In a powerful clip by the Shawn Ryan Show, former Navy Chief and psychological operations (PsyOps) expert Chase Hughes shared his belief that much of what we see regarding the alien phenomenon today is part of psychological warfare.
“There’s six needs… Hughes explains regarding psychological manipulation, “Those six needs are significance, acceptance and approval. And the final three are intelligence, pity and strength. So I know instantly just by understanding you on this needs map, I know where your fears and your insecurities are, better than probably your therapist that’s been working with you for a year.”
Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!
What sounds like a psychological tactic is actually revealing something more profound about the war for the human mind. Hughes explains that perception is everything—how someone sees the world determines what they believe, value and even how they identify themselves. This kind of understanding, he warns, can be used for both good and evil.
“A cult recruiter could use this as easily as a PsyOp doing it on an entire group of people.” The term “PsyOp” refers to a psychological operation—something that can manipulate behavior on a mass scale.
Hughes draws attention to how quickly control can be established once perception is altered. “Every part of you goes away like one, two, three,” he says.
The conversation then shifts toward what may be one of the most powerful perception battles of all: the growing talk about UFOs and alien disclosure. “Let’s bring up alien[s]. Is that a PsyOp?” Ryan asks.
“When the New Jersey drones were happening, that was insane,” Hughes recalls. “And I put a video out on that and how we are in the middle of a PsyOp.”
Hughes warns that many of the so-called whistleblowers may not be revealing the truth but are merely repeating what they are told to say. “If you have someone that has talking points from the government, that’s a spokesperson, not a whistleblower,” he explains. “If I’m sitting here and I say, ‘Well, I can’t say this, but I can tell you this one thing’—that’s a controlled government release of information.”
Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!
Hughes’ conclusion echoes a sobering biblical truth: deception isn’t just political—it’s spiritual. What we see unfolding in media, government narratives and the fascination with UFOs may be modern forms of an ancient battle for the human mind.
As Jesus warned, “See to it that no one deceives you” (Matt. 24:4). In a world where perception itself is being weaponized, the only proper defense is spiritual discernment and a mind renewed by the truth of God’s Word.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.
