Bill Gates Criticizes Elon Musk for Drastic Cuts in U.S. Foreign Aid; Announces Closure of His Foundation by 2045 After Distributing $200 Billion
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Musk Cuts International Aid, Gates Strikes Back
Bill Gates is not holding back. In an interview with the Financial Times, the former Microsoft CEO directly accuses Elon Musk of “killing the world’s poorest children.” This accusation stems from Musk’s severe cuts to USAID, the U.S. agency for international development. These cuts, orchestrated by the Department of Government Efficiency established by Musk, have caused what Gates describes as humanitarian chaos, particularly in Africa. Critical HIV treatments have been halted, vaccines have gone to waste in storage facilities, and children have suffered due to lack of medical care.
Elon Musk’s Questionable Geographic Knowledge Criticized
Gates points to the cancellation of a program in Mozambique aimed at preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Musk mistakenly believed the funds were being used to send condoms to Hamas in Gaza, confusing Mozambique with the Middle East. Musk has since admitted to this error. However, Gates expresses deep frustration: “I wish he would meet the children infected because of his decision.” The tech magnate criticizes Musk’s “ignorant” understanding of real-world health issues.
Gates Foundation to Close in 2045
Simultaneously, Bill Gates has announced plans to accelerate his charitable donations. He intends to give away 99% of his wealth by 2045, the year the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is set to close. This will amount to about $200 billion over the next 20 years, doubling the $100 billion given in the past 25 years. The foundation’s focus will remain on eradicating diseases like polio, combating malaria, and reducing child mortality. Its annual budget will reach $10 billion by 2026.
Philanthropy Versus Technological Capitalism
This latest conflict rekindles an ongoing rivalry. Gates and Musk have long disagreed on how best to use their fortunes. While Gates invests in philanthropy, Musk prefers to channel funds into technological solutions through his companies. Musk has dismissed philanthropy as “bullshit” and has even accused Gates of short-selling Tesla stock. The feud between the two billionaires, especially after Musk posted a mocking photomontage in 2022, has intensified.
Bill Gates Also Criticizes France
Beyond Musk, Gates is also critical of governments that are cutting their aid budgets, such as the United Kingdom and France. He urges nations not to forsake the most vulnerable populations, explaining that even the $200 billion from his foundation cannot fill the void left by the cessation of public funding. “Polio will not be eradicated without help from the United States.”