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Trump Administration Declassifies UFO Files and Appoints Harvard Astronomer to Lead Security Review
By Drooid · · How we work
Declassification Initiative and New Task Force
In May, the administration began releasing previously classified unidentified aerial phenomenon (UAP) documents to the public. The following month, President Donald Trump selected Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb—known for his controversial views on extraterrestrial life—to head a newly formed team tasked with evaluating any national-security implications of the disclosed material. The group’s mandate, as described in the formation order, is to review and test existing government-collected data to determine whether alien technology is present on Earth.
Background on UFO Disclosure Efforts
UAP investigations have intermittently surfaced in U.S. policy circles for decades, but systematic declassification did not accelerate until the recent administration’s May release. Prior efforts were limited to occasional congressional hearings and internal agency reviews, leaving a fragmented evidentiary base. The current initiative represents the most extensive public unveiling of such data to date.
Key Figures and Their Roles
- Donald Trump — President of the United States; authorized the declassification and appointed the task force leader.
- Avi Loeb — Harvard professor of astronomy; appointed to lead the security-risk team despite criticism from some scientific peers.
- Politico — news outlet that reported on the task force’s activity; noted the pace of progress.
Assessment of Progress
According to a Politico report, several months after the team’s formation, “little movement has been seen” in advancing the review of the declassified material. The article characterizes the slowdown as a lack of substantive testing or verification of the data, suggesting that the task force has yet to produce concrete findings on any potential extraterrestrial threat. No official statements from the administration or the task force have been released to counter or elaborate on this assessment.