A former Pentagon official testified to Congress that the U.S. government has evidence that "we are not alone in the cosmos," but that a "cabal" of officials is hiding the information.

Ex-government and military officials testified in the latest congressional hearing on the mysterious phenomena, which have long fascinated the public.

President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary Pete Hegseth has railed against women in combat, voiced support for troops accused and in some instances, convicted of war crimes, and advocated for the firing of the military’s most senior officers accused of supporting so-called “woke” policies.

Pete Hegseth has none of the customary experience for running the Pentagon. Several Republicans said they were surprised by Trump’s choice.