Robert Kiyosaki, author of "Rich Dad Poor Dad," called on his followers in an August 15 post on X to consider how to respond to the growing federal debt, while also sharing ambitious forecasts for precious metals. His remarks came as investors analyzed inflation, fiscal policy, and the question of whether deficit assets can preserve purchasing power more effectively than cash.
Kiyosaki stated:
"U.S. DEBT SOON $40 TRILLION!! Question: What are you doing about it?"
According to data from the U.S. Treasury's "Debt to the Penny," the total outstanding public debt as of August 13 was approximately $39.93 trillion. This amount included about $32.20 trillion held by the public and $7.73 trillion in intragovernmental holdings, bringing the total about $65.18 billion short of the $40 trillion mark.
The well-known author added:
"My friends who are much smarter than me, like Jim Rickards, predict that silver will soon reach $200 per ounce and gold $10,000 per ounce. Of these two... I believe silver will be the best choice by August 2026."
Kiyosaki provided no chart or calculation to support either of these forecasts. Rickards' forecast of a $10,000 gold price assumed it would reach that level by the end of 2026, relying on central bank demand, constrained supply, and broader institutional investor buying.
Silver Becomes Kiyosaki's Preferred Choice for August
Kiyosaki named silver as his preferred choice of the two metals for August, even though the metal's price is currently significantly below the stated target. On August 15, silver was trading around $65.33 per ounce, roughly one-third of the $200 mark and below the $121 level reached on January 29. His forecast is a continuation of a stance voiced in December when he predicted silver could reach $200 by 2026, linking price increases to currency debasement and inflation risks.
The well-known author maintains his precious metals forecast despite sharp price fluctuations, viewing declines as opportunities to increase his positions. In July, he backed an optimistic outlook for gold and silver after both metals saw sharp corrections, while acknowledging that any sustained rally could be preceded by further volatility.
Gold price dynamics continue to depend on several opposing factors, including interest rates, currency fluctuations, geopolitical risks, and investor demand. The "Gold Demand Trends" report for Q2, published by the World Gold Council on July 30, outlined conditions that could support the metal, while noting that stronger economic growth, higher yields, or a stronger dollar could restrain its performance.
Debt Warning Reinforces Kiyosaki's Long-Standing Criticism of Cash
The growing federal debt remains central to Kiyosaki's criticism of public finances and traditional savings. In June, he questioned how high taxation coexists with growing debt, linking federal spending to his preference for gold, silver, and Bitcoin over assets directly tied to state-issued currency.
Inflation erodes the purchasing power of money and savings when prices rise faster than cash returns, although an increase in federal debt does not automatically lead to proportional consumer inflation. The overall price level reflects many factors, including monetary conditions, consumer demand, supply disruptions, wage growth, and expectations about future prices.
Kiyosaki emphasized:
"Those who save cash are the BIGGEST LOSERS!!!!"
Market Data Shows What's Needed for Forecasts to Materialize
To reach Rickards' $10,000 target, the gold price would need to more than double from current levels. On August 14, the metal's price was around $4,365 per ounce. In Q2, the average gold price was $4,506.29 per ounce, 37% higher than a year earlier, while central banks purchased 288.9 metric tons, and gold exchange-traded funds saw an outflow of 44.8 metric tons.
Silver faces a different supply-demand situation: investment demand is strengthening while industrial consumption declines. The Silver Institute's "World Silver Survey 2026," published on April 15, forecasts demand for coins and net bars to increase by 18% this year to 257.6 million ounces from 217.7 million ounces in 2025. Industrial demand is projected to decline by another 3%, with photovoltaic consumption dropping 19% to 151.0 million ounces.
Global silver supply in 2026 is expected to contract by 2%, with mine production remaining roughly flat after reaching 846.6 million ounces last year. The market deficit is still expected to be 46.3 million ounces, marking the sixth consecutive annual deficit. These conditions may provide price support but do not guarantee silver reaching $200.
