On Tuesday, David Gruesch, a former Air Force intelligence officer and whistleblower on unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), made serious allegations against the intelligence community. He claimed they are concealing billions in secret government expenditures from Congress, reiterating his requests for documents that he asserts are being withheld by federal officials.
During an event at the Capitol with members of the House Select Committee on Declassification of Federal Secrets, Gruesch stated that the investigation has revealed substantial “slush funds” being utilized each year for activities that bypass normal congressional oversight. “This is clearly an issue of fraud, waste, and abuse,” he commented, emphasizing the discovery of these funds during the investigation.
The allegations arise amid heightened efforts by lawmakers and the Trump administration to declassify records concerning unidentified aviation incidents. This includes the release of numerous previously classified documents and increasing pressure on relevant agencies to disclose their knowledge surrounding unexplained aviation occurrences.
Gruesch, who previously participated in the Pentagon’s UAP Task Force, first gained national attention when he testified to Congress in 2023 regarding the government’s alleged attempts to recover and analyze unidentified aircraft.
The fiscal year 2027 budget proposed by the Trump administration incorporates nearly $132 billion in military and intelligence spending, predominantly within classified programs that only a select group of officials and congressional members can access.
When asked about non-human intelligence, Gruesch suggested that the government knows of “several” different alien species. “This ranges from physical bipedal life to what I believe is more akin to sentient plasma life,” he remarked, though he didn’t provide further clarification or supporting evidence during the event.
Gruesch pointed fingers at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), claiming it is obstructing Congress’s oversight by not fully complying with lawmakers’ requests for documents. He has urged for further records to be released for review and declassification.
The Pentagon has consistently maintained that its investigations have not confirmed any evidence of extraterrestrial technology, and previous inquiries disputed claims of a secret crash recovery program.
During the press conference, a bipartisan group of lawmakers echoed Gruesch’s concerns about ongoing resistance from government agencies to disclose information regarding unidentified anomalous phenomena. Rep. Jared Moskowitz from Florida highlighted their frustrations, mentioning how their inquiries have been met with pushback. “The more questions we ask, the harder they push back,” he noted, pledging to include specific language in upcoming amendments and bills.
Rep. Eric Burlison, a Republican from Missouri, advocated for severe penalties for officials who knowingly hold back information from Congress. He emphasized the need for accountability amidst broader worries about the Pentagon’s handling of financial matters.
Despite failing audits for seven consecutive years, Gruesch pointed out that additional witnesses are hesitant to come forward due to fears of retaliation or legal consequences. Burlison urged President Trump to waive non-disclosure agreements for individuals with knowledge of the alleged UAP program, advocating for immunity for those willing to testify.
“We are extending immunity to all who have previously or will come forward,” Burlison said. Moreover, he highlighted ongoing requests for documents from government entities and defense contractors that remain classified despite recent disclosure initiatives.
His office has acquired MQ-9 footage of a UAP incident near Yemen, which he described as a “Tom Clancy-style dead drop.” Lawmakers noted that further disclosures could hinge on encouraging more witnesses to step up.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, the chair of the House select committee on this issue, indicated that discussions about immunity protections for those familiar with the suspected materials or advanced technologies related to UAPs are ongoing. This move aligns with lawmakers seeking more access to sensitive government information.
Recently, federal investigators raised issues related to a former CIA officer involved in a fraudulent scheme worth over $40 million, spotlighting the opaque nature of highly restricted government programs.
In recent weeks, the Trump administration has released large segments of formerly classified UAP records, including military reports and witness testimonies that had been concealed for a long time. Lawmakers and advocates for disclosure see these releases as steps toward greater transparency in UAP investigations, while stressing that a lot of information still remains confidential.
