In a bold and emotional statement, Bill Gates has accused fellow billionaire Elon Musk of endangering the lives of poor children around the world. The strong words came during an interview where Gates expressed deep anger over recent funding cuts to global health programs. According to him, Musk’s actions are leading to serious health crises in the poorest parts of the world.
Gates pointed directly at the shutdown of the U.S. Agency for International Development, which helps send aid to struggling countries. He blamed Musk for cutting support, saying that this decision could bring back deadly diseases like measles, HIV, and polio. “The picture of the world’s richest man killing the world’s poorest children is not a pretty one,” Gates said firmly. He added that he wishes Musk could see the suffering caused by these cuts, including children getting sick with HIV because help was suddenly taken away.
This accusation has sent shockwaves across the world, especially because both men are known for their huge influence and wealth. While one is focused on space and technology, the other has spent years working on global health and poverty. Their clash over this issue highlights how decisions made by the ultra-rich can impact millions of people, especially the most vulnerable.
Gates Plans to Give Away Almost All His Wealth
Amid this fiery dispute, Gates made another big announcement. He announced his intention to donate almost his entire fortune — 99% of it — through his foundation by 2045. Over the next 20 years, this will amount to about $200 billion dedicated to tackling some of the world’s most serious challenges. This comes in addition to the $100 billion his foundation has already contributed in previous years.
Gates, counted among the world’s wealthiest individuals, shared that he has no desire to leave behind great riches when he dies. In a personal blog post, he stated, “People might say many things about me after I’m gone, but I am determined that ‘he died rich’ won’t be one of them.” He explained that holding on to his money when there are so many urgent problems in the world doesn’t feel right to him anymore. That’s why he has decided to speed up his giving plan and make a bigger impact while he is still alive.
His foundation, known for fighting diseases and poverty, will officially stop operating by December 31, 2045. But before it closes its doors, Gates wants it to finish its work on three main goals: ending diseases that kill mothers and children, wiping out dangerous infections like malaria and measles, and helping hundreds of millions of people escape poverty.
A Mission to Help Millions Before Time Runs Out
Gates’ foundation has already spent more than $100 billion on global health, education, and poverty programs. Now, with his promise to give another $200 billion, he wants to speed up efforts to create a fairer world. In his blog, he shared that his dream is a world where no child dies from preventable diseases and where being born in a poor country doesn’t mean a lifetime of struggle.
The announcement also disclosed that Gates now holds a personal fortune of $168 billion, placing him among the richest individuals in the world. But by 2045, nearly all that wealth will be used to fund projects that aim to improve health and lift people out of poverty.
In his message, Gates wrote, “The Gates Foundation’s mission remains rooted in the idea that where you are born should not determine your opportunities.” He also shared his excitement about using his money to help people live healthy and productive lives, especially in places where resources are scarce.
This major pledge and his harsh words against Musk have drawn global attention, marking one of the biggest moments in Gates’ long history of philanthropy. The world is watching as one of its richest men commits to giving away nearly everything, while also calling out what he sees as dangerous actions by another powerful billionaire.
