Elon Musk is once again challenging the status quo, this time by questioning whether the gold reserves at Fort Knox are still intact. The billionaire entrepreneur is calling for a full audit, reviving long-standing concerns about government transparency and financial accountability.
Musk Sparks Public Debate on Fort Knox
Musk’s latest effort comes through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a government-backed initiative focused on reducing waste and increasing transparency. Despite its lighthearted acronym, DOGE is part of the Trump administration’s broader push for financial oversight.
Speculation intensified after Musk posted a South Park meme on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption:
“Looking for the gold at Fort Knox …”
The post quickly went viral, drawing millions of views and fueling public debate over whether the gold reserves remain untouched.
Lawmakers Demand Greater Transparency
Musk’s concerns have gained traction among politicians. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) revealed that he has been repeatedly denied access to Fort Knox, despite his position in Congress. His response to Musk’s post added further doubt about the state of the reserves.
Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) also voiced his support for an audit, stating in an interview with Fox Business:
“Some believe regular audits aren’t necessary, but I think transparency is always better. Gold still plays an implicit role in backing the dollar.”
Paul emphasized that institutions such as the IMF and World Bank continue to hold significant gold reserves, reinforcing its importance in global finance.
How Secure is Fort Knox?
Fort Knox is considered one of the most secure military installations in the world. Established in 1918 and named after Henry Knox, the first U.S. Secretary of War, the site spans 109,000 acres and houses the United States Bullion Depository.
Security measures include:
- A two-foot-thick steel and concrete vault door
- Armed military personnel guarding the premises
- Advanced electronic surveillance systems
Despite these safeguards, doubts persist. The last major audit of Fort Knox’s gold reserves took place between 1974 and 1986, inspecting only 97% of the reserves. A Freedom of Information Act request later revealed that seven key audit reports are missing, fueling further skepticism.
Musk’s Proposal for a Live-Streamed Audit
Musk has not just raised questions—he has proposed direct action. He suggested an unprecedented live-streamed walkthrough of Fort Knox to verify whether the gold is still there.
“Who is confirming that gold hasn’t been stolen? Maybe it’s there, maybe it’s not. That gold belongs to the American public, and we deserve to know the truth.”
While it remains unclear whether Musk’s push will lead to an official audit, public pressure is building. With support from lawmakers and increasing scrutiny, Fort Knox could soon face its most thorough review in decades.
