Elon Musk has found himself at the center of fierce criticism from Bill Gates, who recently slammed the tech mogul’s role in a government agency, accusing him of “killing” the world’s poorest children.
As Donald Trump’s administration marks its first 100 days since taking office on January 20, the political landscape both in the U.S. and globally has dramatically shifted.
With numerous executive orders and policy shifts shaking the status quo, it’s tough to pinpoint the most controversial move from the White House. However, Trump’s bold decision to appoint his billionaire ally, Elon Musk, as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) stands out. Musk’s task: trimming the federal workforce and slashing government spending.
But not everyone is pleased with Musk’s cost-cutting agenda. Bill Gates, the renowned philanthropist, has voiced his strong opposition, accusing Musk of putting the world’s most vulnerable children at risk through his austerity measures.
In recent months, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has slashed numerous departments and agencies, with a particular focus on foreign aid programs. The US Agency for International Development (USAID), a global leader in humanitarian aid, has been hit hard by these cuts. Musk’s February declaration that USAID was a “criminal organization” and should “die” has stirred up significant controversy. With nearly 10,000 employees, USAID contributed over $40 million in foreign aid in fiscal year 2023, but Musk believes the agency’s vast expenditures are a drain on federal resources. “It became apparent that it’s not an apple with a worm in it,” Musk explained at the time. “What we have is just a ball of worms. You’ve got to basically get rid of the whole thing.”
Bill Gates, however, has been a vocal critic of these drastic reductions, particularly in the realm of international growth and development. In an interview with The Financial Times, Gates condemned Musk’s actions, saying, “The picture of the world’s richest man killing the world’s poorest children is not a pretty one.” Gates warned that countries deprived of crucial aid could see a resurgence of diseases like measles, HIV, and polio, while vital medications and food supplies have been left to expire in warehouses due to the deep cuts.
One of Gates’ strongest criticisms centered on Musk’s decision to rescind funding for a Gaza hospital that helped prevent HIV transmission from mothers to their unborn children. Musk’s justification for the move was rooted in the belief that U.S. aid was inadvertently supporting Hamas, but Gates found this reasoning flawed. “I’d love for him to go in and meet the children that have now been infected with HIV because he cut that money,” Gates remarked, highlighting the real-world consequences of the policy shift.
This latest clash between Gates and Musk comes after a previous tense exchange between the two billionaires. Back in 2012, Musk joined the Giving Pledge, vowing to donate at least half of his fortune. However, he later disparaged the program, calling it “bulls***” during a conversation with Gates.
Meanwhile, Gates is doubling down on his commitment to philanthropy. Over the next several decades, he plans to spend nearly all of his wealth, ultimately dissolving the Gates Foundation in 2045. With a focus on global health, education, and development, Gates intends to invest $200 billion in efforts to combat disease through vaccines, improve maternal and child health, and find cures for HIV, underscoring his continued dedication to global well-being despite the contrasting views of his fellow billionaire.
Despite his ambitious plans, Gates admitted that his own efforts seem modest when compared to the staggering $44 billion deficit created by USAID’s cuts in just the past year alone.
However, in a letter outlining his long-term commitment to philanthropy, Gates made it clear that he is determined to leave a lasting legacy. “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,” he wrote. “There are too many urgent problems to solve.” His words underscore his dedication to tackling global challenges and using his wealth to drive meaningful change, even in the face of significant opposition from figures like Musk.
