Trump orders federal probe into deaths, disappearances of 10 US scientists linked to sensitive research

Published on 19 April 2026 at 07:11

Published by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.

United States President Donald Trump has ordered a federal investigation into the deaths and unexplained disappearances of at least 10 American scientists and researchers connected to aerospace, defence, and unidentified aerial phenomena programmes, in a case that has raised concern within government and intelligence circles.

The White House confirmed that Trump was briefed earlier this week on the incidents, some of which date back to mid-2023, and has directed federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to conduct a coordinated review to determine whether the cases are linked or represent isolated events.

According to officials, the individuals involved include scientists and contractors who had access to sensitive research areas, including defence technologies and studies related to unidentified anomalous phenomena, commonly referred to as UAPs. The scope of their work has heightened attention due to national security implications.

Speaking on the development, Trump described the situation as serious, noting that several of those affected were “very important people” within critical scientific and defence-related fields. He added that the administration is seeking clarity on whether the incidents are connected or coincidental, and expressed hope that no coordinated pattern exists behind them.

The announcement follows growing concerns raised within the US Congress. A member of the House Oversight Committee, Eric Burlison, has publicly suggested that the incidents appear “too coincidental” to dismiss and has called for a comprehensive federal investigation into the matter.

Burlison argued that the scientists’ access to classified or sensitive information, particularly in relation to UAP research, could be relevant to understanding the circumstances surrounding their deaths and disappearances. He stressed that the nature of the cases requires urgent and transparent scrutiny.

Reports indicate that the incidents span different categories, including confirmed deaths under unclear circumstances, suspected homicides, and unexplained disappearances. While some cases have been documented publicly, others remain under limited disclosure due to ongoing investigations.

One of the individuals referenced is Michael David Hicks, a physicist affiliated with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, who specialised in the study of comets and asteroids. Hicks reportedly died in July 2023, although authorities did not publicly disclose detailed information regarding the cause of death.

Other reported cases include the killing of a nuclear physicist based in Massachusetts and the disappearance of multiple researchers and contractors associated with prominent US scientific institutions, including Los Alamos National Laboratory and NASA-linked facilities.

In at least one instance, a scientist who was reported missing in late 2025 was later discovered dead months after their disappearance, further intensifying questions about the circumstances surrounding the cases.

Burlison also referenced the disappearance of a senior US Air Force official who allegedly attempted to contact him regarding research connected to UAPs shortly before going missing earlier this year. The circumstances of that disappearance have not yet been publicly clarified by defence authorities.

Despite growing speculation in some political and public circles, US authorities have not confirmed any connection between the cases. Officials emphasise that investigations are ongoing and that no evidence currently supports claims of a coordinated or foreign-linked operation.

Some lawmakers have suggested potential involvement of foreign adversaries, including China, Russia, or Iran, although these assertions remain unverified and have not been substantiated by intelligence agencies or federal investigators.

The White House has sought to manage public concern by confirming that a “holistic review” of all reported incidents is underway. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that multiple agencies are collaborating to identify any possible links, patterns, or security vulnerabilities that may explain the series of events.

She emphasised that the administration is treating the matter with seriousness and sensitivity, adding that “no stone will be unturned” as investigators work to determine the facts. She also noted that updates would be provided as the review progresses.

The incidents have attracted significant attention due to the specialised nature of the individuals involved and the sensitive fields in which they operated. Many of the scientists were reportedly engaged in advanced research areas tied to national defence, aerospace development, and space observation technologies.

Security analysts note that scientists working in such domains often handle restricted or classified material, making any unexplained deaths or disappearances a matter of national security concern. This has contributed to heightened scrutiny from both lawmakers and intelligence oversight bodies.

At present, federal authorities have not issued any definitive conclusions regarding whether the cases are linked. Investigators are reportedly examining timelines, professional connections, and access levels to determine whether any common factors exist among the individuals involved.

The FBI and other agencies are expected to conduct interviews, review classified records where applicable, and coordinate with defence and aerospace institutions as part of the ongoing inquiry.

For now, officials maintain that the investigation remains in its early stages, with no confirmed evidence pointing to a single cause or pattern behind the incidents. The White House has urged the public to avoid speculation until formal findings are released.

The case continues to develop as federal agencies expand their review into what has become one of the most closely watched scientific and security-related investigations in recent years.

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