WASHINGTON — While returning to Washington on Air Force One, President Donald Trump was asked by a reporter about Elon Musk’s potential plans for budget cuts at the Pentagon. Trump’s reply may have left some scratching their heads, especially those who haven’t kept up with Musk’s recent posts on social media platform X.
Trump mentioned that Musk would need to check on Fort Knox, the famous location in Kentucky where the United States stores its gold reserves. His reasoning? “To make sure the gold is there,” Trump explained. Another reporter expressed confusion, asking where the gold might have gone. Trump replied, “If the gold isn’t there, we’re going to be very upset.”
Musk, known as the richest man in the world, was on the flight with Trump and has been discussing this matter on his social media account. He raised a question earlier in the week, asking, “Who is confirming that gold wasn’t stolen from Fort Knox? Maybe it’s there, maybe it’s not.” One user suggested a live stream of the inspection, to which Musk responded with enthusiasm.
During a discussion earlier that day, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was asked about these gold concerns by a Wisconsin talk show host. Bessent reassured the public, stating, “We do an audit every year. All the gold is present and accounted for.” The talk show host acknowledged the public’s worry and mentioned Musk’s intentions to verify the gold’s presence. Bessent even offered to organize an inspection for any interested senator.
