President Donald Trump has directed the Federal Bureau of Investigation to lead an inquiry into a series of deaths and disappearances involving scientists tied to sensitive space and defense programs. The White House confirmed Friday that a broader multi-agency effort is now underway.
Leavitt said the decision followed what she described as “recent and legitimate
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration is “actively working” with the FBI and other agencies to determine whether there are any links between the cases. She said officials are attempting to identify “any potential commonalities that may exist” among individuals who have either gone missing or died in recent months, The Independent reported.
Leavitt said the decision followed what she described as “recent and legitimate questions about these troubling cases.” She added that “no stone would be unturned” as investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
The announcement came after questions were raised during a press briefing earlier in the week. A Fox News correspondent cited reports suggesting that as many as 10 individuals connected to space programs or nuclear research had either disappeared or died under varying conditions.
His wife told investigators he left home without his watch or mobile
At the time, Leavitt said that if the reports were accurate, the matter would warrant further review by the administration. The issue was also raised directly with Trump as he traveled to Las Vegas on Thursday.
Asked whether the cases could be connected, Trump said he had already discussed the matter with advisers. He described the situation as serious and said the administration intends to determine whether there is any pattern.
“I hope it is random, but we are going to know in the next week and a half,” Trump said. “Hopefully, coincidence… but some of them were very important people, and we are going to look at it.”
Speculation about possible links between the cases has circulated online in recent weeks, with some commentators suggesting foreign involvement. Those claims have not been confirmed by authorities.
One of the cases drawing attention is the disappearance of William McCasland, a retired Air Force general, reported missing in early March. The 68-year-old was last seen in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
BREAKING: President Trump vows to look into the 10 scientists who have gone missing or turned up dead:
"I hope it's random, but we're going to know in the next week and a half."
"I just left a meeting on that subject."
"Pretty serious stuff… Some of them were very important… pic.twitter.com/VMgeZyayXl
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 16, 2026
His wife told investigators he left home without his watch or mobile phone, prompting concern about his condition. The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office issued a Silver Alert, noting he suffers from a medical condition.
Before retiring in 2013, McCasland held senior leadership roles in military research. He oversaw the Air Force Research Laboratory and managed a multibillion-dollar science and technology program tied to national defense.
Another case that has drawn scrutiny is the disappearance of Monica Reza, who was last seen in June 2025. Reza worked at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory on advanced metallurgical projects with aerospace applications.
President Trump announces he just left a meeting briefing him on the investigation into the 10 scientists with access to classified information on UFOs, nuclear and aerospace who have gone missing or have been found dead. pic.twitter.com/pimZA2FCA9
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) April 16, 2026
She disappeared while on a hiking trip in California, and her case remains unsolved. Reports have suggested her disappearance may be one of several involving individuals connected to sensitive research fields.
Some former officials have publicly speculated about potential foreign intelligence activity targeting U.S. scientists. Those claims remain unverified and have not been confirmed by law enforcement agencies.
The FBI-led investigation is expected to examine each case individually while also looking for any broader patterns or connections. Officials have not said how long the inquiry will take or whether preliminary findings have emerged.
The White House said the goal is to determine whether the cases are isolated incidents or part of a larger issue. Authorities have emphasized that no conclusions have been reached as the investigation moves forward.
