For decades, the question has lingered: “Is the gold there?” The legendary Fort Knox, home to the United States Bullion Depository, has once again captured the attention of the nation. U.S. President Donald Trump, along with public figures like Elon Musk and Senator Rand Paul, are demanding an audit to confirm the presence of the country’s gold reserves. As the debate surrounding Fort Knox and its gold deposits continues, it is important to understand the history and security of this iconic facility.
Fort Knox, located 56 kilometers south of Louisville, Kentucky, is a World War I-era military installation. Originally known as Camp Knox, it was established in 1918 and later became a permanent military base in the 1930s. The United States Bullion Depository, named after America’s first secretary of war Henry Knox, was built in 1936 to store the government’s growing gold reserves. During World War II, Fort Knox also served as a safeguard for important documents and valuable items of other governments, further solidifying its reputation as a secure facility.
Today, the depository holds 147.3 million ounces of gold, or 5,000 tons, which is half of the U.S. Treasury’s reserves. This is equivalent to approximately $428 billion at current market prices. The gold’s book value was set in the 1970s at $42.22 per ounce, making it a valuable asset for the country.
The security measures at Fort Knox are unparalleled. The building itself is a formidable fortress, constructed with 16,000 cubic feet of granite, 4,200 cubic yards of concrete, and 750 tons of reinforcing steel. The two-story vault has 21-inch-thick, concrete-reinforced steel walls, and the vault door weighs over 20 tons and requires 14 turns to open. The facility is guarded by the United States Mint Police and a large military force, with additional layers of protection such as razor wire and minefields.
The depository’s security has earned it the phrase “secure as Fort Knox,” and its reputation has been further solidified by the strict “no visitors, no exceptions” policy. Even former presidents have been denied access to the facility. However, in 1974 and 2017, rare exceptions were made for a group of journalists and members of Congress, and a delegation led by former Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, respectively. Prior to these visits, the only outsider to enter the vaults was President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Despite the strict security measures and reassurances from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about the gold’s presence and annual audits, doubts and speculation still persist. This has led to calls for a new public audit, with conservative radio host Glenn Beck even writing to President Trump to request a camera crew be allowed in to document and verify the reserves. While the majority of experts believe the gold is indeed present, some suggest that a full, independent audit, potentially even a livestreamed verification, could put any doubts to rest and reinforce trust in U.S. financial institutions.
In conclusion, Fort Knox and its gold reserves hold a significant place in American history and are a symbol of the country’s wealth and security. The facility’s legendary security measures and strict “no visitors” policy have only added to its intrigue. While the debate about the gold’s presence continues, it is important to remember the role Fort Knox plays in safeguarding the nation’s assets and the trust it instills in the American financial system.
