Bill Gates Accuses Elon Musk of "Killing the World's Poorest Children"

Published: Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 4:01 pm

Gates vs. Musk: A Clash Over Aid to the World's Poorest Children

A new feud is brewing in the billionaire class, this time centered on the fate of the world's most vulnerable. Microsoft founder Bill Gates has publicly accused Elon Musk of "killing the world's poorest children" due to drastic cuts to the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

The crux of the issue lies in Musk's actions through his "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE), which effectively dismantled USAID in February. This involved freezing grants for foreign assistance and slashing the agency's workforce from 10,000 to under 300 employees. Gates claims these cuts have led to food and medicine rotting in warehouses and, more tragically, the closure of vital aid programs. He cited specific examples, including the shutdown of soup kitchens in Sudan and the cancellation of grants for a hospital in Mozambique that prevented HIV transmission from mothers to babies.

Gates, in interviews with the Financial Times and the New York Times, didn't mince words. He criticized Musk's lack of understanding of USAID's work and his limited charitable giving, highlighting the potential for increased childhood deaths due to the aid cuts. Gates estimates the cuts could reverse progress, potentially increasing childhood deaths from 5 million to 6 million in the coming years.

Musk's motivations for the cuts appear to be rooted in conspiracy theories and ideological opposition to the agency. He's accused USAID of everything from constructing a "Truman Show" reality to funding "DEI abroad." Critics also point out that USAID, while providing crucial aid, can also be an extension of US foreign policy.

Gates' comments come as he announces his plan to close the Gates Foundation by 2045, accelerating his philanthropic efforts.

BNN's Perspective: While it's easy to get caught up in the drama of billionaire squabbles, the core issue here is the potential impact on vulnerable populations. Regardless of the motivations behind the cuts, the consequences for those relying on aid are deeply concerning. A moderate perspective would suggest that while accountability and efficiency are important, cutting essential aid programs without a clear plan for mitigating the impact is irresponsible. A balanced approach would involve scrutinizing aid programs for effectiveness while ensuring that vital services continue to reach those who need them most.

Keywords: Bill Gates, Elon Musk, USAID, foreign aid, childhood deaths, DOGE, humanitarian crisis, Gates Foundation, philanthropy, aid cuts, Sudan, Mozambique, HIV, charitable giving, US foreign policy, international development, poverty, global health, humanitarian aid

Full Story