Donald Trump spoke at least four times about his intention to audit U.S. gold reserves — during a meeting with French President Macron, onboard Air Force One with reporters, at a governors’ symposium, and at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference.

But that was all before February 26. After that — silence. And after April 6, Elon Musk went quiet too. While leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), he had planned to livestream an inspection of U.S. gold reserves.

Washington’s at it again: another round of “bone-crushing” sanctions against Russia is on the table, according to Reuters. Only this time, it’s not clear if Trump will bite. Maybe because even the old war dogs in D.C. are starting to realize: every Western sanction slapped on Russia has only made it stronger.