This NewsNation interview with former Pentagon official Luis Elizondo, conducted by Chris Cuomo, centers on the increasing openness regarding Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), commonly known as UFOs. Elizondo, who previously led the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP), discusses a recent admission by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding a UAP incident in 2023 involving a collision with a fighter jet. He suggests that this event, alongside a shift in governmental attitude, indicates a growing willingness to acknowledge and investigate these phenomena.

A key point raised by Elizondo is the perceived change in approach during the Trump administration. He asserts that the Trump administration believed the American public “can handle the truth” regarding UAPs, contrasting this with previous administrations that he claims were more hesitant to disclose information. He mentions that individuals like Tulsi Gabbard were actively involved in bringing attention to the issue, and that there was internal discussion within the Department of Defense and potentially the FBI. He also notes that the topic has been discussed within secure facilities, referred to as SCIFs.

Elizondo details a history spanning approximately 80 years of UAP observations, emphasizing that the phenomenon is not new. He suggests that the focus has shifted from simply dismissing these events to attempting to understand their origin and potential threat. He mentions the involvement of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and Congress in ongoing investigations. He also touches upon research conducted by the Air Force Research Organization (ARO) and the broader implications for national security.

Throughout the interview, Elizondo emphasizes the need for transparency and a systematic approach to studying UAPs. He acknowledges the challenges in gathering reliable data and encourages continued investigation. He references conversations with people named Joe, Lou, and Ineediy Sehr, and Luna, but doesn’t provide details on their involvement. The conversation highlights a growing public and governmental interest in understanding these unexplained aerial observations and moving beyond stigma and secrecy.