Speaking on the Pomp Podcast on November 5, van Eck questioned whether the federal government could manage its growing financial obligations without causing wider economic problems. He argued that Washington now faces risks that differ from those behind previous financial crises.
“No one can bail us out,” he said while discussing the government's financial position. His concerns also extend to foreign investors, whose decisions influence demand for US government bonds.
Van Eck pointed to China's declining Treasury holdings as one example. According to US Treasury figures, mainland China held USD 590.7 billion in Treasury securities in August 2026. The amount represents a decline of more than half from the country's peak holdings in 2011.
However, Treasury data cannot identify the final owners of all securities because some investors hold American debt through accounts in other countries.
