Trump renewed his push for a physical inspection of Fort Knox after a former senior CIA official was charged with stealing more than 300 gold bars worth over $40 million from the federal government.
The charges have intensified scrutiny over how the US tracks and verifies its gold holdings. Fort Knox has not undergone an independent public audit since 1974.
CIA Official Charged With Stealing $40 Million in Gold Bars
David Rush, a former senior executive-level CIA employee with top-secret clearance, was arrested on May 19 and charged with criminal theft of public money, per federal court filings in Virginia.
Between November and March, Rush requested and received a significant quantity of gold bars and foreign currency for work-related expenses, according to an FBI affidavit. What he intended to do with those funds remains unclear.
Federal agents searched his home on May 18 and seized more than 300 gold bars valued at over $40 million, roughly $2 million in US currency, and 35 luxury watches. Authorities arrested him the following day.
The FBI, working with the CIA and the Department of Justice, determined there was probable cause to believe Rush had stolen and converted government property for personal use. His attorney declined to comment.
Investigators also found Rush had allegedly fabricated his professional background, including false claims of being a Navy pilot and holding degrees from two universities.
Trump Calls for Fort Knox Inspection
The arrest drew immediate political attention. Trump posted on Truth Social, linking the case to Fort Knox audit questions he has raised since early 2025.
Trump addressed the Fort Knox question in a May 10 interview, saying he still wants to verify the contents of the depository himself.
“I do want to go to Fort Knox sometime. I want to see if the gold is there, which I’m sure it will be.”
Fort Knox holds approximately 147 million ounces of gold, about 59% of the US official reserves, with an estimated value of around $700 billion. The reserve’s scale has amplified interest in tokenized gold crypto markets, which gained traction during gold’s 2026 rally.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has dismissed the concerns. He said that all gold is present and that the Treasury conducts annual internal audits. He has invited any member of Congress to visit and verify.
No authority has announced a formal inspection timeline. The Department of Government Efficiency, which previously floated the idea of an audit, has not followed up with a concrete plan.
