Fort Knox, a legendary gold depository in Kentucky, has been under scrutiny over its gold reserves. In recent days, President Donald Trump announced that Elon Musk will inspect the facility to verify the presence of America’s gold holdings.
The US Bullion Depository at Fort Knox, established in 1937, stores approximately 147.3 million ounces of gold, accounting for about half of the Treasury’s stored gold. A routine audit is conducted annually to ensure the gold is present and accounted for.
The depository has been secure since its construction in 1936, using 16,000 cubic feet of granite, 4,200 cubic yards of concrete, and 750 tons of reinforcing steel. Only a few people know the procedures to open the vaults, making it nearly impenetrable.
While visitors are rare, a small number have been allowed access to the gold reserves over the years. In 1974, journalists and congressional delegates were granted permission to see the gold, and in 2017, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin visited with Kentucky officials. The current secretary, Scott Bessent, is open to arranging an inspection for interested senators.
Fort Knox has gained a place in popular culture, featuring prominently in Looney Tunes cartoons, James Bond films, and comedies like “Stripes.” Despite its reputation as being impenetrable, the facility remains secure, with a heavily guarded perimeter and strict access controls.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/fort-knox-gold-reserves-elon-musk-338bebb56885c142feaa0ff383c9ba37