Trump Accuses Obama of Leaking “Classified Info” Over Alien Claim
President Donald Trump accused former President Barack Obama of divulging classified information after Obama said aliens are “real” during a recent YouTube interview. The allegation adds a political flashpoint to remarks that quickly went viral.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said Obama “gave classified information” and “made a big mistake,” according to C-SPAN coverage of the exchange.
The controversy began during a lightning round with YouTube host Brian Tyler Cohen, who asked Obama whether aliens are real. Obama responded that they are, but added they are not being hidden in Area 51 and dismissed conspiracy theories about secret facilities.
The clip circulated widely online, prompting scrutiny over whether the comment was literal or humorous and whether it referenced any classified knowledge from Obama’s presidency.
“I can tell you he gave classified information,” Trump told reporters, reiterating his accusation while also saying he does not know whether aliens exist.
Obama later issued a clarification, stating that statistically the vastness of the universe makes life elsewhere possible, but he saw no evidence during his presidency that extraterrestrials contacted Earth.
Related: Trump Files Airport Trademark as Florida Advances Palm Beach International Renaming
The exchange highlights how even offhand remarks about extraterrestrials can escalate into broader political claims, particularly when former presidents weigh in publicly.
There has been no indication from intelligence agencies or federal officials that classified information was disclosed, and no evidence has surfaced to support the claim.
Whether the issue fades as a viral moment or develops into a larger dispute remains unclear.
Related: DOJ Scrubs FBI Interview Record Tied to Underage Trump Accuser in Epstein Files