Trump calls for release of Amelia Earhart files, cites public interest in fate of missing aviator

President Donald Trump on Friday urged the declassification and release of any government records related to Amelia Earhart, the pioneering aviator who disappeared during a 1937 attempt to fly around the world.

"I have been asked by many people about the life and times of Amelia Earhart, such an interesting story, and would I consider declassifying and releasing everything about her, in particular, her last, fatal flight!" Trump wrote on Truth Social, the platform he uses to communicate with supporters. Earhart is celebrated for pioneering feats in aviation, including a solo transatlantic flight and other firsts.

"She was an Aviation Pioneer, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, and achieved many other Aviation firsts." Trump also noted. In the same message, he said: "Amelia made it almost three quarters around the World before she suddenly, and without notice, vanished, never to be seen again. Her disappearance, almost 90 years ago, has captivated millions. I am ordering my Administration to declassify and release all Government Records related to Amelia Earhart, her final trip, and everything else about her. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" The post carried Trump’s signature, adding urgency to his call.

Earhart disappeared in the South Pacific in 1937 while attempting to become the first woman to circumnavigate the world. The case has long persisted as a mystery, with various theories about a crash or survival in remote locations, but no conclusive evidence has emerged. The absence of a definitive trail has left historians and investigators pursuing archival clues for decades, and it remains unclear whether the United States government holds any classified files on the disappearance.

Friday’s post unfolds against a broader political backdrop in which presidents have periodically pressed for declassification. The move echoes earlier episodes when Trump urged the release of Epstein-related materials; the Justice Department reportedly resisted full disclosure. A tranche of Epstein files released last month included a crude drawing of a woman’s body that Trump is said to have drawn as Epstein’s birthday president. Trump has denied sending the drawing and has sued The Wall Street Journal over coverage of the matter.

Analysts cautioned that whether Earhart materials exist and are accessible would depend on what agencies held records and how they are classified. Archivists would need to balance public interest with national security and privacy concerns, and any decision would involve the National Archives and other agencies if records exist.

Officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the Earhart matter, and there was no immediate public confirmation about the existence of declassified files. The episode highlights ongoing debates over transparency and government secrecy in American politics.