Recent calls for an audit of Fort Knox's gold reserves, untouched for over five decades, highlight a critical question: Why has this responsibility fallen seemingly solely on DOGE leader Elon Musk's shoulders? While Musk's involvement is commendable, it underscores a concerning lack of initiative from within the government itself. Where are the other 535 members of Congress, the numerous inspectors general, and the thousands of GAO employees tasked with oversight?

President Trump's campaign promise to address government inefficiencies and his subsequent enlistment of Musk to tackle these issues is a double-edged sword. While it speaks to a desire for action, it's disheartening that such reliance on an external figure seems necessary. A recent court decision denying a Democrat-led effort to block DOGE's access, citing a lack of proven harm, further emphasizes the organization's growing influence.

The image of Musk, his son, and President Trump in the Oval Office underscores the current dynamic. The public's faith in Musk's ability to verify the gold reserves, a seemingly straightforward task, reflects a broader sentiment regarding government transparency and accountability. This extends beyond gold to the trillions of dollars spent annually. While Musk's dedication is admirable, the question remains: why is he seemingly alone in this pursuit?

Musk's commitment, reportedly sleeping at the DOGE office near the White House, is praiseworthy, but the burden shouldn't fall solely on him. The resistance and criticism from some long-term members of Congress, like Senator Elizabeth Warren, who characterized Musk and Trump's efforts as destructive, are particularly troubling. These officials, who have overseen the growth of national debt and government inefficiencies, now appear to obstruct attempts at reform.

The ease with which Musk's team has uncovered numerous government issues raises serious concerns about prior oversight. This situation demands a call to action for those within the government. It's time to demonstrate their value by actively addressing waste, fraud, and abuse, and truly representing the interests of the American people. Otherwise, they risk facing the same scrutiny and potential displacement by DOGE that many now fear.

This article is based on the opinions of Carol Roth, author of "You Will Own Nothing."