President Donald Trump recently detailed accounts from military personnel regarding unidentified aerial phenomena, specifically highlighting a report where a round object significantly outpaced an F-22 Raptor. During an interview with correspondent Ross Douthat on CBS’ "60 Minutes," the president addressed the growing public interest in unidentified aerial phenomena and the possibility of clandestine government research. While expressing personal skepticism about the existence of extraterrestrial life, Trump emphasized that the testimony came from highly credible members of the United States Air Force.
The Oval Office Briefings and the F-22 Encounter
In his conversation with Douthat, Trump described meetings held in the Oval Office with Air Force pilots whom he characterized as "the real deal." He noted that these individuals were not the type to engage in conspiracy theories, instead describing them as elite professionals. Trump even remarked on their disciplined appearance, comparing them to the character played by Tom Cruise in military films.
According to the president, these pilots shared "very strange" encounters that occurred while they were operating the F-22 Raptor, which Trump called the fastest and most advanced aircraft in the world. The pilots reported that a round, non-aerodynamic object flew past their jets at a rate of speed approximately three times faster than the F-22's maximum capability.
"These are not people that you would say are conspiracy theorists – they don’t even know what it means – but they’re great, great pilots," Trump stated during the interview. He further elaborated on the physics of the sighting, noting: "And something goes by them at three times their speed. And it’s round. It’s not aerodynamic."
Investigating a Secret Government UFO Program
The discussion also turned toward allegations of a secret government UFO program that may operate without the knowledge or oversight of the Commander-in-Chief. Whistleblowers have recently claimed that billions in hidden spending have been used to fund these initiatives, keeping both Congress and the executive branch in the dark.
When asked if he had seen evidence of such a deep-state program, Trump admitted he had not heard those specific claims prior to the interview. However, he expressed an immediate interest in uncovering the truth behind these reports.
- Trump's Pledge: The president promised to investigate the claims of hidden programs following the interview.
- Public Perception: Trump noted that while he remains a skeptic, there are many "solid people" who believe the government is hiding information about UFOs.
- Whistleblower Claims: Allegations suggest secret spending and research projects are being shielded from official oversight.
Recent Pentagon AARO Reports and Declassified Data
Trump’s comments coincide with the release of records from the Pentagon’s All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO). These recently declassified documents provide historical context for the types of sightings military and law enforcement personnel have reported over several decades.
One notable account included in the Pentagon AARO reports involved federal law enforcement agents who witnessed a matte-black triangular object. According to the report, the craft rose vertically over a mountain ridge and hovered in total silence. It then accelerated into a canyon at speeds the witnesses compared to a modern fighter jet.
Technological analysis of this specific encounter added to the mystery. The agents used handheld thermal equipment to observe the object, finding a uniform heat signature across its entire surface. This lack of concentrated heat is unusual, as it suggests the craft did not rely on a traditional propulsion system, such as an engine or exhaust. The report noted that while the speed was a witness estimate rather than an instrument-measured figure, the object remained unidentified.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Air Force pilots tell Donald Trump about UFOs?
Pilots told the president they encountered a round object that was not aerodynamic and traveled at three times the speed of an F-22 fighter jet. Trump described these pilots as highly credible, "real deal" professionals who have seen very strange things in the sky.
Is there a secret government UFO program hidden from the president?
While Trump stated he had not heard of a program operating without his knowledge, he pledged to investigate whistleblower claims regarding secret spending and hidden research. He acknowledged that many respected individuals believe such programs exist despite his own skepticism.
What did the AARO report say about the triangular UFO sighting?
Federal agents reported a matte-black triangular craft that hovered silently and accelerated rapidly without visible engines or rotors. Thermal imaging showed a uniform heat signature across the object, which is inconsistent with conventional propulsion systems.