VINCE Podcast: “Trump to Drop the ALIEN FILES!” | Episode 230
Host: Vince Coglianese
Date: February 20, 2026
Episode Overview
Vince Coglianese dives into a whirlwind of current events—combining sharp conservative analysis with his trademark humor and energy. The main headline is President Trump’s announcement to declassify government files on UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomena. Vince explores the wider implications, referencing recent comments from Barack Obama and Lara Trump, and unpacks related controversies. He also covers major political battles over election integrity, aggressive new rhetoric from the left, and a disturbing Virginia crime story, all anchored by his view of American history and identity.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. American History, Resolve, and the "Appeal to Heaven" Flag (02:13–13:20)
- Vince reflects on a night at Hillsdale College, emphasizing the importance of remembering America’s foundations—George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, providence, and resilience in hard times.
- He discusses the “Appeal to Heaven” flag, its roots in the American Revolution, and the scandal when Justice Alito’s wife flew it.
- Stresses that America’s Christian, philosophical traditions are central and often misunderstood/misrepresented in modern politics.
- Quote (11:15): “At the end of everything, if you lose your government, if you have nowhere else to appeal, you can appeal to heaven above... You always have recourse.”
2. Trump’s Alien/UFO Disclosure Announcement (13:20–19:06)
- President Trump’s Truth Social post pledges to “begin the process of identifying and releasing government files related to alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena, and unidentified flying objects.”
- Vince threads how Obama reignited the topic in a recent podcast:
Barack Obama (13:20):
“Are aliens real?”
“They’re real, but I haven’t seen them. And they’re not being kept in what is it, Area 51... unless there’s this enormous conspiracy and they hid it from the President.” - Lara Trump hints that President Trump is preparing a speech about extraterrestrial findings. She speculates on the statistical likelihood of life elsewhere in the universe.
Lara Trump (15:56):
“It would be pretty wild to think that the only spot where there was any sort of life in the entire universe was here on Earth.” - Vince notes some listeners see this as a distraction, while others view it as potentially transformative—some suggesting the phenomenon could be “spiritual darkness” or demonic rather than literal aliens.
- Trump reportedly claims Obama revealed classified information with his public comments ("He gave classified information. He’s not supposed to be doing that." - Trump, 18:39), but says he might "declassify it” to resolve the issue. Trump (19:02): “If you want to make an announcement, I may get him out of trouble by declassifying.”
3. Public’s Reaction & Skepticism
- Vince examines the jaded American response, noting that previous government acknowledgments of bizarre phenomena didn’t trigger mass panic. Vince (19:40): “Don’t you feel like we’re at a point in our country where nothing shocks us anymore?”
4. Election Integrity & Virginia Court Victory (19:40–38:58)
Save America Act & Filibuster Tactics
- Trump is vocally pushing for the Save America Act on Truth Social; calls for using a talking filibuster if necessary (“Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” style). Vince (21:10): “This in no uncertain terms is now the bully pulpit being used on John Thune… telling Senator Thune, you’re doing this.”
Virginia Redistricting Lawsuit
- Democrats in Virginia are fast-tracking a redistricting referendum; Vince claims the aim is to flip representation from roughly even to a 10–1 Democratic advantage.
- A Tazewell County judge issues an injunction blocking the April 21 referendum, siding with the RNC/NRCC and local Republicans (“extraordinarily high likelihood of success on the merits”).
- Vince lauds the legal relief but warns it’s temporary—the fight may reach the Virginia Supreme Court, which he views skeptically. Vince (34:15): “The April 21st redistricting vote, for the moment, it’s on ice... this is not just Tazewell. This is for the whole state, the whole commonwealth of Virginia.”
5. Rising Aggression from the Left: Susan Rice’s Promises (38:58–43:47)
- Susan Rice, interviewed by Preet Bharara, says the next time Democrats regain power, there will be no forgiveness for law firms, corporations, universities, or media that “took a knee to Trump.” Susan Rice (39:47): “There will be an accountability agenda... They better preserve their documents. They better be ready for subpoenas. If they’ve done something wrong, they’ll be held accountable.”
- Vince interprets this as “open warfare” against conservative institutions, contrasting it with previous Democrat tendencies to cloak motivations in “defending democracy.”
6. “Soft-on-Crime” Horror Story: The Fairfax, Virginia Murder Case (48:08–51:29)
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A Soros-backed prosecutor, Steve Descano, strikes a plea allowing a premeditated murderer to avoid prison after killing a man (Greg Glier) in his bed—declared not guilty by reason of insanity.
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Vince, drawing on reporting from WUSA9 and reactions from the victim’s family, brands Descano and similar prosecutors as “crime enablers.”
Family Member (49:34): “Justice is not served today.”
Report (51:13): "Somebody who planned step by step a murder and who is backed up by the justice system."
7. Democratic Primaries in Texas & “Racism” Accusations (54:45–56:33)
- Rep. Jasmine Crockett accuses her own party of racism, claiming attack ads were darkening her skin in the primaries. Jasmine Crockett (55:29): “I know what this is... I woke up a black woman. I was born a black one. I know I'm a black woman. For everybody that didn't think, I didn't know.”
8. Epstein, Les Wexner, and Trump: Crockett’s Failed “Gotcha” (57:41–59:39)
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Rep. Crockett questions Les Wexner (Victoria’s Secret owner) about Trump’s supposed ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Wexner repeatedly denies any knowledge or evidence of Trump being close to Epstein or engaging in wrongdoing. Wexner (58:47): “I have no specific recollection. Never had a social or like, a drink or a cup of coffee, something that would put them together.” Wexner (59:39): “Nope.” (to allegations of Trump inappropriately involved with Epstein-associated people)
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The segment closes humorously with Wexner’s lawyer caught on a hot mic, whispering:
Lawyer (61:08): “I will kill you if you answer another question with more than five words.”
Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)
- Vince (11:15): “You always have recourse. You always have somewhere to appeal. And this thinking… is the very thinking that founded our country.”
- Barack Obama (13:20): “They’re real, but I haven’t seen them. And they’re not being kept in Area 51... unless there’s this enormous conspiracy.”
- Lara Trump (15:56): “It would be pretty wild to think that the only spot where there was any sort of life in the entire universe was here on Earth.”
- Donald Trump (18:39): “He gave classified information. He’s not supposed to be doing that.”
- Donald Trump (19:02): “If you want to make an announcement, I may get him out of trouble by declassifying.”
- Susan Rice (39:47): “There will be an accountability agenda... They better preserve their documents. They better be ready for subpoenas.”
- Family member (49:34): “Justice is not served today.”
- Jasmine Crockett (55:29): “I know what this is… I woke up a black woman. I was born a black one. I know I'm a black woman."
- Les Wexner (58:47): “Never had a social or like, a drink or a cup of coffee, something that would put them together.”
- Wexner's lawyer (61:08): "[whispering] I will kill you if you answer another question with more than five words."
Key Timestamps for Important Segments
- American History & "Appeal to Heaven": 02:13–13:20
- Trump Alien Files Announcement & White House Reactions: 13:20–19:06
- Trump Responds to Obama’s Alien Comments: 18:35–19:06
- America’s Shrug to UFOs: 19:40–19:59
- Election Integrity & Virginia Lawsuit: 19:40–38:58
- Susan Rice’s Interview: 38:58–43:47
- Fairfax County Murder/Insanity Plea: 48:08–51:29
- Texas Democratic Primary, Crockett’s Accusations: 54:45–56:33
- Wexner, Epstein, and Trump Q&A: 57:41–61:08
Episode Tone
Dynamic, urgent, combative, and affectionate towards audience. Vince blends historical perspective, frank analysis, and comedic asides in a conversational style, punctuated with direct quotations and chat interactions.
Summary
This episode is a ride through breaking headlines, institutional battles, and the culture war—with Trump’s UFO disclosure driving national intrigue, election integrity at the forefront, and the left’s new confrontational approach on display. Vince provides historical context, skepticism, and a call to action, rounding out with several colorful digressions, all while inviting listener participation and reactions.