The U.S. Navy's release of the infamous "Go Fast" video in 2018 marked a significant moment in the ongoing investigation of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), commonly known as UFOs. This video showcased an encounter between military aviators and an unidentified object off the coast of California. As of 2024, the Department of Defense has made strides in resolving these cases, signaling a potential shift towards greater transparency.

Jon Kosloski, director of the Pentagon's All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office, stated, "We're trying to get as much of the raw evidence out as we can without putting our partners' equities at risk." The office, established by Congress in 2022, aims to detect, identify, and attribute mysterious objects in the air, space, and underwater, focusing on potential threats to military operations and national security. Kosloski noted that the office has hired additional personnel and is investing in automated security review software to help release more classified material related to ongoing investigations.

To date, the Pentagon has reviewed over 1,800 cases, with most identified as likely balloons, drones, debris, or animals. However, Kosloski mentioned that "several dozen" cases remain unexplained despite thorough analysis. The office continues to receive new reports of anomalies from military personnel and the public each month. Kosloski emphasized the importance of addressing these sightings, stating, "It's a potential problem, a national security problem, safety of flight issue."

Former President Donald Trump, known for his skepticism regarding UFOs, has hinted at the possibility of undisclosed information about extraterrestrial life. In an October 2024 interview, he remarked, "It's never been my thing. I have to be honest. I have never been a believer." However, he has also suggested that there may be more to the story, saying, "I won't talk to you about what I know about it but it's very interesting."

Since returning to office, Trump has promised "radical transparency" in government. He recently ordered the release of all remaining classified files related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy Jr. This move has sparked calls from UFO enthusiasts for similar transparency regarding government files on extraterrestrial phenomena. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., stated, "When you have only certain information that's shared with the American people, that's when conspiracy theories happen."

Legislation has been proposed by lawmakers from both parties to compel government agencies to disclose more information on UAPs, but no such measures have been passed yet. Former NASA Associate Administrator Mike Gold highlighted the need for funding to analyze existing government data on UAPs, stating, "If we study UAP, not only can we help with national security, but even if we don't discover something exotic, what's the worst case scenario? We discover an incredible new physical phenomenon?"

Critics of the Pentagon's efforts argue that the initiative has been hampered by staffing shortages and excessive secrecy. Whistleblowers have testified before Congress, claiming that the government is still concealing evidence of non-human intelligence. Kosloski has responded by accelerating the release of unclassified resolution reports for high-profile cases, aiming to focus on those with significant scientific data and national security implications.

Last year, the Pentagon conducted a comprehensive review of 80 years of records related to UAPs, concluding that there is no evidence confirming that any UAP sighting represented extraterrestrial technology. Kosloski reiterated this finding, stating, "That stands true."

As investigations continue, both government and private UAP researchers stress the need for more data to resolve persistent mysteries. Kosloski has not ruled out the possibility of government possession of intact spacecraft or parts thereof but has not been able to corroborate any claims. He assured that he would advocate for the public release of any findings related to non-human intelligence, stating, "There's no precedent for that, obviously, but I think that we would take that up through the Secretary of Defense and allow him to make that decision."