Billionaire Bill Gates has taken aim at Elon Musk, criticizing him for pushing for significant budget cuts at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Gates accused Musk of potentially harming vulnerable populations, including the world’s poorest children.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Gates expressed concern that the proposed cuts would leave essential supplies, like food and medicine, to waste away unused. He mentioned that the previous administration’s efforts to slash USAID funding had contributed to the resurgence of diseases such as measles, HIV, and polio.
Gates remarked, “The images of the richest man harming the neediest children aren’t a pretty sight,” emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
This year, the Trump administration effectively dismantled the agency, transferring much of its responsibilities to the State Department.
Gates pointed out that Musk’s recommended cuts led to significant layoffs at USAID without a clear understanding of how the agency operates. The Microsoft co-founder has long collaborated with various foreign aid organizations through initiatives from the Gates Foundation.
Interestingly, the interview coincided with the announcement from billionaire philanthropists, including Gates, about their plans to allocate nearly all their resources over the next two decades to tackle pressing global health challenges, particularly focusing on HIV treatment and eradicating polio. Gates estimates that his foundation will invest over $200 billion in health, development, and education, planning to wind down operations afterwards.
“It provides us with clarity,” Gates stated. “We’re more focused on spending rather than striving for permanence as a foundation.”
Once regarded as the wealthiest person globally, Gates now prefers to keep a lower profile in that regard. He revealed that he intends to leave less than 1% of his wealth to his children.
In a letter outlining his philosophy, Gates shared, “When I pass away, I assure you people will have plenty to say about me, but I’m determined that being ‘rich’ is not one of them. There are simply too many critical issues that need attention.”
