Overview
Representative Bruce Burchett (R‑TN) has publicly urged former President Donald J. Trump to declassify and release government files related to unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) and alleged extraterrestrial encounters. In a statement released on April 13, 2026, Burchett said, “America needs to know what has been happening in our skies,” framing the request as a matter of transparency and national interest. The congressman’s appeal comes amid a growing bipartisan push for greater openness about UAP investigations that have intensified since the Pentagon’s 2023 unclassified report.
Background
The U.S. government’s handling of UAP data has evolved dramatically over the past decade. In 2020, the Department of Defense established the All‑Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) to consolidate sightings across air, space, and maritime domains. A 2023 congressional briefing disclosed 144 incidents, many of which remain unexplained. Since then, lawmakers have introduced legislation—such as the UAP Transparency Act—to mandate the release of classified assessments. However, a substantial portion of the material remains under executive control, and the former president retains authority over certain classified documents seized after his 2024 indictment.
Burchett’s Request
Burchett’s letter to Trump, copied to the National Archives and the House Oversight Committee, asks the former commander‑in‑chief to “promptly declassify and make publicly available all files pertaining to UAPs, including any evidence of extraterrestrial technology or contact.” He cited recent public interest, noting that “polls show a majority of Americans believe the government is withholding information about UFOs.” Burchett also referenced the 2023 Pentagon report, calling it “just the tip of the iceberg” and urging that any additional data be released without further delay.
Political Context
The request arrives at a politically charged moment. While the Biden administration has signaled willingness to share certain UAP findings, it has also warned that premature disclosure could jeopardize national security and ongoing investigations. Republican members of the House Intelligence Committee have expressed similar concerns, arguing that the public’s right to know must be balanced against classified intelligence. Conversely, a coalition of UAP‑interest groups and some Democratic lawmakers have praised Burchett’s stance, suggesting that transparency could restore public trust in federal institutions.
Next Steps
If Trump complies, the files would likely be routed through the Presidential Records Act process, where the National Archives would review them for classification markings before public release. Should the former president decline, Burchett indicated he would consider legislative measures to compel disclosure, potentially invoking the Freedom of Information Act or pursuing a subpoena through the House Oversight Committee. As the debate unfolds, the broader question remains: how much of the UAP dossier can be safely shared without compromising intelligence sources, and what impact will any revelations have on public perception of government secrecy.
