Kiyosaki warns of 1929-style crash, says Bitcoin and gold may shield investors

Robert Kiyosaki, the author of the widely-read Rich Dad Poor Dad, has raised alarm over what he claims could be a financial collapse rivalling the 1929 Great Depression.

In a series of tweets this week, he compared the current US economic trajectory to the lead-up to that infamous crash.

Citing unsustainable national debt and excessive money printing, Kiyosaki argues that the system is at breaking point.

His recommendation? Move away from traditional assets like stocks and retirement accounts, and instead consider gold, silver, and Bitcoin.

US debt and money printing raise systemic concerns

According to Kiyosaki, the root cause of the looming danger lies in America’s expanding fiscal imbalance.

He called the US “the world’s biggest debtor nation in history,” suggesting that continuous reliance on money printing to pay government obligations is accelerating systemic risks.

As of July 2025, the US national debt stands at over $35.8 trillion, increasing at a rate of roughly $1 trillion every 100 days.

Kiyosaki warned that such debt levels are unsustainable and that the broader public remains unaware of the implications.

He specifically cautioned those dependent on stock-heavy retirement accounts such as 401(k)s and IRAs, pointing out their vulnerability in a potential downturn.

Drawing parallels to the 1929 crash that wiped out millions of investors, he warned that history could repeat itself.

Institutional shifts underline bearish sentiment

Kiyosaki highlighted recent moves by veteran investors to support his outlook.

In particular, he pointed to Warren Buffett and Jim Rogers, both of whom have reportedly trimmed their equity and bond holdings in favour of more defensive positions.

According to data from Berkshire Hathaway’s latest 13F filing, Buffett has increased his cash holdings and reduced exposure to consumer and financial stocks.

Kiyosaki claimed that such decisions from prominent figures signal a broader retreat from traditional markets.

He argued that the so-called “smart money” is preparing for potential volatility, and everyday investors should take notice.

For his part, he is prioritising gold, silver, and Bitcoin as hedges against what he sees as impending market instability.

Bitcoin ETFs under fire for lacking direct ownership

While Bitcoin ETFs have gained traction globally, especially after the US approved several spot Bitcoin ETFs earlier this year, Kiyosaki remains sceptical.

In a separate tweet, he compared ETFs to having “a picture of a gun” instead of owning a real one.

He argued that direct ownership of assets like physical gold, silver, or self-custodied Bitcoin is a better safeguard during economic crises.

This viewpoint stands in contrast to recent institutional enthusiasm around digital asset ETFs, which have attracted billions of dollars in inflows since January.

Yet Kiyosaki maintains that paper-based exposure may be inadequate if the financial infrastructure itself falters.

Long-term focus on tangible value

Kiyosaki’s warnings come at a time when the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite have seen significant gains, driven by AI stocks and better-than-expected corporate earnings.

However, he is urging investors to shift focus from short-term profits to long-term asset preservation.

According to him, if the system breaks down, “real” assets like gold, silver, and Bitcoin will retain value, while stock portfolios could be decimated.

Although his predictions have sparked debate, especially among analysts who view his tone as overly dramatic, Kiyosaki’s message is gaining traction among retail investors concerned about inflation, debt ceilings, and macroeconomic volatility.

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