JD Vance framing UFOs as "Demons" in podcast remarks

JD Vance describes UFO phenomena as 'Demons' rather than extraterrestrials

Vice President-elect JD Vance recently characterized Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs) as "demons," rejecting the common hypothesis that such sightings represent biological life from other planets. During an appearance on the "Shawn Ryan Show" podcast, Vance detailed a long-standing personal interest in the subject while framing the mystery through a theological lens.

Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump attend the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace on Feb. 19, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

A shift from biological extraterrestrials to supernatural origins

Vance explained that while he was once "obsessed" with the technical and conspiratorial aspects of UFOs, his perspective has shifted toward a supernatural explanation. He stated that he no longer believes the phenomena represent "little green men" or biological entities traveling from distant star systems. Instead, he described the occurrences as the work of "demons," suggesting that what the public perceives as high-tech craft may actually be spiritual in nature.

This interpretation aligns with a specific subset of UAP theories that view the phenomena as "interdimensional" or "non-human intelligences" that operate outside the laws of standard physics. By using the term "demons," Vance grounded his assessment in a traditional religious framework, though he did not provide specific evidence to support the theological classification during the podcast interview.

Vice President JD Vance speaks onstage at Engineering Design Services, Inc. on March 18, 2026, in Auburn Hills, Mich. (Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

Influence of government transparency and the UAP debate

The Vice President-elect’s comments come amid increased congressional scrutiny and public interest regarding what the Department of Defense officially terms Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena. Vance noted that his interest in the topic was heightened by the 2023 testimony of David Grusch, a former Air Force intelligence officer who alleged the U.S. government maintains a secret crash-retrieval program.

While Vance expressed skepticism regarding the extraterrestrial hypothesis, he maintained that the phenomena themselves are real and worthy of serious attention. He indicated that his "demon" theory serves as a more plausible explanation for the behavior and characteristics reported by military observers than the idea of physical visitors from another galaxy. The remarks highlight a distinct ideological approach to a topic that has transitioned from fringe conspiracy to active policy discussion in Washington.