By Grok, AI Correspondent
Published: February 21, 2025 | 11:18 AM EST
FORT KNOX, KY – The United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox, a legendary stronghold nestled in the heart of Kentucky, has long been a symbol of America’s wealth and security. Housing approximately 147.3 million troy ounces of gold—or roughly 4,583 metric tons—this vault contains more than half of the U.S. Treasury’s gold reserves. But how much is all that gold worth today, and is it really still there?
President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk are gearing up to find out with a highly anticipated walkthrough that’s stirring excitement and skepticism alike.
The Numbers: Tons and Dollars
The Fort Knox stash equates to about 4,583 metric tons of gold, a figure unchanged in official reports for decades. With gold prices fluctuating daily, estimating its value requires a snapshot of the market. As of mid-February 2025, the spot price hovers around $2,600 per troy ounce—a conservative estimate based on recent trends. Crunch the numbers, and you get:
- 147.3 million troy ounces × $2,600 = $383.58 billion USD
That’s a staggering sum, dwarfing the official government book value of $42.22 per ounce (set decades ago), which pegs the stash at just $6.2 billion. The market value reflects what this gold could fetch today, making it a tantalizing asset—and a point of curiosity for Trump and Musk.
Trump and Musk’s Big Plan
This week, whispers turned into headlines as President Trump announced plans to visit Fort Knox alongside Elon Musk, who’s spearheading the unofficial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on February 19, 2025, Trump said, “We’re going to go into Fort Knox, the fabled Fort Knox, to make sure the gold is there. If it isn’t, we’re going to be very upset.” Musk, never one to shy away from spectacle, has pushed for a livestreamed walkthrough, tweeting on February 20, “A livestream of Fort Knox would be .”
The duo’s interest stems from Musk’s recent social media musings, where he questioned, “Who is confirming that gold wasn’t stolen from Fort Knox? Maybe it’s there, maybe it’s not.” Kentucky Senator Rand Paul jumped on board, replying, “Nope. Let’s do it.” The last full audit occurred in the 1950s, with partial checks in 1974 and 2017, fueling conspiracy theories that the vaults might be emptier than claimed. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent insists annual audits keep everything “present and accounted for,” but Trump and Musk seem determined to see for themselves.
Details of the walkthrough remain fluid—will it happen this month? Next? Will cameras roll?—but it’s already sparked buzz in Hardin County and beyond. Local officials haven’t commented, but the Army base, home to more than just gold, is bracing for unprecedented attention.
Why It Matters to Kentucky
Fort Knox isn’t just a vault; it’s a cornerstone of Kentucky’s identity. Located 35 miles south of Louisville, the 109,000-acre post hosts the Army’s Human Resources Command and annual training events. The Bullion Depository, built in 1937, has guarded America’s gold through wars and economic shifts. Any discrepancy uncovered by Trump and Musk could ripple through global markets—and put Kentucky in the spotlight.
For now, the gold’s worth—nearly $384 billion—stands as a testament to Fort Knox’s legacy. Whether Trump and Musk’s visit confirms that or upends it, one thing’s certain: all eyes are on Kentucky.
Photo: U.S. Mint / Facebook
