Former President Barack Obama Says Extraterrestrials “Are Real” but He Has Not Seen Them
Barack Obama surprised audiences while discussing extraterrestrials and Area 51, his final clarification shifted the tone of the debate
Posted on 02/17/26 at 19:21
- Obama speaks about extraterrestrials in interview
- Denies secrets at Area 51
- Saw no proof of contact
Former President Barack Obama once again found himself at the center of public conversation after an interview in which he addressed — in a lighthearted tone — one of the most controversial and fascinating topics in popular culture: the existence of extraterrestrial life.
His remarks, made during a podcast and amplified across social media, reignited debate over the mystery that for decades has surrounded phenomena such as UFOs and the military base known as Area 51.
The issue returned to the spotlight following Obama’s statements
Obama Responds Directly About Extraterrestrials: “They’re Real, But I Haven’t Seen Them”
During an interview on journalist Brian Tyler Cohen’s podcast, the former president participated in a rapid-fire question-and-answer segment.
When directly asked whether extraterrestrials are real, Obama responded briefly but firmly: “They’re real, but I haven’t seen them.”
The phrase quickly went viral. Although the comment was made in a relaxed context, it generated diverse interpretations and headlines across multiple media outlets.
Obama did not elaborate further at that moment, simply reiterating that he had personally had no encounters.
Obama Denies Area 51 Is Hiding Extraterrestrials
In the same appearance, Obama addressed one of the most persistent conspiracy theories in American culture: the alleged existence of hidden extraterrestrials at Area 51 in Nevada.
Without hesitation, he said: “And they’re not being hidden in… what’s it called? Area 51. There aren’t underground facilities — unless there’s a huge conspiracy and they’re hiding it from the President of the United States.”
With that remark, the former president dismissed the idea that during his administration he had knowledge of secret underground installations or concealed extraterrestrial specimens.
His reference to a possible “huge conspiracy” was widely interpreted as irony, though it continued to fuel public curiosity.
Jokes About His First Priority in the White House
The conversation also included a question about his arrival in office in 2009.
When asked what issue he wanted to resolve first upon becoming president, Obama replied with a smile, returning to the same topic: “Where are the extraterrestrials?”
The comment was received as a joke but reinforced the long-standing narrative that U.S. presidents have privileged access to classified information about unexplained phenomena.
Obama Clarifies His Position on the Existence of Extraterrestrials After the Interview
Following the widespread reaction to his remarks, Obama took to Instagram to clarify his position.
He explained that he saw no “evidence” that “extraterrestrials have made contact with us” during his presidency.
However, he added that he was making an assumption “because the universe is so vast that it’s likely there is life out there.”
With this clarification, the former president distinguished between the scientific probability of life elsewhere in the universe and the existence of concrete proof of contact with Earth.
The Origins of the Area 51 Mystery

Debates about extraterrestrials often include references to Area 51.
In 2013, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) declassified documents officially confirming the existence of the base, which had been created under President Dwight D. Eisenhower in the mid-1950s.
According to those documents, the installation was used to test the U-2 spy plane, designed to fly at high altitudes and over long distances.
Nevertheless, the prolonged secrecy surrounding the base for decades gave rise to numerous conspiracy theories, including claims that it houses extraterrestrial technology and classified information about UFOs.
You may also like: “Clown Show”: Obama Blasts Trump Over Racist Video on Truth Social
Obama’s recent remarks — though delivered in a light tone — once again placed these theories at the center of public debate, demonstrating that the mystery of life beyond Earth continues to spark global curiosity following the interview.
SOURCE: EFE
Related post