The Pentagon on Friday began releasing previously classified files related to unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP), formerly known as unidentified flying objects or UFOs, marking the start of a transparency initiative ordered by President Trump.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves." The release follows Trump's directive to the Defense Department to identify and declassify documents in response to public interest in UFOs and extraterrestrial life.

The initial batch of files includes photographs, videos, and transcripts that the government has held for decades. Among the materials are images from Apollo 12 and Apollo 17 missions, along with several hundred previously unseen photographs and videos documenting various UAP encounters.

The released files contain what officials describe as murky images that show unclear phenomena. Some documents detail encounters reported by military personnel, including drone pilot observations of unusual aerial objects.

The Pentagon indicated that additional files will be released on a rolling basis as part of the ongoing transparency effort. The release represents a significant shift in the government's approach to UAP disclosure, moving from decades of secrecy to public documentation of these unexplained phenomena.

The files are part of a broader government effort to be more transparent about UAP encounters, which have gained increased attention from Congress and the public in recent years.