In a recent interview with the New York Times, Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, expressed his disappointment with the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its cuts to funding for programs that help children in need. Gates specifically highlighted the reduction in funding to Gaza Province in Mozambique, which provides crucial resources to prevent the spread of HIV among infants. He criticized the decision-makers for their lack of geographical knowledge and emphasized the potential consequences of these cuts, predicting “millions of additional deaths of kids” as a result.
Gates also expressed surprise at the extent of the budget cuts implemented by the Trump administration through DOGE. He had expected a 20% reduction in funding for the U.S. Agency for International Development (U.S.A.I.D.), but the actual cut amounted to around 80%. This drastic reduction caught Gates off guard and raised concerns about the impact on global health and development initiatives.
The interview also touched on Gates’ strained relationship with Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Gates accused Musk of advocating for the cuts to U.S.A.I.D.’s budget, attributing the decision to Musk’s personal choices rather than genuine concern for humanitarian causes. Gates went as far as to suggest that Musk’s actions were contributing to the deaths of impoverished children around the world. In response, Musk dismissed Gates’ claims as lies in a social media post on X.
The animosity between Gates and Musk is not new, with previous incidents such as Gates placing a $500 million short bet against Tesla fueling the discord between the two tech moguls. In Elon Musk’s biography by Walter Isaacson, Gates recounted how Musk reacted harshly upon learning about the short bet, describing him as “super mean.” Despite their differences, Gates acknowledged Musk’s tendency to be harsh with others and suggested that his behavior should not be taken personally.
The ongoing feud between Bill Gates and Elon Musk highlights the complexities of philanthropy, business, and personal relationships in the tech industry. As these influential figures continue to clash over their approaches to social responsibility and financial investments, their interactions serve as a reminder of the challenges and controversies that can arise in the pursuit of global progress and innovation.