Preliminary Administration Guidance
On August 1, 2026, Representative Eric Burlison released preliminary implementation guidance provided by the administration concerning President Donald Trump's UAP nondisclosure-agreement directive. The attached memorandum, ES 2026-00818, was signed July 31 by Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence Aaron Lukas.12
The memorandum addresses release of UAP information to the Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters for review and possible declassification. It says current and former government employees and contractors have prior nondisclosure agreements, oaths, or commitments waived only when speaking with authorized AARO or PURSUE representatives.2
Implementation Status and Limits
The memorandum directs Intelligence Community elements to establish PURSUE designees within 30 days and says detailed reporting procedures will follow. Its text does not grant blanket authority for public disclosure, legal immunity, or specific retaliation remedies.2
Existing AARO Reporting Law
Separate federal law enacted in 2022 requires a secure AARO mechanism for authorized reports about UAP events and government or contractor UAP programs. An authorized disclosure made through that mechanism is not subject to the individual's nondisclosure agreement, and the statute prohibits specified personnel reprisals for such a disclosure.3 AARO's current guidance limits its web form to unclassified initial contact and directs classified information to an appropriate secure location arranged with AARO personnel.4