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What Did the De Longe Email Really Prove?

The Podesta email explains how McCasland entered UFO-disclosure lore, but it records DeLonge's claims rather than proving secret knowledge.

On this page

  • What the 2016 email claimed
  • Why the email became a UFO anchor
  • What the email cannot verify
Preview for What Did the De Longe Email Really Prove?

Introduction

The most frequently cited public link between retired Air Force Major General William “Neil” McCasland and UFO-disclosure narratives is not a government document, a declassified report, or a sworn testimony. It is a leaked 2016 email from musician and UFO advocate Tom DeLonge to John Podesta, released through the WikiLeaks publication of Podesta’s emails. The message became influential because it appeared to place a former commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory inside DeLonge’s efforts to build a network of advisers around UFO disclosure. [wikileaks.org+2wikileaks.org]wikileaks.orgThe Podesta EmailsGeneral McCaslandView email; View source. General McCasland. From:t.delonge@me.com To: john.podesta@gmail.com Date: 2016-01-25 16:04 Subj…Published: January 25, 2016

De Longe Email illustration 1 The most quoted portion of the email described McCasland as someone who was “very aware” of what DeLonge was attempting to achieve. DeLonge further asserted that McCasland had helped assemble his advisory network and stated that the general had been “in charge” of the laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base that UFO lore associates with the alleged examination of Roswell debris. [wikileaks.org+2Reddit]wikileaks.orgThe Podesta EmailsGeneral McCaslandView email; View source. General McCasland. From:t.delonge@me.com To: john.podesta@gmail.com Date: 2016-01-25 16:04 Subj…Published: January 25, 2016

Several themes in the email attracted attention:

  • DeLonge portrayed McCasland as a significant behind-the-scenes figure.
  • He connected McCasland’s Air Force Research Laboratory leadership role to long-standing Roswell narratives.
  • He suggested that advice and planning related to disclosure were already occurring.
  • He implied that McCasland understood and supported at least some aspects of his broader UFO agenda. [wikileaks.org]wikileaks.orgThe Podesta EmailsGeneral McCaslandView email; View source. General McCasland. From:t.delonge@me.com To: john.podesta@gmail.com Date: 2016-01-25 16:04 Subj…Published: January 25, 2016

The email therefore appeared to offer a direct line between a senior retired Air Force officer and a civilian UFO-disclosure effort.

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Why the Email Became a UFO Anchor

The document emerged at a moment when DeLonge was transitioning from being known primarily as a musician to becoming a prominent public advocate for UFO disclosure. The WikiLeaks release exposed correspondence showing that he was communicating with Podesta, who had long expressed interest in greater transparency regarding UFO records. Major news organisations highlighted the unusual nature of those exchanges. [The Guardian+2rollingstone.com]theguardian.comblink 182 hillary clintons campaign chief ufos tom delonge john podestaThe GuardianBlink-182 singer contacted Hillary Clinton's campaign chief…Oct 11, 2016 — The latest WikiLeaks email dump contains notes…

McCasland’s biography amplified the impact of the email. He had commanded the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson, an installation deeply embedded in UFO folklore because of its historical association with Project Blue Book and decades of speculation about recovered materials. As a result, DeLonge’s references to Wright-Patterson resonated strongly with existing UFO narratives. [People.com]people.comretired air force general linked to ufo research goes missing 11918672Though his involvement remains unverified, he commanded facilities historically linked to UFO investigations, such as Wright-Patterson’s…

The email also appeared to provide a rare named connection between disclosure advocates and a retired senior officer with extensive experience in classified aerospace programmes. For many UFO researchers, that made it one of the most tangible public documents linking McCasland to the subject at all. The message has consequently been cited repeatedly in discussions of disclosure efforts, To The Stars-related projects, and later speculation surrounding McCasland’s disappearance. [Reddit+2The Independent]reddit.comTom Delonge's Advisor McCasland and disclosure theoryIn this email Delonge says of General McCasland: "Trust me, the advice is alre…

Importantly, the email’s influence came less from what it demonstrated conclusively than from the possibilities readers inferred from it.

De Longe Email illustration 2

What the Email Cannot Verify

The central limitation of the McCasland email is straightforward: it is evidence of DeLonge’s statements, not evidence that those statements were true.

The document confirms that DeLonge represented McCasland to Podesta as an important adviser and someone familiar with sensitive aerospace matters. It does not contain a response from McCasland endorsing those claims. Nor does it include supporting documentation, official records, technical evidence, or corroborating testimony establishing that McCasland possessed knowledge of extraterrestrial craft, reverse-engineering projects, or antigravity technology. [wikileaks.org]wikileaks.orgThe Podesta EmailsGeneral McCaslandView email; View source. General McCasland. From:t.delonge@me.com To: john.podesta@gmail.com Date: 2016-01-25 16:04 Subj…Published: January 25, 2016

Several specific claims often attributed to the email go beyond what the document actually proves:

  • It does not prove Roswell debris was stored at Wright-Patterson. DeLonge referenced a longstanding UFO claim, but the email provides no evidence for that claim itself. [wikileaks.org]wikileaks.orgThe Podesta EmailsGeneral McCaslandView email; View source. General McCasland. From:t.delonge@me.com To: john.podesta@gmail.com Date: 2016-01-25 16:04 Subj…Published: January 25, 2016
  • It does not prove McCasland managed a UFO programme. The email references his leadership of a laboratory, not leadership of a confirmed extraterrestrial-research effort. [wikileaks.org]wikileaks.orgThe Podesta EmailsGeneral McCaslandView email; View source. General McCasland. From:t.delonge@me.com To: john.podesta@gmail.com Date: 2016-01-25 16:04 Subj…Published: January 25, 2016
  • It does not prove McCasland disclosed classified information. No classified material appears in the released correspondence. [wikileaks.org]wikileaks.orgThe Podesta EmailsGeneral McCaslandView email; View source. General McCasland. From:t.delonge@me.com To: john.podesta@gmail.com Date: 2016-01-25 16:04 Subj…Published: January 25, 2016
  • It does not verify DeLonge’s interpretation of McCasland’s views. The email reflects DeLonge’s characterisation rather than a direct public statement from McCasland. [wikileaks.org]wikileaks.orgThe Podesta EmailsGeneral McCaslandView email; View source. General McCasland. From:t.delonge@me.com To: john.podesta@gmail.com Date: 2016-01-25 16:04 Subj…Published: January 25, 2016

This distinction is particularly important because later retellings sometimes transformed the email from a report of a conversation into supposed proof of hidden programmes. The original document does not support that stronger conclusion.

"Utterly Absurd to Downplay" Missing UFO General: Coulthart | William Neil McCasland

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The Skepticism Question

One overlooked detail in the broader discussion is that DeLonge’s own account suggested McCasland had described himself as a sceptic. Later reporting noted that DeLonge rejected that self-description, but the existence of the claim complicates portrayals of McCasland as an unquestioning believer in UFO theories. [Vanity Fair]vanityfair.comVanity Fair11 Scientists Are Dead or MissingIt Was Only a Matter of Time Before Conspiracy Theories Hit the White House.Over the past four years, the disappearances or deaths of 11…

This creates a tension often lost in simplified retellings. The leaked correspondence portrays McCasland as important to DeLonge’s efforts, yet the publicly available material does not show McCasland publicly advocating UFO-disclosure claims or confirming the interpretations that later grew around his name. The available evidence therefore supports a more restrained conclusion: he appears to have had some level of contact with DeLonge and his circle, but the nature and depth of his involvement remain only partially documented in public records. [wikileaks.org]wikileaks.orgThe Podesta EmailsGeneral McCaslandView email; View source. General McCasland. From:t.delonge@me.com To: john.podesta@gmail.com Date: 2016-01-25 16:04 Subj…Published: January 25, 2016

Ross Coulthart Q&A: General McCasland’s disappearance, flight MH370 and Jim Carrey | Reality Check

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What the Email Adds to the Classified-Secrets Narrative

Within the broader debate over alleged hidden aerospace technologies and the later speculation surrounding McCasland, the 2016 email occupies a narrow but influential role.

It establishes that DeLonge viewed McCasland as a valuable contact connected to advanced aerospace research and believed he was supportive of disclosure-related efforts. That is a real and documentable fact. What the email does not establish is the existence of secret UFO technology, antigravity systems, recovered extraterrestrial materials, or a motive for silencing anyone connected to such subjects. [wikileaks.org]wikileaks.orgThe Podesta EmailsGeneral McCaslandView email; View source. General McCasland. From:t.delonge@me.com To: john.podesta@gmail.com Date: 2016-01-25 16:04 Subj…Published: January 25, 2016

As a result, the email is best understood as a gateway document. It explains how McCasland entered UFO-disclosure lore and why his name later attracted extraordinary attention. Its evidentiary value is genuine but limited: it documents DeLonge’s claims about McCasland, not proof of the extraordinary propositions that many readers subsequently attached to them. [wikileaks.org+2The Guardian]wikileaks.orgThe Podesta EmailsGeneral McCaslandView email; View source. General McCasland. From:t.delonge@me.com To: john.podesta@gmail.com Date: 2016-01-25 16:04 Subj…Published: January 25, 2016

De Longe Email illustration 3

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Endnotes

  1. Source: wikileaks.org
    Title: The Podesta Emails
    Link: https://wikileaks.org/podesta-emails/emailid/3099
    Source snippet

    General McCaslandView email; View source. General McCasland. From:t.delonge@me.com To: john.podesta@gmail.com Date: 2016-01-25 16:04 Subj...

    Published: January 25, 2016

  2. Source: wikileaks.org
    Title: Wiki Leaks
    Link: https://wikileaks.org/podesta-emails/?count=200&date_from=&date_to=&mfrom=&mto=&nofrom=&notitle=&noto=&q=delonge%7C%22tom+delonge%22%7C%22blink182%22%7C%22blink%22%7CUFO&sort=6&title=
    Source snippet

    The Podesta EmailsSubject: Re: Invitation: DeLonge/Podesta Meeting @ Mon Jan 25, 2016 10:30am - 11:30am (neilmcc79@gmail.com)...

  3. Source: reddit.com
    Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/UFOs/comments/nwjkts/tom_delonges_advisor_mccasland_and_disclosure/
    Source snippet

    Tom Delonge's Advisor McCasland and disclosure theoryIn this email Delonge says of General McCasland: "Trust me, the advice is alre...

  4. Source: rollingstone.com
    Title: read tom delonges leaked email to hillary clinton campaign about ufos 103832
    Link: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/read-tom-delonges-leaked-email-to-hillary-clinton-campaign-about-ufos-103832/
    Source snippet

    Read Tom DeLonge's Leaked Email to Hillary Clinton...Oct 11, 2016 — Tom DeLonge sent two e-mails to Clinton campaign chair, John Podesta...

  5. Source: people.com
    Title: retired air force general linked to ufo research goes missing 11918672
    Link: https://people.com/retired-air-force-general-linked-to-ufo-research-goes-missing-11918672
    Source snippet

    Though his involvement remains unverified, he commanded facilities historically linked to UFO investigations, such as Wright-Patterson’s...

  6. Source: wikileaks.org
    Title: Wiki Leaks
    Link: https://wikileaks.org/podesta-emails/?q=delonge&sort=6
    Source snippet

    The Podesta EmailsSubject: Follow up note from Tom Delonge · 2015-07-20 01:44 · 2016-11-05... Subject: Fwd: Podesta/UFO · 20...

    Published: July 20, 2015

  7. Source: wikileaks.org
    Title: Wiki Leaks
    Link: https://wikileaks.org/podesta-emails/?count=50&date_from=&date_to=&mfrom=&mto=&nofrom=&notitle=&noto=&q=Tom+DeLonge&sort=6&title=
    Source snippet

    The Podesta EmailsTom DeLonge (29 results, viewing 1 to 50); Subject: Re: FLAG: MidA Finance Council Meeting; 2016-01-24 08...

    Published: January 24, 2016

  8. Source: wikileaks.org
    Title: Wiki Leaks
    Link: https://wikileaks.org/podesta-emails/?count=50&date_from=&date_to=&mfrom=&mto=&nofrom=&notitle=&noto=&q=delonge%7C%22tom+delany%22%7C%22blink182%22%7C%22blink%22%7CUFO&sort=6&title=
    Source snippet

    The Podesta Emailsdelonge|"tom delany"|"blink182"|"blink 182"|UFO (125 results, viewing 1 to 50); Subject: Mother Jones | UF...

  9. Source: wikileaks.org
    Title: Wiki Leaks
    Link: https://wikileaks.org/podesta-emails/?count=50&date_from=&date_to=&mfrom=&mto=&nofrom=&notitle=&noto=&q=tom+delonge&sort=1&title=
    Source snippet

    The Podesta Emailstom delonge (29 results, viewing 1 to 50); Subject: Materials for Mr. Podesta; 2016-01-25 05:27 · 2016-11...

    Published: January 25, 2016

  10. Source: wikileaks.org
    Link: https://wikileaks.org/podesta-emails/emailid/2635
    Source snippet

    From:susanmccw123@gmail.com To: john.podesta@gmail.com Date: 2016-01-24 23:44 Subject: Event...Read more...

    Published: January 24, 2016

  11. Source: wikileaks.org
    Title: Wiki Leaks
    Link: https://wikileaks.org/podesta-emails/emailid/2125
    Source snippet

    The Podesta EmailsHi John- Tom DeLonge here, The one who interviewed you for that special documentary not to long ago. Things...

  12. Source: wikileaks.org
    Link: https://wikileaks.org/podesta-emails/emailid/5078
    Source snippet

    DeLonge/Podesta Meeting @ Mon Jan 25, 2016 10:30amRe: Invitation: DeLonge/Podesta Meeting @ Mon Jan 25, 2016 10:30am - 11:30am (neilmcc79...

  13. Source: reddit.com
    Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/UFOs/comments/14k8hza/a_delonge_theory_on_why_disclosure_now_alien_wars/
    Source snippet

    The Techno-Fascist Scheme Behind UFO Disclosure. substack.Read more...

  14. Source: theguardian.com
    Title: blink 182 hillary clintons campaign chief ufos tom delonge john podesta
    Link: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/oct/11/blink-182-hillary-clintons-campaign-chief-ufos-tom-delonge-john-podesta
    Source snippet

    The GuardianBlink-182 singer contacted Hillary Clinton's campaign chief...Oct 11, 2016 — The latest WikiLeaks email dump contains notes...

  15. Source: vanityfair.com
    Link: https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2016/10/hillary-clinton-wikileaks
    Source snippet

    The leaked e-mails cast light on key issues, revealing strategic conversations about Clinton's perceived establishment ties, campaign str...

  16. Source: independent.co.uk
    Title: air force vet missing ufo b2938017
    Link: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/air-force-vet-missing-ufo-b2938017.html
    Source snippet

    Officials trying to discredit links between general's...13 Mar 2026 — William “Neil” McCasland have hit back at speculation linking his...

  17. Source: vanityfair.com
    Title: Vanity Fair11 Scientists Are Dead or Missing
    Link: https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/missing-scientists-conspiracy-theories-[white-house
    Source snippet

    It Was Only a Matter of Time Before Conspiracy Theories Hit the White House.Over the past four years, the disappearances or deaths of 11...

Additional References

  1. Source: facebook.com
    Link: https://www.facebook.com/NewsNationNow/posts/william-neil-mccasland-was-said-to-be-sympathetic-to-the-idea-of-bringing-the-pu/952196200520731/
    Source snippet

    William Neil McCasland was said to be sympathetic...William Neil McCasland was said to be sympathetic to the idea of bringing the public...

  2. Source: cbsnews.com
    Link: https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/roswell-et-among-topics-in-leaked-emails-from-blink-182-rocker-apollo-astronaut-to-clinton-adviser/
    Source snippet

    Podesta and DeLonge. But the San Diego-based rocker wasn't the only big name to contact Podesta on the subject of UFOs. An email dated Au...

  3. Source: facebook.com
    Link: https://www.facebook.com/AshleighBanfield/posts/leaked-emails-reveal-general-neil-mccaslands-pivotal-role-in-covert-uap-disclosu/1523296859158305/
    Source snippet

    Leaked emails reveal General Neil McCasland's pivotal...In those emails, DeLonge claimed he had been working with individuals connected...

  4. Source: facebook.com
    Title: this story exploded because william neil mccasland had the kind of career that i
    Link: https://www.facebook.com/cosmoknowledge/posts/this-story-exploded-because-william-neil-mccasland-had-the-kind-of-career-that-i/987504710267804/
    Source snippet

    Air Force general's disappearance sparks UFO theoriesIn 2016 WikiLeaks emails, musician Tom DeLonge told Hillary Clinton's campaign chair...

  5. Source: wsj.com
    Title: wikileaks reveals ufo messages in clinton campaign emails 1476123038
    Link: https://www.wsj.com/articles/wikileaks-reveals-ufo-messages-in-clinton-campaign-emails-1476123038?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqfoO-_rMC-g7LAb5HAU4a1UQwj_goL9Orwy29uoqqiHbmIeIG9koLCI&gaa_sig=oEaBrX1xHCwYVnp2HZGwfsdcKcSf6SsdVxzDHLgJOzWd4UC_xtGeij_6hctp4RwK1-EnHKpJ7-qNsCqDAgIGFw%3D%3D&gaa_ts=69d10bf9
    Source snippet

    WikiLeaks Reveals UFO ​Messages in Clinton Campaign...10 Oct 2016 — The former lead singer of the band Blink 182 was in recent contact w...

  6. Source: billboard.com
    Title: blink 182 tom delonge emailing hillary clinton adviser ufos 7534442
    Link: https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/blink-182-tom-delonge-emailing-hillary-clinton-adviser-ufos-7534442/
    Source snippet

    Blink-182's Tom DeLonge Has Been Emailing Hillary...10 Oct 2016 — Tom DeLonge had a number of reasons for leaving Blink-182 last year, b...

  7. Source: wbaltv.com
    Title: blink 182 rockers leaked emails to clinton talking about ufos
    Link: https://www.wbaltv.com/article/blink-182-rockers-leaked-emails-to-clinton-talking-about-ufos/5276840
    Source snippet

    Blink-182 Rocker's Leaked Emails to Clinton Talking About...Sep 5, 2017 — Hillary Clinton's campaign manager and former Blink 182 band m...

  8. Source: nbcmiami.com
    Title: former blink 182 delonge reached out to clinton camp to discuss aliens
    Link: https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/national-international/former-blink-182-delonge-reached-out-to-clinton-camp-to-discuss-aliens/1981031/
    Source snippet

    25, 2016, under the subject header "General McCasland" DeLonge reportedly writes he's been in contact with an...Read more...

  9. Source: coasttocoastam.com
    Title: former general linked to top secret ufo lab goes missing
    Link: https://www.coasttocoastam.com/article/former-general-linked-to-top-secret-ufo-lab-goes-missing/
    Source snippet

    Former General Linked to Top-Secret UFO Lab Goes Missing8 Mar 2026 — The author of those emails, Blink-182 guitarist and frontman Tom DeL...

  10. Source: vice.com
    Title: The Tom De Longe Wikileaks Conspiracy Goes Deeper
    Link: https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-tom-delonge-wikileaks-conspiracy-goes-deeper-than-we-thought/
    Source snippet

    The Tom DeLonge Wikileaks Conspiracy Goes Deeper...May 25, 2017 — Tom DeLonge is using the same Deep State connections he cultivated to...

    Published: May 25, 2017

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