In brief
Former President Donald Trump has declared his intention to declassify secret government documents about Amelia Earhart, who vanished while attempting to fly around the world in 1937. Earhart's disappearance has remained a topic of fascination, leading to various theories, including an accidental crash or potential capture. Trump stated the documents would encompass all records connected to Earhart and her final journey, aimed at uncovering the truth behind this enduring mystery. Interest in Earhart’s case continues even after her passing, with some researchers claiming they may have discovered her long-missing plane.
Donald Trump said he would order his administration to declassify secret government records related to the 1937 disappearance of the US aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart.
The story of Earhart, who vanished while flying over the Pacific Ocean, has captivated millions, the US president wrote on social media on Friday.
Earhart's disappearance during an attempt to circumnavigate the globe spawned numerous theories - from a simple crash due to fuel exhaustion to more elaborate claims of Japanese capture or US government espionage.
While some FBI files and Navy search reports have been declassified over the decades, some records have remained inaccessible, fuelling speculation about a cover-up.
Earhart disappeared during her attempt to fly around the globe, trying to reach Howland Island in the Pacific for refuelling. The official explanation is that she didn't find the island, lost communication and ran out of fuel, only to crash into the ocean. However, that explanation lacks evidence, as no debris has been found.
Trump remarked, She disappeared in the South Pacific while trying to become the first woman to fly around the World. Amelia made it almost three quarters around the World before she suddenly, and without notice, vanished, never to be seen again.
Theories surrounding her fate alternate between a crash-landing on Japanese Marshall Islands or surviving on Nikumaroro island and dying as a castaway. No conclusive evidence supports these claims, yet interest persists.
Trump confirmed that the declassified records will include all government records related to Amelia Earhart, her final trip, and everything else about her.
Pressure to uncover the mystery of her case continues, with some claiming they might have located Earhart's long-lost plane using sonar imaging technology.
