We have been monitoring economic issues under the Trump Administration to see if any possible significant changes to the monetary system might surface. Earlier this year we noted statements by various Trump Administration officials about "monetizing US assets" as part of the plan. Jim Rickards who we follow here has explained in various public interviews (and also in direct emails I have gotten from him) that there is a plan in progress to boost US asset values and lower the value of the US dollar (especially against the price of gold) to deal with the US trade deficit. He explains that the tariffs are also part of the plan to boost domestic US manufacturing (and jobs and wages). We said we would have to just wait and see how this unfolded over time.
The recent political fighting over funding the US government is not really what we monitor here. That is just the usual political gaming on both sides that does not result in any major changes to the monetary system. Expect that to continue no matter who is office.
As things are unfolding the Trump game plan may be starting to become clearer. I found this 20 minute video summary below of recent comments by Andy Schectman (a US gold dealer) that provides an overview of what the plan could be. It's based on events that have already happened (Genius Act and other proposed legislation) and also statements by various Trump officials and economist Judy Shelton. This video summarizes it very well, so I'll just post it here without further analysis.
The details of this plan as explained by Schectman agree with what Jim Rickards has talked about and forecasted for some time for the most part. So I would recommend this as what we should keep an eye on for 2026 in terms of some things that could impact the monetary system (although not radically change the system). It appears that cryptos, gold, and controlled US dollar devaluation could all be part of the plan to try and boost the domestic US economy and strengthen it's financial ratios going forward in relation to it's national debt. But there is still no indication that any plan exists to move off the fiat US dollar and return to any kind of actual gold standard.
Added note 11-18-2026: Speaking of Jim Rickards, here is his latest interview/update with a pretty in depth dive into various markets and geopolitical issues impacting markets. He also repeats something we have said here for some time. There is no indication the Trump Administration has any plans to revamp the monetary system and return to a gold standard. Instead, it appears the game plan is to boost the asset side of the US balance sheet and monetize it as much as possible along with various policies intended to lower the US debt to GDP ratio making it easier for the US to borrow money at lower interest rates. None of that involves a major overhaul of the current monetary system. Gold would just be one tool used to support the ability of the US to borrow money long term at lower rates.