Story perspectives

Pentagon Releases 222 UAP Files; Portal Hits 1B Visits

5/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Pentagon released 222 declassified UAP files, including a 116-page report on 209 sightings near Sandia, New Mexico, on May 22, 2026, per President Donald Trump’s directive.
The UFO portal WAR.GOV/UFO, launched May 8, 2026, has logged over one billion visits.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the documents let the public examine the material, though analysts note the videos lack alien evidence.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell announced a third batch of UAP records is being prepared.

History

Historical Context

After Congress pressured the Pentagon following the 2017 release of Navy UFO videos, the Department of Defense created the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office and, on May 8 2026, President Donald Trump ordered the Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters (PURSUE). PURSUE posted about 162 declassified records, prompting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to pledge further transparency.

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Story summary

The Pentagon released 222 declassified UAP files, including a 116-page report on 209 sightings near Sandia, New Mexico, on May 22, 2026, per President Donald Trump’s directive.
The UFO portal WAR.GOV/UFO, launched May 8, 2026, has logged over one billion visits.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the documents let the public examine the material, though analysts note the videos lack alien evidence.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell announced a third batch of UAP records is being prepared.

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