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Former President Barack Obama affirmed the possibility of extraterrestrial life in a recent interview, stating “They’re real, but I haven’t seen them.” The comments, made during a conversation with podcaster Brian Tyler Cohen, also included a dismissal of long-held conspiracy theories surrounding the secretive Area 51 facility in Nevada. The remarks sparked a flurry of online discussion, prompting Obama to elaborate on his views regarding the likelihood of alien visitation.

Speaking on Cohen’s “No Lie” podcast, Obama clarified that, while he believes the vastness of the universe makes the existence of life beyond Earth statistically probable, the distances involved make actual contact less likely. “Statistically, the universe is so vast that the odds are good there’s life out there,” Obama wrote in a follow-up Instagram post on February 15, 2026. “But the distances between solar systems are so great that the chances we’ve been visited by aliens is low, and I saw no evidence during my presidency that extraterrestrials have made contact with us. Really!”

The former president jokingly revealed that one of his first questions upon assuming office in 2009 was, “Where are the aliens?” This lighthearted admission underscores a long-standing public fascination with the possibility of life beyond Earth and the enduring mystery surrounding unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs).

Obama’s comments come amid increased public and governmental attention to UAPs. In September 2025, Air Force veteran Dylan Borland testified before the House Oversight and Government Reform Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets, describing encounters with triangular aircraft exhibiting unusual flight characteristics Newsweek reported. These testimonies have fueled calls for greater transparency regarding government investigations into UAPs.

Area 51 and the Persistence of Conspiracy Theories

Despite Obama’s denial, Area 51 continues to be a focal point for speculation about extraterrestrial activity. The highly classified Air Force facility has long been the subject of conspiracy theories alleging it houses recovered alien spacecraft and even living extraterrestrials. Obama explicitly stated that there is “no underground facility” at Area 51, unless a massive conspiracy has been successfully hidden from the highest levels of the U.S. Government.

The origins of the Area 51 mythology can be traced back to the Cold War, when the base was used for the development and testing of experimental aircraft, including the U-2 spy plane. The secrecy surrounding the base naturally led to speculation, which was further amplified by popular culture depictions of alien encounters. USA Today notes the cultural impact of films like “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” and “Invaders from Mars” in shaping public perceptions of extraterrestrial life.

Obama Also Criticizes Immigration Policies

Beyond the discussion of extraterrestrial life, Obama used the interview to voice strong criticism of current immigration policies. He specifically condemned the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis, alleging that they were operating “without clear guidelines” and employing tactics he described as “deeply troubling and dangerous.”

Obama drew parallels between the ICE operations and practices seen in “authoritarian countries and dictatorships,” citing reports of agents removing individuals from their homes and allegedly using a five-year-old child as “bait” to locate parents. He expressed concern over the apply of tear gas against crowds not actively engaged in criminal activity, characterizing such actions as a departure from traditional American practices. Time Magazine reported on these criticisms.

The former president’s comments reflect a growing debate over the tactics employed by ICE under the current administration and raise questions about the balance between border security and the protection of civil liberties. The Department of Homeland Security has not yet responded to requests for comment on Obama’s allegations.

As public interest in both extraterrestrial life and immigration policy remains high, Obama’s remarks are likely to continue to generate discussion and debate. The ongoing investigations into UAPs and the evolving landscape of immigration enforcement will undoubtedly remain key areas of focus in the coming months.

What do you think about Obama’s comments on the possibility of alien life? Share your thoughts in the comments below.