Former President Donald Trump announced a historic inspection of Fort Knox, aiming to verify the nation’s gold reserves. In a video on X, he declared, “We’re gonna go into Fort Knox to make sure the gold is there.” This marks the first inspection of its kind in 82 years, sparking debate over transparency and political motives.

Fort Knox, established in 1937, holds 147.3 million ounces of gold, valued at $435 billion. Known for its secrecy, past inspections have been rare—most notably in 1974 and 2017—to dismiss rumors of missing gold.

Supporters view Trump’s move as a step toward government accountability, reassuring the public of financial security. Critics, however, argue it’s political theater, possibly aimed at shifting focus from other controversies or rallying his base.

Security concerns also arise. Fort Knox’s defenses are highly classified, and questions remain about who will participate, what will be made public, and how the gold’s authenticity will be verified.

Regardless of political perspectives, Trump’s announcement has reignited public interest in America’s gold reserves and the broader issue of government transparency.