In a significant development for the UAP disclosure movement, former intelligence officer and UAP whistleblower David Grusch has officially joined the staff of Congressman Eric Burlison (R-MO) as a special adviser, placing him directly within the congressional investigation apparatus.
Grusch's New Role
Grusch confirmed in a statement to NewsNation that he will assist Representative Burlison and Congress in "holding accountable those who have broken the law." The position is initially set for a four-month period.
Representative Burlison elaborated on Grusch's role: "He's putting together a plan that we'll be able to execute and then work through my office, to get some more information out through the committee staff."
Burlison also confirmed that Grusch brings valuable connections of his own, including ties to the new Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard.
Background
David Grusch is a decorated former combat officer in Afghanistan and a veteran of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). He served as the NRO's representative to the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force from 2019-2021.
In June 2023, Grusch publicly claimed that unnamed officials informed him that the U.S. government maintains a highly secretive UFO recovery program and possesses "non-human" spacecraft. He testified under oath before the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability in July 2023.
Trump Briefed on UAPs
Grusch has stated that President Trump has been "fully briefed" on secret UAP programs and information. He suggested that Trump could become "an extremely consequential president" by revealing information on UAPs and any government programs dedicated to them.
Meeting with AARO
According to reporting by journalist Matt Laslo, Representative Burlison confirmed that Grusch and AARO have held meetings: "He and I met with AARO. And separately he and AARO had a long conversation." The specific content of those meetings has not been independently confirmed.
Significance
Grusch's move from whistleblower to congressional adviser represents an unprecedented development. He is now positioned to directly support legislative efforts to investigate the programs he originally exposed, with access to congressional subpoena power and committee resources.