Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 5:32 PM PST Colonel Karl Nell, a pivotal figure in UAP advocacy known for his bold SALT conference statement on non-human intelligence, has resigned from the UAP Disclosure Fund’s Board of Directors, leaving questions about his current endeavors and legacy in the disclosure movement.
The UAP Disclosure Fund announced on March 4, 2025, that Colonel Karl E. Nell, a retired U.S. Army officer and influential advocate for transparency on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP), has stepped down from its Board of Directors. The nonprofit, dedicated to advancing government openness and supporting UAP whistleblowers, shared the news via an X post at 17:32 PST, stating, “We extend our sincere gratitude to Karl Nell for his service… His leadership has been invaluable, and we wish him the best as he pursues other endeavors.” While praising Nell’s impact, the statement offers no specific reason for his exit, fueling speculation as of March 5, 2025.
Nell’s current activities remain a mystery, consistent with his low profile since a May 2024 interview. The fund’s mention of “other endeavors” suggests he’s redirecting his efforts rather than stepping away from UAP issues. With over 30 years at firms like Lockheed Martin and ENSCO, and a military career ending as Army Director for the Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Task Force (UAPTF) until 2022, Nell’s expertise spans aerospace and intelligence. Analysts speculate he might be consulting on UAP technology for a defense contractor or launching an independent disclosure project, possibly in a classified capacity, though no evidence confirms this yet.
Nell’s push for UAP disclosure builds on his significant contributions. As UAPTF Army Director, he shaped UAP provisions in the National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAAs) of 2022 and 2023, engaging senior leaders to formalize government focus. He supervised whistleblower David Grusch, whom he described as “beyond reproach”—meaning impeccable and trustworthy beyond question—lending weight to Grusch’s 2023 testimony on covert UAP programs. At the SALT iConnections conference on May 21, 2024, Nell asserted, “Non-human intelligence exists. Non-human intelligence has been interacting with humanity. This interaction is not new, and it’s been ongoing, and unelected people in the government are aware of that,” claiming “zero doubt.” This statement elevated public discourse, framing disclosure as urgent.
His call for a “Manhattan Project” for UAP tech, voiced at the 2023 Sol Foundation symposium, reflects his strategic vision. The original Manhattan Project was a massive World War II effort, led by the U.S. with allies, to develop the first atomic bombs from 1942 to 1945, employing 130,000 people under General Leslie Groves and physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer. Nell’s reference suggests a similarly ambitious, coordinated program to reverse-engineer UAP craft, aiming for scientific breakthroughs by his 2030 timeline. His leadership of Project Convergence—a $107-million, multi-year Army initiative launched around 2020 to integrate sensors, shooters, and command systems across domains—demonstrates his capacity for such efforts, accelerating 32 top Army acquisitions and enhancing battlefield technology.
His exit follows a November 13, 2024, withdrawal from a House Oversight Committee hearing, amid the 2023 NDAA’s weakening of UAP Disclosure Act provisions like eminent domain. This may have clashed with Nell’s results-driven ethos—seen in commanding the Army’s newest military intelligence brigade—prompting a shift from the fund’s advocacy pace. Public reaction on X admires his SALT clarity while pondering his plans, despite the fund’s amicable tone. As the fund continues its work, Nell’s next move could redefine disclosure. Those intrigued by his vision can explore the fund’s updates or UAP policy developments to witness its evolution.
Sources
- UAP Disclosure Fund X Post – Official announcement of Nell’s resignation on March 4, 2025.
- SALT iConnections Conference Video – Nell’s famous statement on May 21, 2024 (update with exact URL).
- House Oversight Committee Hearing Announcement – Details the November 2024 UAP hearing Nell withdrew from.
- NDAA 2024 Text – Sections 1841-1843 outline the final UAP provisions.
- Sol Foundation Symposium Coverage – Nell’s 2030 timeline and Manhattan Project call from November 2023.
- Manhattan Project Overview – Historical context on the WWII effort.
- Project Convergence Article – Details on the $107-million Army initiative.
Ashes on Air 
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. Your voice is important to us, and we truly value your input. Whether you have a question, a suggestion, or simply want to share your perspective, we’re excited to hear from you. Let’s keep the conversation going and work together to make a positive impact on our community. Looking forward to your comments!