War Department cites clerical error for missing congressional deadline to release 46 UFO videos

Lawmakers warn of possible tampering as intelligence insiders monitor unreleased UFO video evidence
Missed deadline blamed on failure to route congressional request to appropriate authorities within Pentagon (Getty Images)
Missed deadline blamed on failure to route congressional request to appropriate authorities within Pentagon (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: The Pentagon has attributed a missed congressional deadline to a clerical error, delaying the release of 46 UFO-related videos. The development comes amid growing political pressure and renewed promises from President Donald Trump that disclosures will be made soon.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna acknowledged the delay and had previously shared personal accounts on alleged Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) encounters. Lawmakers and officials have raised concerns over transparency, accountability, and national security implications surrounding the unreleased material.



Anna Paulina Luna flags Pentagon delay amid Trump pledge on UFO disclosures

Luna announced that the Department of War failed to meet the April 15 deadline to release the requested videos, only acknowledging the request after Congress demanded answers. “[I]t appears that someone did not pass the letter to the appropriate authorities. How convenient,” Luna wrote on X, adding, “Nonetheless, we will be getting the requested list.”

She further stated, “The Secretary of War is someone I consider a friend and someone who backs the President. The President has authorized the release, so whoever is trying to be cute at the Pentagon can take a hike.”

Trump had tasked the department in February with overseeing the release of files related to alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and UFOs.

Speaking at a Turning Point Action rally, Trump reiterated his position, “We found many very interesting documents, I must say. And the first release will begin very, very soon. So, you can go out and see if that phenomenon is correct.” 

President Donald Trump speaks at a Turning Point USA event at Dream City Church, Friday, April 17, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Donald Trump speaks at a Turning Point USA event at Dream City Church, Friday, April 17, 2026, in Phoenix (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

He added, “You’ll figure it out. Let me know,” noting that the issue “really captivates the mind.” The requested trove includes military radar footage, satellite images, and videos of Unidentified Submerged Objects moving around submarines.

A source indicated that some clips are in clear, full color, surpassing previously released radar footage, while others may have conventional explanations. The DoW stated that its All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) is coordinating with the White House to consolidate records and facilitate the release of previously unseen information.

Officials added that progress has been made in transferring records to the National Archives and supporting the President’s initiative for greater transparency. Congressional sources also warned that intelligence community “moles” are monitoring the files to prevent any alteration or deletion.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine speaks to members of the media during a press briefing at the Pentagon, Thursday, April 16, 2026 in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)
Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine speak to members of the media during a press briefing at the Pentagon, Thursday, April 16, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf) 

UAP sightings and scientist disappearances trigger national security alarm

Luna said she believes an unidentified aerial phenomenon (UAP) once entered restricted airspace at her former base, recalling the incident during a podcast appearance last year. She described a “strange airspace incursion” from her time as an airfield manager at the Portland Air National Guard Base, where an unauthorized object was detected.

She said pilots were reluctant to discuss what they encountered. “They’re like, ‘Eh, we can’t really talk about it.’ And no one really wanted to address it,” she noted, adding that one pilot admitted they could not “really identify” what they had seen in the sky.

This comes amid reports that the deaths and disappearances of 11 US scientists linked to military, nuclear, and aerospace research have raised questions about whether a broader pattern exists.

UFO expert vanishes as FBI probes disappearance tied to alleged alien secrets and mystery. (Screengrab/ US Air Force)
UFO expert vanishes as FBI probes disappearance tied to alleged alien secrets and mystery (Screengrab/ US Air Force)

Rep. Eric Burlison described it as a matter of urgent national importance, asserting that the incidents are “too coincidental.” He suggested a likely connection to classified aerospace, defense, and UFO-related work, potentially involving foreign actors from China, Russia, or Iran.

“This is a rallying call to pay attention to this issue and make sure that our nation’s top scientists are safe and secure,” Burlison said, urging federal agencies, including the FBI, to investigate. Among the cases is Air Force Maj. Gen. William Neil McCasland, who disappeared in February after reportedly experiencing “mental fog.”

Burlison noted that McCasland had been involved in space research and UAP-related work and had appeared in communications linked to Former White House Chief of Staff John Podesta. The congressman stated that several scientists “literally just disappeared,” often leaving devices behind and reporting threats before vanishing. 

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