Obama offers himself as Earth’s future ambassador to aliens: 'I think I can do a pretty good job'

Obama revisited earlier comments about extraterrestrial life and clarified that he meant the universe is vast enough that humans are likely not alone
Barack Obama joked that his years in diplomacy and public office make him qualified to represent Earth if aliens ever visit the planet (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Barack Obama joked that his years in diplomacy and public office make him qualified to represent Earth if aliens ever visit the planet (Scott Olson/Getty Images)


LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Former President Barack Obama joked that he would be willing to represent Earth if aliens ever made contact with humanity during a recent interview with Stephen Colbert while discussing earlier comments he had made about extraterrestrial life.

The Democrat also dismissed theories suggesting the US government was secretly hiding aliens or UFOs. However, he said the vastness of the universe made it likely that humans were not alone. 

Former President Barack Obama speaks during the Public Homegoing Service for the Rev. Jesse Jackson at the House of Hope in Chicago, Friday, March 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Former President Barack Obama speaks during the Public Homegoing Service for the Rev. Jesse Jackson at the House of Hope in Chicago on Friday, March 6, 2026 (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Obama revisits alien remarks

Obama addressed comments he made earlier this year on a podcast where he said, “They’re real, but I haven't seen them.” 

During his conversation with Colbert, the former president clarified that he was referring to the possibility of life existing elsewhere in the universe rather than claiming knowledge of alien encounters.

Colbert joked that Obama might know more than he was publicly revealing and teased him about conspiracy theories involving UFOs and secret government information.

Obama laughed along before suggesting he would be a good choice to lead any future contact with extraterrestrials.

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 02: Former U.S. President Barack Obama participates in a book talk with former German Chancellor Angela Merkel at The Anthem on December 02, 2024 in Washington, DC. Obama and Merkel discussed her memoir
President Barack Obama participates in a book talk with former German Chancellor Angela Merkel at The Anthem on December 2, 2024, in Washington, DC (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Obama offers himself as Earth’s alien emissary

The 64-year-old said he believed his diplomatic experience and personality would make him suitable for a “first contact” team if aliens ever visited Earth.

Obama joked that his years in public office and international diplomacy prepared him to greet extraterrestrials on behalf of humanity. Colbert responded humorously, saying he would consider Obama’s “resume” for the position.

"I’m putting in a plug now, first contact, I think I would be a good emissary for the planet. I’ve got some experience in statecraft, diplomacy, I’m friendly, I actually think I can do a pretty good job," he said. 

The exchange drew attention online, with many social media users sharing clips from the interview and joking about Obama becoming an “alien ambassador.”

Trump weighed in on Obama's comments about aliens

President Donald Trump had previously reacted to Obama’s earlier podcast comments about alien life. 

President Donald Trump speaks during an event for military mothers in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
President Donald Trump speaks during an event for military mothers in the East Room of the White House on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Trump joked during a separate interview that Obama may have revealed "classified information" related to extraterrestrials, though the remarks were made in a humorous context. "He’s not supposed to be doing that. He made a big mistake," the Republican leader said. 

Public discussions about UFOs and unexplained aerial phenomena have increased in recent years following comments from lawmakers, former officials, and intelligence reports examining unidentified sightings.

Trump has even said that, due to the "tremendous interest shown," he will be directing the Pentagon and other relevant federal agencies to begin the process of "identifying and releasing files related to alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs)."

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