Trump's Return to the White House Stirs Up Turmoil! Germany's 3,352 Tons of Gold Reserves Face Security Crisis Spark National Debate
As Trump's figure steps back into the White House, a secret game regarding gold is quietly unfolding on both sides of the Atlantic. As the world's second-largest holder of gold, Germany has one-third of its 3,352 tons of gold reserves lying in the underground vaults of the New York Fed. This special arrangement, which began during the Cold War, is now being thrust into the spotlight of public opinion due to severe geopolitical turbulence.
Collapse of Trust: From Cold War Legacy to Geopolitical Dilemma
The history of Germany's overseas gold reserves is a condensed history of modern international relations. The gold accumulated during the export boom of the 1950s and 1960s was sent to New York under the shadow of the Cold War, both as a strategic evasion of the Soviet threat and as a 'golden bond' to maintain the transatlantic military alliance. Although Germany withdrew 300 tons of gold from New York between 2014 and 2017, over a thousand tons still remain in foreign lands. After the Russia-Ukraine conflict reshaped the security landscape of Europe, this Cold War legacy has now become the 'Sword of Damocles' hanging over the German economy.
Storm Center: The Trump Effect Triggers a Crisis of Trust
Trump's Return to the Center of Power Has Completely Ignited Anxieties in German Society. This 'political maniac,' who has repeatedly criticized the Fed publicly, is now launching a sustained attack on Fed Chairman Powell. The German Taxpayers' Association was the first to 'strike out,' with Vice President Michael Jaeger bluntly stating: 'Trump is trying to control the Fed, and German gold could become a political bargaining chip at any moment!' CDU Member of the European Parliament Markus Feber further warned: 'The U.S. is no longer a reliable partner; who can guarantee that one day he won't 'creatively dispose' of foreign gold?'
Battle of Interests: The Path Home for Gold is Full of Uncertainty
In the face of overwhelming public opinion, the German government's response is thought-provoking. The German central bank insists it has 'full confidence in the New York Fed,' while the finance ministry kicks the ball back to the central bank, emphasizing its independence. Just last week, the European Central Bank expressed support for the Fed, but now it seems powerless. In this game, Germany's far-right party 'Alternative for Germany' unexpectedly emerges as the winner of public opinion. Lawmaker Peter Baringer reflects: 'Once dismissed as a conspiracy theorist, now Trump has made everyone see the truth.'
What Lies Ahead: Where Does Gold Security Go?
'Diversifying risk is key; we must not put all our eggs in too few baskets.' Feber's appeal reflects the direction of reform for Germany's gold reserves. Currently, Germany's gold is stored in Frankfurt, New York, and London, but as geopolitical risks escalate, this 'gold homecoming' movement is likely just beginning. The German central bank claims it has sampled 13% of the reserves in New York, but it is hard to quell public concern over gold security. As political storms swirl around the secrets of gold reserves, a major debate concerning national wealth security is reshaping the future of transatlantic relations.
