Trump Joins Elon Musk In Targeting Fort Knox Gold—What We Know About Its $400 Billion Supply

Forbes - Feb 20th, 2025

Elon Musk and President Donald Trump have reignited debates about the U.S. gold reserves held at Fort Knox, with Trump expressing a desire to inspect the facility. This comes amidst historical skepticism about the actual quantity and ownership of gold stored there, a sentiment previously addressed in rare visits by government officials. The gold reserve at Fort Knox, holding 8,133 metric tons, is the largest in the world, accounting for nearly 4% of the global supply. Despite reassurances from past visitors and officials about its security, questions linger about the transparency of its management.

The renewed interest in the gold reserves coincides with a dramatic rise in gold prices, driven by concerns over government debt and inflation. This economic backdrop heightens the significance of the debate, as the U.S. government faces increased scrutiny over its financial practices and assets. The facility, historically secure and strategically located, has become a focal point in discussions about economic stability and governmental transparency, reflecting broader anxieties in the financial markets and among political figures about the nation's monetary policies.

Donald Trump Elon Musk Fort Knox U.S. Gold Reserves Financial Transparency Ron Paul Gold Prices Inflation Concerns

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RATING

5.4

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article presents an intriguing narrative involving high-profile figures and the mysterious nature of Fort Knox's gold reserves. While it effectively captures reader interest with its engaging subject matter and clear structure, the accuracy of some claims is questionable due to a lack of credible sourcing. The article could benefit from a more balanced presentation of perspectives and greater transparency in its reporting. Overall, it succeeds in addressing a topic of public interest but requires careful scrutiny of its claims to ensure reliability and credibility.

Accuracy

The article contains a mix of accurate and questionable claims. For example, it correctly states that the U.S. is the largest holder of gold reserves, with 8,133 metric tons, which aligns with data from the World Gold Council. However, the mention of Elon Musk leading a 'Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)' appears to be fictional and lacks credible evidence. Additionally, the claim about President Donald Trump planning to visit Fort Knox requires verification, as no such information is confirmed in reliable sources. The article accurately references past visits to Fort Knox by non-authorized personnel, but the context of skepticism about gold management lacks substantial evidence.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the perspectives of Elon Musk and Donald Trump regarding the Fort Knox gold reserves, which may skew the narrative towards their viewpoints. While it includes a quote from former Rep. Ron Paul, who has historically advocated for transparency in gold reserves, it lacks a broader range of perspectives from other experts or government officials. The inclusion of a critical quote from former Gov. Matt Bevin provides some balance, but overall, the article could benefit from more diverse viewpoints to present a more comprehensive picture.

Clarity

The article is generally well-structured and easy to follow, with a clear progression from the main claims to supporting facts and quotes. The language is straightforward, and the use of subheadings helps organize the content effectively. However, the introduction of fictional elements, such as the 'Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE),' may confuse readers and detract from the overall clarity. Ensuring that all claims are grounded in reality would enhance the article's clarity.

Source quality

The article references credible sources such as the World Gold Council for data on gold reserves, which enhances its reliability. However, it lacks direct attribution to primary sources or official statements regarding the claims about Elon Musk and President Trump. The absence of citations for some key assertions, like the existence of the 'Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE),' undermines the credibility of these claims. The article would benefit from more robust sourcing, especially for controversial or unusual claims.

Transparency

The article does not clearly disclose the basis for some of its claims, particularly those involving Elon Musk and President Trump. There is a lack of explanation regarding the methodology or sources used to verify these assertions. While it provides some historical context about Fort Knox, the article could improve transparency by detailing how information was gathered and corroborated, especially for claims that are not widely reported or supported by other sources.