The UFO Files Were Declassified Today

Michael Shermer delivers a candid, unscripted critique of the newly declassified UFO files released on May 8, 2026, under President Trump’s directive. He expresses profound disappointment, arguing that the documents contain nothing new—only blurry photos, grainy videos, artist renderings, and anecdotal reports with no definitive evidence of extraterrestrial origin. Shermer dismantles the narrative of imminent alien disclosure, emphasizing that the vast majority of UFO sightings have terrestrial explanations, and that the 5% of unexplained cases are not proof of aliens but simply anomalies. He highlights the irony of the government claiming transparency while heavily redacting key details like locations, times, and military equipment. Shermer also critiques the credibility of high-profile figures like Rear Admiral Timothy Gallaudet and filmmaker Jeremy Corbell, accusing them of ego-driven sensationalism rather than scientific rigor. He underscores the lack of physical evidence—such as alien spacecraft or bodies—and challenges the audience to specify what would change his skepticism. Ultimately, Shermer reaffirms his position: extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, and until that arrives, he remains a skeptic.