Bill Gates Accuses Elon Musk of Harming World's Poorest Children
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Politics
May 9, 2025 15:35
amsterdam - Bill Gates criticizes Elon Musk for cuts in US development aid, raising concerns about impact on life-saving medicines. Conflict between billionaires intensifies.
Bill Gates Accuses Elon Musk of Harming World's Poorest Children
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has accused tech entrepreneur Elon Musk of endangering the world's poorest children by cutting US development aid. The conflict between the two billionaires has escalated.
Background
Gates, in an interview with The Financial Times, discussed his plan to donate the majority of his wealth to charity by 2045, totaling around 178 billion euros through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Elon Musk's Role
Since Donald Trump's return, Musk has taken on a role in the US government overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency, leading to reductions in development aid, which Gates strongly opposes.
Sharp Criticism
Gates criticized Musk's abrupt aid cuts, warning of the consequences on essential medicines like those for measles, HIV, and polio, potentially leading to increased diseases. Musk responded calling Gates a 'big liar'.
History of Disagreements
This clash is not the first between Gates and Musk, with previous disputes on topics like COVID-19, stocks, and climate change. Musk has shifted his views on philanthropy, once supporting Gates' charity campaign but later dismissing it.
Continued Tensions
Recent conflicts include Musk's controversial COVID-19 comments and Gates short-selling Tesla stocks in 2022, leading to a heated exchange between the two billionaires.
Uncertain Future
Despite their wealth, the future of their relationship remains uncertain. Both Gates and Musk have vast resources, indicating this feud may not impact them significantly.