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Former President Barack Obama has weighed in on a question that has captivated the public imagination for decades: Do aliens exist? In a recent interview, Obama jokingly affirmed the possibility of extraterrestrial life, even as simultaneously debunking the long-held conspiracy theory that the U.S. Government is concealing alien encounters at the highly classified Area 51 facility in Nevada. The conversation surrounding UFOs and alien life has seen a resurgence recently, fueled by government hearings on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs).
Speaking with podcast host Brian Tyler Cohen on February 14, Obama responded to the direct question of whether aliens are real with a simple, “They’re real, but I haven’t seen them.” He was quick to add, “They’re not being kept at Area 51. There’s no underground facility, unless there’s this enormous conspiracy, and they hid it from the president of the United States.” This lighthearted response comes as interest in the possibility of life beyond Earth continues to grow, with nearly half of Americans believing the U.S. Government knows more than it is letting on about UAPs.
The former president’s comments weren’t limited to extraterrestrial life. The interview also touched on more terrestrial concerns, specifically the deployment of federal immigration agents to Minnesota. Obama strongly criticized what he described as “rogue behavior” by the federal government during a months-long enforcement surge in the state. He drew parallels between these actions and practices seen in authoritarian regimes, stating, “We’ve seen in authoritarian countries and we’ve seen in dictatorships, but we have not seen in America.”
Immigration Enforcement in Minnesota Draws Criticism
Obama specifically referenced the case of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, alleging that immigration agents were “using five-year-olds to attempt to bait their parents.” He condemned the lack of clear guidelines and training for the agents involved, and the manner in which individuals were being apprehended, often pulled from their homes. His remarks echoed a previous statement made with his wife Michelle following the death of Alex Pretti, where they accused the Trump Administration of seeking to “escalate the situation” rather than ensuring accountability for the agents involved.
The Trump Administration announced on Thursday that it would be winding down “Operation Metro Surge,” the large-scale immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, following months of protests over excessive force used by immigration officers, including the deaths of Pretti and Renee Good. Border Czar Tom Homan, speaking at a press conference in Minneapolis, stated, “I have proposed and President Trump has concurred that this surge operation conclude.” Homan had been sent to Minnesota to address the growing unrest and met with local and state leaders, including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
Obama Addresses Controversial Video
The interview also briefly addressed a recent controversy involving a video posted by President Donald Trump that depicted Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. Obama described the situation as a “sort of clown show that’s happening in social media and on television,” and lamented a perceived loss of “shame” and “decorum” among those in positions of power. Trump, however, has refused to apologize for sharing the video, claiming he hadn’t seen the offensive portion and that it was initially about alleged voter fraud. TIME has reached out to the White House for comment on the matter.
When asked what the first question he wanted answered upon becoming president was, Obama responded without hesitation: “Where are the aliens?” This playful exchange highlights the enduring public fascination with the possibility of extraterrestrial life, even as more pressing domestic and international issues demand attention. The ongoing interest in UAPs, as evidenced by recent congressional hearings, suggests that the question of whether we are alone in the universe will continue to be a topic of debate, and investigation.
As the conversation around UAPs evolves and the government continues to release information, the public will likely remain captivated by the search for life beyond Earth. The winding down of the controversial immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota marks a potential shift in federal policy, and its long-term effects will be closely monitored. The ongoing political discourse, as exemplified by the exchange surrounding the controversial video, underscores the deeply polarized climate in American politics. What remains to be seen is how these various threads will continue to unfold in the coming months.
What are your thoughts on Obama’s comments regarding aliens? Share your perspective in the comments below.
