Trump to declassify files over aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart

September 27, 2025

President Donald Trump has announced plans to declassify all government records related to the 1937 disappearance of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart, who vanished over the Pacific Ocean during her attempt to circumnavigate the globe. Despite numerous theories ranging from fuel exhaustion to Japanese capture, the mystery remains unsolved, with no physical evidence ever found to conclusively determine her fate. While some FBI files and Navy search reports have been released over the decades, many records have remained classified, fueling speculation about possible government cover-ups.

Who is affected

Aviation history researchers and historians
Amelia Earhart enthusiasts and those interested in her disappearance
The general public with interest in historical mysteries
Organizations involved in searching for Earhart's remains or aircraft

What action is being taken

President Trump is ordering his administration to declassify all government records related to Amelia Earhart
Researchers are currently using sonar imaging to map the ocean floor around Howland Island in search of Earhart's plane
Interest and investigation into Earhart's disappearance continues, with ongoing efforts to locate her aircraft wreckage

Why it matters

The mystery of Earhart's disappearance has "captivated millions" for over eight decades
Declassifying records could potentially resolve unanswered questions about one of aviation's greatest mysteries
The release might confirm or debunk various theories about her fate, from the official explanation of running out of fuel to theories about Japanese capture or landing on remote islands
Transparency regarding historical government records provides the public with access to information that has been restricted for decades

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC