Harvard Professor with Controversial Alien Theories Picked to Lead New White House UFO Council

The White House has appointed Harvard University astrophysicist Avi Loeb to lead a newly created scientific advisory council tasked with investigating the national security risks posed by Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs); commonly known as UFOs. The appointment has immediately sparked debate within both the scientific community and UFO research circles because of Loeb’s controversial views on possible extraterrestrial technology.

The advisory council forms part of President Donald Trump’s broader initiative to increase government transparency surrounding UFO-related incidents. Loeb’s team will advise a newly established White House UAP Governance Board, which operates under the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and is responsible for reviewing unexplained aerial sightings that could have implications for U.S. national security.

Loeb is one of the world’s best-known astrophysicists, having previously served as chairman of Harvard’s astronomy department and published hundreds of scientific papers on black holes, galaxies and cosmology. However, he became a polarizing figure in recent years after proposing that the interstellar object ‘Oumuamua, which passed through the solar system in 2017, may have been artificial technology, possibly a “light sail” created by an extraterrestrial civilization. That theory drew widespread media attention but was strongly disputed by many astronomers, who argued the object was more likely a naturally occurring comet or icy body.

The White House says the new council will focus primarily on determining whether unexplained aerial objects represent threats from foreign governments, advanced technologies or other unidentified sources. Loeb has stressed that his investigation will begin with conventional explanations rather than assuming extraterrestrial origins. He described the work as a scientific “detective story” and said the goal is to gather reliable evidence before drawing conclusions.

The advisory team includes more than a dozen scientists, researchers and public figures. Among them are retired Rear Admiral Timothy Gallaudet, who has advocated greater government disclosure of UAP information, and entrepreneur Ben Lamm, whose technology ventures include projects aimed at reviving extinct species. During its first meeting, the group reportedly requested more than 50 videos, images and documents from the Pentagon related to previously reported UAP incidents.

Despite the administration’s emphasis on transparency, Loeb’s appointment has drawn criticism from several scientists. Steve Desch, an astrophysicist at Arizona State University, argued that Loeb has repeatedly promoted extraordinary claims without sufficient evidence and has bypassed the traditional peer-review process. Former Pentagon UAP investigator Sean Kirkpatrick also questioned Loeb’s suitability, saying he lacks experience in national security and warning that the composition of the advisory council could undermine its scientific credibility.

Loeb has rejected those criticisms, insisting that scientific progress depends on remaining open to new possibilities while following the evidence wherever it leads. He says the council will adopt a rigorous, data-driven approach, beginning with the assumption that unexplained objects are likely human-made unless compelling evidence suggests otherwise. He also pledged to keep the public informed through regular briefings and by publishing findings on a dedicated website.

The creation of the council comes amid growing public and congressional interest in UAPs following the release of several batches of declassified military footage and government documents. While some lawmakers continue to press for broader disclosure, Pentagon officials maintain that they have found no verified evidence that any investigated UAP incidents involve extraterrestrial technology.

Loeb’s appointment marks one of the most high-profile government efforts to examine unexplained aerial phenomena through a scientific lens. Whether the initiative strengthens confidence in official investigations or deepens divisions over how UFO claims should be evaluated is likely to depend on the evidence the council uncovers in the months ahead.