Trump Questions Fort Knox Gold with Musk Aboard Air Force One

WASHINGTON (AP) — During a flight back to Washington aboard Air Force One on Wednesday night, President Donald Trump raised eyebrows when he mentioned a potential investigation into the gold reserves at Fort Knox. Accompanied by Elon Musk, Trump was responding to a reporter’s inquiry about budget cuts at the Pentagon.

Trump’s statement might have puzzled those unaware of Musk’s recent discussions on social media. He indicated that Musk would be looking into Fort Knox, the U.S. facility known for its large gold reserves in Kentucky. “To make sure the gold is there,” Trump stated, adding that if “the gold isn’t there, we’re going to be very upset.”

Musk, the world’s richest man, has recently posted several times on X (formerly Twitter) about the gold’s status. One of his recent queries questioned if the gold had been stolen, sparking conversation among his followers. “Who is confirming that gold wasn’t stolen from Fort Knox?” Musk tweeted Monday. “Maybe it’s there, maybe it’s not.” Musk’s engagement in such discussions has not gone unnoticed by the media.

As questions swirled, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed the situation during a talk show appearance, assuring the public that the gold in Fort Knox is audited annually. “All the gold is present and accounted for,” Bessent stated, attempting to quell the speculation. “This is something that people are apparently very concerned about,” he added, referencing the heightened interest surrounding Musk’s statements.

Another reporter pressed Trump for clarity on where the gold would have gone, to which Trump reiterated, “If the gold isn’t there, we’re going to be very upset.” Musk’s social media engagement has been significant in shaping public discourse about this issue.

Bessent also noted he would facilitate an inspection at Fort Knox for any interested senators, should they want to verify the gold’s presence themselves. This offer underscores the current atmosphere of inquiry surrounding the nation’s gold reserves and security.

The interaction on Air Force One reflects a larger trend of conspiracy theories gaining traction in public conversations, often fueled by figures like Musk with substantial online followings. As questions linger regarding the validity of the gold reserves, policymakers continue to navigate the implications of such discussions publically.