As a design-build contractor who's spent years turning plans into reality on tight deadlines and budgets, I have always admired Donald Trump's no-nonsense, builder-like approach to politics. His emphasis on getting things done, being productive, and actually building—whether infrastructure, walls, or economic strength—always appealed to me as someone who values results over rhetoric. That's why I voted for him in both of his successful elections: I saw him as a businessman at heart, one who prioritized facts, efficiency, and the overall health of our nation. In a world full of polished politicians spouting platitudes, Trump seemed like the guy who would cut through the noise and deliver. But recent events have shaken that faith to its core, and I find myself questioning his motives for the first time.
The tipping point is Trump's announcement directing Pete Hegseth, his pick for Defense Secretary, to release classified files on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), what many casually refer to as UFOs or aliens. This move, touted as a bold step toward transparency, strikes me as a reckless miscalculation rooted in myth rather than reality. Let's be clear: there is no credible evidence supporting the idea of extraterrestrial visitors buzzing our skies. UAP sightings are real phenomena, often explained by drones, weather balloons, experimental aircraft, or even optical illusions, but jumping to "aliens" is a leap into conspiracy territory that ignores science and facts.
I supported Trump because I thought he was above this kind of sensationalism. Remember his first term? He talked a big game about draining the swamp and focusing on economic growth, border security, and American jobs. Even in his return to office, I held out hope that he would double down on practical policies to strengthen our country. Directing resources toward declassifying UAP files feels like a distraction at best and pandering to fringe elements at worst. Why now? Is this an attempt to rally a base that's increasingly drawn to outlandish theories? Or is it a sign that Trump's judgment is slipping, prioritizing spectacle over substance?
Don't get me wrong, transparency in government is important. If there were legitimate national security concerns tied to UAP, I would be all for investigating them rigorously. But the Pentagon and intelligence agencies have already released reports on this, concluding that most incidents have mundane explanations. Pushing for more releases without new evidence smells like political theater, designed to stir up excitement rather than inform the public. It is the kind of move that erodes trust in institutions and diverts attention from real issues like inflation, healthcare, and international relations.
This is not just about one announcement; it is about a pattern that's making me doubt Trump's core motives. Was his "all business" persona ever real, or was it a facade? As someone who once defended him against critics labeling him as erratic, I now find myself aligning with some of those concerns. My support is waning, and unless Trump refocuses on the facts and the health of our nation, I may have to look elsewhere for leadership that aligns with my values going forward.