After Independence Day, what would happen to Area51 folks?

Disregarding whatever the sequel says, what would realistically happen to the researchers of Area 51, and the Secretary of Defense following the events of Independence Day?

There will be a strong desire to not destroy lives any further, and Whitmore would have a lot of good will after taking on the aliens (and his character is not vengeful). But the American people, and the entire world, would be after do much blood. The immediate celebrations won't last very long, given how short the war was, and how little time there has been for grief.

When the question is asked "why was nothing done about this", "there's probably not a lot we could have done if we'd told you" will not satisfy very much...