In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Bill Gates publicly criticized Elon Musk, accusing him of jeopardizing the health of vulnerable children worldwide. This accusation came on the heels of Gates announcing his plan to donate his remaining fortune to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation over the next two decades. Gates specifically referenced Musk's controversial decision to cut funding for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the government agency tasked with distributing foreign aid globally.
During the interview, Gates expressed deep concern over the implications of Musk's actions, particularly the closure of USAID by Musk's newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This move, which effectively shut down the agency in February, raised alarms regarding the potential resurgence of infectious diseases such as measles, HIV, and polio. Gates stated, “The picture of the world’s richest man killing the world’s poorest children is not a pretty one,” highlighting the stark consequences of funding cuts on global health.
Gates went on to challenge Musk directly, saying, “I’d love for him to go in and meet the children that have now been infected with HIV because he cut that money.” His remarks underline the critical role that foreign aid plays in combating diseases and improving health outcomes in impoverished regions.
In the same interview, Gates revealed his commitment to philanthropy by announcing his decision to transfer his remaining wealth to the Gates Foundation, coinciding with its 25th anniversary. He stated that he plans to donate this wealth over the next 20 years, emphasizing the urgency of addressing pressing global challenges. “People will say a lot of things about me when I die, but I am determined that 'he died rich' will not be one of them,” Gates wrote in a blog post accompanying the interview.
He elaborated on his vision, stating, “There are too many urgent problems to solve for me to hold onto resources that could be used to help people.” Gates has indicated that he expects the foundation, which he co-founded with his ex-wife Melinda Gates in 2000, to donate more than $200 billion in the next two decades, building on the over $100 billion already contributed.
Gates outlined the foundation's mission, which is rooted in the belief that one's birthplace should not dictate their opportunities. He expressed enthusiasm for the future, stating, “I am excited to see how our next chapter continues to move the world closer to a future where everyone everywhere has the chance to live a healthy and productive life.” With the foundation slated to cease operations by December 31, 2045, this accelerated giving strategy marks a significant shift in Gates' philanthropic approach.
As the debate continues over the role of billionaires in global health and philanthropy, Gates' remarks serve as a stark reminder of the impact that funding decisions can have on the lives of the most vulnerable populations.
