The CIA’s Insane Gold Bars Scandal David Rush, a CIA employee, allegedly falsified his educational background, military service, and professional experience to secure employment and promotions, including access to top-secret clearances. He also reportedly claimed thousands of hours of military leave pay after his discharge, accumulating significant compensation. Astonishingly, Rush then allegedly requested and received millions of dollars in foreign currency and gold bars from the CIA for unspecified work-related expenses.

• 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.