Louisville: Fort Knox, the United States Bullion Depository, has been storing America’s gold reserves since 1937, earning its reputation as one of the most secure locations in the world. Recently, former President Donald Trump stated that Elon Musk would be inspecting the depository to ensure the gold remains accounted for. This announcement has drawn responses from government officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who assured that regular audits confirm all the gold is present and accounted for.

Located 35 miles south of Louisville, Kentucky, Fort Knox spans 109,000 acres across three counties—Bullitt, Hardin, and Mead. Originally established as Camp Knox during World War I, the site became an artillery training center before being designated as a permanent military installation in 1932. The first shipment of gold arrived in 1937, guarded by the 1st Cavalry Regiment, marking the beginning of its role as the nation's primary bullion depository.

The U.S. Mint reports that Fort Knox currently holds 147.3 million ounces of gold, accounting for about half of the Treasury’s total stored reserves. While the gold’s book value is set at $42.22 per ounce, its market value is significantly higher. The Mint clarifies that gold has never been removed from Fort Knox, except for small samples used in periodic purity tests during scheduled audits.

The facility itself remains an impenetrable fortress, built in 1936 with 16,000 cubic feet of granite, 4,200 cubic yards of concrete, 750 tons of reinforcing steel, and 670 tons of structural steel. Few details about its security measures are publicly available, and no single individual knows all the procedures required to open the vault.

Fort Knox has broken its strict no-visitor policy only three times. In 1974, amid rumors that the gold had been removed, the U.S. Mint allowed journalists and a congressional delegation to inspect the vaults. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin visited in 2017 alongside Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin and congressional representatives. Current Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has stated that he would happily arrange an inspection for any senator who wishes to see the vaults.

The depository has also been woven into American pop culture, appearing in the 1964 James Bond film “Goldfinger”, the 1981 comedy “Stripes”, and even a 1952 Looney Tunes cartoon featuring Bugs Bunny and Yosemite Sam attempting to steal its gold.

As Fort Knox remains under scrutiny following Trump’s remarks, government officials maintain that the gold reserves remain fully intact, reinforcing the depository’s standing as one of the most secure and legendary institutions in the United States.

(With agency inputs)