Rand Paul Reveals What He Found Inside Fort Knox

Sen. Rand Paul got a long-awaited look inside the U.S. Bullion Depository at Fort Knox on Monday, calling the massive federal gold reserve “impressive” before using the visit to sound the alarm over inflation and the declining value of the U.S. dollar.

The Kentucky Republican toured the facility before speaking with reporters at the Fort Knox Welcome & Visitors Center as part of a multi-city swing across the state that also includes stops in Shepherdsville, Taylorsville, Louisville, Brandenburg and Owensboro.

“For many years I’ve wanted to see the gold, so I went down and saw it, and it’s impressive,” Paul said. “What I would say is how does it relate to something important right now?”

Rand Paul argued the nation’s gold holdings underscore what he sees as a bigger economic problem: the country’s departure from the gold standard and the weakening purchasing power of the dollar.

“We separated our dollars from gold, and now our dollars’ just paper, and that paper becomes worth less and less,” Paul explained. “Since 1971, 85% of the dollar has lost its value, so prices are 85% higher. The problem is if your wages don’t go up as fast. I think a lot of people are noticing it.”

He added that “the Federal Reserve buys your debt by printing more paper money, and that paper money, as it’s printed, devalues what’s in your pocket.”

Paul also addressed Kentucky’s growing debate over data centers after Gov. Andy Beshear issued an executive order requiring developers to submit energy plans showing how projects would avoid driving up electricity costs for families and businesses.

Senator Rand Paul Reveals What He Found After Going Underground Inside Fort Knox to Inspect America’s Gold | Cristina Laila, The Gateway Pundit

Senator Rand Paul (KY) went to Fort Knox in northern Kentucky on Monday to inspect America’s gold.

According to the US Mint, the last… pic.twitter.com/b8OO8RaE2J

— Owen Gregorian (@OwenGregorian) August 12, 2026

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Rather than having the state or federal government dictate where facilities can be built, Paul said those decisions should rest with local officials.

“I don’t think the federal government should regulate where data centers are placed or built, nor do I think the governor should,” Paul said. “Each county should make this decision at the most local level. Why? Every county is different.”

He said some communities may not want the additional development because of their existing tax base, while others could welcome the economic opportunity.

“We shouldn’t tell them they have to (have data centers) nor should we tell them they can’t,” he said.

The senator also offered an update on fellow Kentucky Republican Mitch McConnell, who has been recovering after suffering a fall and pneumonia in June.

“I think we all wish him well, whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat. He’s a human being,” Paul said. “We’re hoping he’s doing well, and we hope he gets back to voting soon.”

Paul said he would be surprised if McConnell is not back in Washington when the Senate returns in September.

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