Bill Gates says Elon Musk's role in cutting US overseas aid is directly responsible for increasing infant mortality: 'The picture of the world's richest man killing the world's poorest children is not a pretty one'

Published: Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 6:21 pm

**Bill Gates Slams Elon Musk Over US Aid Cuts, Blaming Him for Increased Infant Mortality**

In a recent interview and accompanying blog post, Microsoft founder Bill Gates didn't mince words when discussing the impact of US foreign aid cuts, specifically targeting fellow billionaire Elon Musk. Gates, who plans to donate 99% of his $108 billion fortune by 2045 through the Gates Foundation, directly linked Musk's actions during the Trump administration to a rise in infant mortality.

Gates' primary focus for the Gates Foundation revolves around eradicating preventable diseases, eliminating infectious diseases like malaria and measles, and lifting millions out of poverty. He argues that cuts to foreign aid, particularly those influenced by Musk's role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), are directly harming these efforts. Gates highlighted the devastating consequences, stating, "The picture of the world's richest man killing the world's poorest children is not a pretty one."

Gates specifically referenced a situation involving a hospital in Gaza Province, Mozambique, where US funding was wrongly accused of supporting Hamas. He criticized Musk's misunderstanding of the situation and his dismissive attitude towards the US Agency for International Development (USAID), which Musk labeled a "criminal organization." Gates believes Musk's actions and rhetoric demonstrate a lack of understanding of the crucial work done by aid organizations.

This isn't the first time the two billionaires have clashed, with Musk previously criticizing Gates' philanthropic approach. Gates, drawing inspiration from Andrew Carnegie's "Gospel of Wealth," emphasizes the moral obligation of the wealthy to give back to society. The Gates Foundation has already invested around $100 billion in various projects and plans to spend an additional $200 million over the next two decades. Gates' goal is clear: to ensure he is remembered for his impact on the world, not for dying rich.

Keywords: Bill Gates, Elon Musk, US foreign aid, infant mortality, Gates Foundation, Trump administration, USAID, poverty, preventable diseases, infectious diseases, Gaza Province, Mozambique, philanthropic giving, Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), malaria, measles, eradicate poverty, Bill Gates philanthropy, Elon Musk criticism, aid cuts impact

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