Fact Check: Did Seth Meyers predict Trump would release UFO files amid Epstein fallout?

WASHINGTON, DC: After President Donald Trump announced plans to direct officials to identify and release government files related to UFOs and extraterrestrial life, social media lit up with a familiar clip. Users claimed comedian Seth Meyers had predicted the move months earlier, suggesting Trump would unveil alien information to distract from controversy surrounding files tied to Jeffrey Epstein.

The viral posts framed the moment as proof that Meyers “called it.” But did he actually predict Trump would release UFO files? Here’s what the evidence shows.

Claim: Seth Meyers predicted Trump’s UFO file announcement

The claim began circulating shortly after Trump posted on Truth Social that he would order the identification and release of government documents related to unidentified flying objects, unidentified aerial phenomena, and extraterrestrial life.

One widely shared post featured a clip from Meyers’ show, with captions suggesting he had accurately forecast Trump’s announcement as a distraction tactic. According to the claim, Meyers argued months ago that if developments in the Epstein files became damaging enough, Trump might pivot to a headline-grabbing revelation about aliens.

The timing fueled speculation. As renewed attention focused on documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein, some users interpreted Trump’s UFO file directive as aligning with Meyers’ earlier remarks.

Fact Check: Seth Meyers did reference a possible UFO distraction

The claim is true in context. Six months ago, during a July 24 episode of Late Night, Meyers joked that Trump could announce aliens are real if pressure mounted over Epstein-related revelations.

“Whatever is in those Epstein files must be really bad,” Meyers said at the time. He added that he believed the administration could become “so desperate to distract everyone” that Trump might declare UFOs real.

“I honestly think we’re just one Epstein story away from Trump announcing that UFOs are real,” Meyers told his audience.

His comments were delivered as political satire, but they closely resemble the scenario now being discussed online.

Trump announces plan to release UFO-related files

In his Truth Social statement, Trump said he would direct relevant departments to begin identifying and releasing government files connected to alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena, and UFOs.

“Based on the tremendous interest shown, I will be directing the Secretary of War, and other relevant Departments and Agencies, to begin the process of identifying and releasing Government files related to alien and extraterrestrial life,” Trump wrote. He concluded the post with, “GOD BLESS AMERICA!”

Earlier, Trump criticized former President Barack Obama for remarks suggesting aliens are “real” during a recent interview. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump accused Obama of disclosing classified information, saying he had made “a big mistake.”

While Meyers’ comments were intended as satire, the resurfaced clip has gained traction because of the striking overlap between his joke and Trump’s recent announcement.