Some online commenters have reacted with skepticism after former President Barack Obama sought to play down remarks about extraterrestrial life he made in an interview with political commentator Brian Tyler Cohen that sparked online attention.
Why It Matters
A 2021 Pew Research Center survey found that almost two-thirds (65 percent) of Americans say their best guess is that intelligent life exists on other planets.
What To Know
During a quick‑fire exchange with podcast host Cohen, Obama replied “They’re real” when asked about aliens, but immediately clarified he hadn’t seen any and dismissed claims that any were kept at Area 51, a classified facility in Nevada.
Area 51 has long fueled conspiracy theories, though declassified documents in 2013 detailed its role in aerial surveillance programs.
In a follow-up post on social media, Obama explained: “I was trying to stick with the spirit of the speed round, but since it’s gotten attention let me clarify.
“Statistically, the universe is so vast that the odds are good there’s life out there. 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!”
Newsweek reached out to Obama for comment on his update via the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama early Monday morning.
Not all seemed to be convinced by Obama’s clarification, however.
One Instagram commenter joked: “Did the aliens make you post this?!”
“Blink twice if the aliens made you say this,” quipped another.
“I choose to not believe you Mr. President,” added a different commenter.
Several skeptical comments also appeared on social media platform X.
“Notice how he admitted they exist but only denied the visitation,” wrote user @TobyAbrahams. “Read between the lines.”
“Notice he said ‘I saw no evidence during my presidency’… not ‘there is no evidence,’” said @Earth_Bound7. “Man is a diplomat even when talking about aliens. I’m reading between every line.”
A number of Reddit commenters also responded with skepticism toward Obama’s clarification.
“I was like ok. Then he threw that really on the end I’m like mmmmhmmmm,” one user wrote.
“I think he said exactly what he meant to say, the first time around,” said another.
What People Are Saying
Brian Tyler Cohen asked former President Barack Obama directly during the interview: “Are aliens real?”
Obama responded: “They’re real, but I haven’t seen them, and they’re not being kept in, what is it—”
Cohen interjected: “Area 51?”
“Area 51,” Obama said. “There’s no underground facility, unless there’s this enormous conspiracy, and they hid it from the president of the United States.”
What Happens Next
As Newsweek noted previously, the Pentagon’s All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office maintains it has uncovered no confirmed proof of extraterrestrial activity.