The CIA's Insane Gold Bars Scandal
THE CIA’S INSANE GOLD BARS SCANDAL. Here is the basic story, as alleged in an affidavit filed in federal court:
TL;DR
- David Rush allegedly lied about his degrees from Clemson University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute when applying to the CIA in 2009.
- Rush also allegedly lied about his military service, claiming to be a Navy test pilot when he was not, and later claimed to be a graduate of the Air Force Test Pilot School.
- Despite these alleged falsehoods, Rush was hired, received a Top Secret/Secure Compartmented Information clearance, and was promoted to the Senior Executive Service.
- He allegedly claimed 744 hours of military leave pay since his honorable discharge in February 2015, totaling approximately $77,000.
- Starting in November 2025, Rush allegedly requested and received significant amounts of foreign currency and tens of millions of dollars in gold bars from the CIA.
- An FBI search of Rush's home revealed approximately 303 gold bars (over $40 million) and $2 million in U.S. currency.
- The CIA's failure to detect Rush's alleged deceptions and the subsequent disbursement of funds and gold raises questions about the agency's security and oversight.
- The case has prompted investigations and concerns about national security due to Rush's high-level access.