Why UFO Disclosure Won’t Come from the U.S. Government, And What That Means for the Rest of Us
The question of whether we are alone in the universe is no longer reserved for sci-fi enthusiasts. Increasingly, it’s a matter of public conversation, media reporting, and even congressional hearings. But despite growing interest and mounting evidence that something unknown may be operating in our skies, there is still no clear, official admission from U.S. authorities. According to attorney and lifelong UFO researcher Christopher Johnston, disclosure is coming—but not from the U.S. government. And if that’s true, it’s worth examining what that means for the public and how we interpret information about unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs).
Why U.S. leadership remains silent
Johnston, a trial attorney with a background in astrobiology and a founding member of the Hollywood Disclosure Alliance, believes that the structure and culture of the U.S. government make full disclosure unlikely. From his perspective, high-level secrets are often so compartmentalized that even the President may not have access. Longstanding control systems, such as military intelligence and private contractors, may be the ones holding on to the real answers.
Part of the issue is legal. If any materials or biological evidence were recovered from incidents like the Roswell crash in 1947, they may have quickly ended up in the hands of private entities. In that case, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests would not apply, leaving the public with little recourse. For example, businessman Robert Bigelow has been associated with private research into UAPs, further complicating government accountability. As Johnston points out, if such information is held by private actors, it’s effectively outside the reach of public inquiry.
Global examples show a different path
Other countries have taken a more transparent approach to aerial phenomena. Chile, for example, has publicly released much of its UAP-related data through its Committee for the Study of Anomalous Aerial Phenomena (CEFAA). This signals a stark contrast with U.S. practices, where investigations and findings often remain classified or delayed.
Chile’s openness serves as a model of what disclosure could look like if transparency were prioritized. Their strategy allows the public to participate in the conversation and fosters a sense of shared inquiry rather than secrecy. The U.S., by comparison, continues to treat UAP information as a national security matter, further fueling speculation and distrust.
The future of public knowledge
If not through Washington, then where will disclosure come from? Johnston suggests it will happen through undeniable public experiences—mass sightings, verified recordings, or foreign government releases that can no longer be ignored. In such scenarios, institutional silence becomes irrelevant. Once the public sees something for itself, official acknowledgment becomes less necessary.
This grassroots form of awareness may feel unorthodox, but it has the potential to empower individuals. It encourages personal investigation, collaboration, and the evaluation of multiple sources of information—skills that are just as important in legal practice as they are in global affairs.
Why it matters and how we respond
What makes this conversation relevant for us now is not just what’s in the sky, but what it tells us about the systems we rely on for truth. If major discoveries can be hidden, whether due to national security concerns or legal loopholes, then we must ask how that impacts other areas of public policy and accountability. Legal professionals, researchers, and engaged citizens all have a role in asking the right questions and holding institutions accountable—regardless of the topic.
At the Law Group of Iowa, we believe that asking difficult questions and following the evidence matters—whether it’s in a courtroom or in a broader conversation about public trust. If you’re looking for attorneys who approach issues creatively, rigorously, and with a commitment to transparency, we’re here to talk. Reach out today to learn how we think through the issues that affect us all.
