The U.S. government claims to hold a staggering 8,133 metric tons of gold, with Fort Knox safeguarding roughly 147.3 million troy ounces—worth over $426 billion at today’s prices. Yet, the last full audit of Fort Knox occurred in 1953, and a partial inspection in 1974 left more questions than answers. Now, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), spearheaded by Elon Musk, is demanding a comprehensive audit of every single ounce. Is the gold really there, or is Fort Knox hiding a financial secret that could shake the global economy?

Why Fort Knox Needs a Full Audit

The last glimpse into Fort Knox’s vaults came in 1974, when a select group of journalists and lawmakers peeked at just 6% of the reserves. No bars were assayed for purity, no serial numbers were checked, and foreign gold stored at the facility wasn’t separated from U.S. holdings. This lack of transparency has fueled skepticism for decades, with critics calling it a “show-and-tell stunt” rather than a proper audit. The Department of the Treasury’s claim of annual vault seal checks does little to quell doubts, as these involve no physical verification.

Elon Musk, leading DOGE, has ignited a firestorm by questioning the absence of regular audits. Senator Rand Paul, a longtime advocate for transparency, backed Musk’s call, tweeting, “No audit since the ‘70s? Time to open the vaults!” Posts on X reflect surging public support, with 78% of polled users demanding a full inventory. Conspiracy theories abound, with some claiming the gold has been sold, leased, or replaced with tungsten-filled fakes.

The Economic and Global Stakes

The U.S. holds the world’s largest gold reserves, according to the World Gold Council, with Fort Knox housing nearly 60% of the Treasury’s 8,133 metric tons. A verified audit could solidify trust in the U.S. dollar and stabilize global markets. But if discrepancies are found—such as missing gold or counterfeit bars—the fallout could be catastrophic. Analysts predict gold prices could skyrocket past $3,500 per ounce, triggering panic among investors and central banks. The dollar’s credibility could take a hit, weakening America’s financial dominance.

Conducting a full audit is no small feat. Experts estimate it would require 18–24 months, a team of 20 specialists, and advanced equipment to weigh, scan, and assay each of the 368,000 gold bars. DOGE’s proposal to use blockchain technology for real-time tracking could revolutionize how reserves are monitored, ensuring transparency for future generations.

DOGE and Political Momentum

Musk’s DOGE initiative has galvanized bipartisan support. Senator Rand Paul and Representative Thomas Massie are pushing the Gold Reserve Transparency Act of 2025, mandating a full assay and inventory every five years. President Donald Trump has also endorsed the audit, declaring at a recent rally, “We’ll open Fort Knox and show the world our gold!” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, however, insists the reserves are secure, pointing to internal records. Critics argue these records lack independent verification, leaving room for doubt.

Public sentiment on X is electric, with hashtags like #AuditFortKnox and #DOGEGold trending. A recent poll showed 82% of Americans believe the government should regularly audit its gold reserves, reflecting widespread distrust in federal financial oversight.

What Lies Ahead?

As DOGE prepares to tackle this historic audit, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A successful verification could restore faith in America’s economic foundation, while any shortfall could unleash chaos in global markets. ClickUSANews will continue to track this unfolding story, from the logistics of the audit to its potential impact on gold prices and the U.S. dollar.

Is Fort Knox a fortress of wealth or a house of cards? Only a full audit will reveal the truth. Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for updates!