. In May 2022 (PR-21), a U.S. operator tracked a UAP flying north to northeast; unable to identify or pursue. In December 2022 (PR-23), a “possible UAP” flew west to east; no identification or pursuit.
· Syria: Incidents from 2022–2024. In July 2022 (PR-22), a UAP moved north to south, duration under one minute. In October 2024 (PR-31, PR-32, PR-33), a “misshapen and uneven ball of white light” was observed, with a “light/glare halo effect” noted in FMV feeds. A 2023 case described a “bouncy ball” object tracked at 483 mph for seven minutes; later analysis suggested it was benign, but initial data was inconclusive.
· United Arab Emirates: In October 2023 (PR-26, PR-27), U.S. operators observed UAPs with sensor data and mission logs. In June 2024 (PR-29), a UAP with a “vertical pole or bar attached to its bottom” was observed; possible water reflection, but sensor data was inconclusive.
· Greece: In January 2024 (PR-28), a “diamond-shaped” UAP moved at 434 knots, detectable only via short-wave infrared (SWIR) sensors. In October 2023 (PR-34, PR-35), UAPs flew near the Aegean Sea surface, with one making “multiple 90-degree turns at approximately 80 miles per hour” and another described as “small and circular, flying toward land.”
· INDOPACOM: In 2024 (PR-46), a “football-shaped body with three radial projections” was observed; in 2023 (PR-47), three areas of contrast maintained fixed positions relative to each other. AARO’s analytical approach includes multi-sensor correlation, morphological analysis, environmental context, and data sufficiency assessment. The office acknowledges that “the unresolved status of the published cases frequently reflects insufficient data rather than evidence of anomalous capability” and invites private-sector analysis.
5. Official Statements
The following statements were issued on May 8, 2026, through official government channels:
· Department of War Press Release:
“Today, the Department of War announced the initial release of new, never-before-seen files on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) as part of the Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters (PURSUE). This interagency effort includes The White House, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the Department of Energy (DOE), the DOW's All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and additional components of U.S. intelligence agencies. The collection will be housed on WAR.GOV/UFO and additional files will be released by the Department of War on a rolling basis. This release follows the direction of President Donald J. Trump to begin the process of identifying and declassifying government files related to UAP in the interest of total transparency. No other President or administration in history has followed through on this level of UAP transparency. 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. 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. The American people have asked for more transparency on these topics, and President Trump is delivering. While all of the files have been reviewed for security purposes, many of the materials have not yet been analyzed for resolution of any anomalies.”
· President Donald J. Trump (Truth Social, May 8, 2026):
“As for my promise to you, the Department of War has released the first tranche of the UFO/UAP files to the Public for their review and study. In an effort for Complete and Maximum Transparency, it was my Honor to direct my Administration to identify and provide Government files related to Alien and Extraterrestrial Life, Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, and Unidentified Flying Objects. Whereas previous Administrations have failed to be transparent on this subject, with these new Documents and Videos, the people can decide for themselves, 'WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?' Have Fun and Enjoy!”
· Secretary of War Pete Hegseth:
“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:
“The American people have long sought transparency about the government's knowledge of unidentified anomalous phenomena. Under President Trump's leadership, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence is actively coordinating the Intelligence Community's declassification efforts with the Department of War to ensure a careful, comprehensive, and unprecedented review of our holdings to provide the American people with maximum transparency. Today's release is the first in what will be an ongoing joint declassification and release effort.”
· FBI Director Kash Patel:
“The FBI is proud to stand alongside President Trump and our interagency partners in this landmark release of UAP records. For the first time in history, the American people have unfettered access to declassified government files on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomenon - a level of transparency that no prior administration has delivered. The FBI remains committed to supporting this rolling declassification effort with the same rigor and integrity we bring to every national security matter. As these files continue to be reviewed and released, the American people can be confident that their security remains our highest priority.”
· NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman:
“I applaud President Trump's whole-of-government effort to bring greater transparency to the American people on unidentified anomalous phenomena. At NASA, our job is to bring the brightest minds and most advanced scientific instruments to bear, follow the data, and share what we learn. We will remain candid about what we know to be true, what we have yet to understand, and all that remains to be discovered. Exploration and the pursuit of knowledge are core to NASA's mission as we endeavor to unlock the secrets of the universe.”
6. Rolling Releases and Ongoing Review
The PURSUE program is structured for ongoing, rolling releases, with new tranches of declassified files scheduled every few weeks on WAR.GOV/UFO. A second tranche, including additional video footage and technical data, is expected within approximately 30 days. The National Archives and Records Administration has directed all federal agencies to identify, digitize, and prepare UAP records for transfer, suggesting thousands of additional files may be reviewed and released. Congressional oversight remains robust under the National Defense Authorization Act, with specific requests for additional UAP videos and technical data slated for future tranches. The review process is governed by executive orders, legislative mandates, and agency protocols, with a presumption in favour of disclosure and public engagement.
Conclusion
The May 8, 2026, release of UAP files under the PURSUE program marks a historic step in government transparency, providing public access to decades of official records, astronaut observations, and military incident reports. The administration’s commitment to rolling, interagency disclosures ensures continued public engagement and scrutiny, with further releases anticipated in the months ahead.