President Donald Trump said federal investigators have found “not much of a connection” between the deaths and disappearances of multiple scientists tied to aerospace and nuclear research.
Reports of missing and deceased experts connected to U.S. defense and space programs have drawn scrutiny from lawmakers and government agencies in recent weeks. Trump previously described the cases as “pretty serious stuff” earlier this month.
What Trump Said
“So far, we’re finding that there’s not much of a connection,” Trump told reporters Thursday, adding that the government would continue its review. He noted that while 10 deaths represent a significant number, thousands of scientists work in these fields.
Trump explained that investigators had identified varying circumstances in each case. “Some of them that we looked at are very sad cases, in some cases, some were sick, some left this earth self-inflicted. Some had other things,” he said.
Congressional Investigation Launched
Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., announced Thursday that he would investigate the cases, stating that 13 American scientists tied to nuclear and space research have gone missing or died in recent months. “Every adversary on the planet celebrates each one we lose,” Burlison said on social media.
Burlison raised specific concerns about Matthew Sullivan, a 39-year-old Air Force intelligence officer who died of an accidental drug overdose in May 2024 shortly after agreeing to testify before Congress about government UFO activities. “I asked the FBI directly if they had opened an investigation into Matthew Sullivan’s suspicious death. They would not confirm or deny,” Burlison posted.
Pattern of Deaths and Disappearances
Since 2022, at least 13 people connected to aerospace and nuclear research have died or disappeared under varying circumstances. Several cases involved individuals working at facilities including NASA, the National Air and Space Intelligence Center, and Los Alamos National Laboratory.
The cases gained broader attention after retired Air Force Maj. Gen. William Neil McCasland went missing earlier this year. McCasland had directed the Air Force Research Laboratory and maintained ties to classified nuclear research programs.
Federal Response
The House Oversight Committee requested briefings from federal agencies regarding the deaths and disappearances of at least 11 researchers with connections to NASA and private aerospace companies including SpaceX and Blue Origin. Committee Chairman James Comer and Burlison sent letters to multiple officials requesting staff-level briefings by April 27.
The FBI and NASA have both initiated investigations into the incidents.