Bill Gates vs Elon Musk Philanthropy Feud Escalates Over Global Aid Cuts
The ongoing rivalry between tech giants Bill Gates and Elon Musk is once again making headlines. What started in 2022 as a quiet philosophical divide has now exploded into a public feud over global aid. In a recent Financial Times interview, Gates accused Musk of contributing to the downfall of vital humanitarian efforts.
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Gates Commits to Giving Away Almost All His Wealth
On Thursday, Bill Gates announced that he plans to donate nearly his entire fortune over the next 20 years through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
- Gates said his key priorities are to improve maternal and child health and combat infectious diseases and extreme poverty.
- These missions align with USAID programs, which have faced massive budget cuts under both Trump-era policies and decisions backed by Musk and his allies.
Gates Criticises Musk: ‘The World’s Richest Man Is Harming the World’s Poorest Children.
Speaking to the Financial Times, Gates strongly criticised Musk’s role in slashing life-saving aid:
It’s a troubling image when the wealthiest person in the world is seen as contributing to the hardship of the world’s most vulnerable children.
He pointed out that warehouse stockpiles of food and medicine have been cut, increasing the risk of HIV, polio, and other preventable diseases returning in vulnerable regions.
Gates also cited specific examples:
- In Gaza and Mozambique, Musk cancelled funding meant to stop mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
- Musk falsely claimed the aid was being used to promote condoms, a statement Gates strongly refuted.
Gates pointed out, ‘He should meet the children now living with HIV because those funds were cut.
So far, neither Musk nor DOGE has responded to Axios‘ request for comments on the matter.
Backstory: Bill Gates and Elon Musk Have Been at Odds Since 2022
The Bill Gates vs Elon Musk philanthropy feud began when Gates questioned Musk’s approach to charitable giving.
- According to Walter Isaacson’s 2023 biography, Elon Musk, Bill Gates made an effort to guide Elon Musk toward more meaningful philanthropic efforts.
- In 2024, Musk made history by becoming the first person to hit a $400 billion net worth.
- During their discussions, Musk allegedly told Gates:
“Most philanthropy is bullshit.”
Despite their differences, the Gates Foundation—founded 25 years ago by Gates and Melinda French Gates—has donated billions toward global health, education, and poverty relief. Its track record includes significant contributions to fighting HIV, malaria, and child mortality in developing nations.
Conclusion: Ideologies Clash on the Global Stage
The Bill Gates vs Elon Musk philanthropy feud goes far beyond personal egos. It reflects a deeper ideological split on how wealth should be used to serve humanity. As Gates continues to give away his fortune to fight disease and poverty, Musk’s focus on tech ventures and controversial budget cuts is raising questions about billionaire responsibility in a world that needs help more than ever.
