Bill Gates Criticizes Elon Musk's Foreign Aid Cuts, Pledges to Give Away $200 Billion by 2045

Bill Gates criticized Elon Musk's funding cuts to global health, accusing him of killing poor children. Gates announced he will give away 99% of his $200 billion fortune by 2045 and the Gates Foundation will cease operations by the end of 2045. He plans to donate $200 billion over the next two decades to eliminate preventable diseases and poverty.

Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and philanthropist, has publicly criticized Elon Musk's recent funding cuts to global health programs, accusing him of putting poor children's lives at risk. Gates made these remarks during an announcement that he will donate nearly his entire $200 billion fortune to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation by 2045. The foundation plans to cease operations by the end of 2045, with a focus on eliminating preventable diseases and poverty.

In a statement to Fortune, Gates expressed his concern over the impact of Musk's funding cuts to global health programs, stating that these cuts could lead to a resurgence of diseases like measles, HIV, and polio. Gates emphasized that the sudden cuts have caused life-saving medicines and food to go bad in stores, potentially causing widespread health crises in developing nations.

The Gates Foundation has already made significant strides in global health, with notable achievements including the near-eradication of polio and malaria, and a 90% reduction in deaths from tuberculosis and AIDS. With Gates' new pledge, the foundation aims to accelerate these efforts, focusing on ending preventable deaths of mothers and babies, protecting children from infectious diseases, and lifting millions out of poverty.

Gates' decision to donate his wealth to the foundation reflects a shift in his philanthropic strategy. Originally, the foundation was set to shut down 25 years after his death. However, with the support of the foundation's board, Gates has decided to expedite the foundation's timeline, aiming to complete its mission within 20 years. This acceleration is made possible by Gates' personal commitment to donate virtually all of his wealth to the foundation over the next two decades.

Gates' actions have received support from prominent figures in the philanthropic community. Warren Buffett, who has been the foundation's second-largest donor, praised Gates' decision, noting his dedication to using his resources to improve the lives of millions. The Gates Foundation has paid out $77.6 billion in grants since its inception, as of the end of 2023.

The Gates Foundation's new commitment to end preventable deaths, protect children from infectious diseases, and alleviate poverty marks a significant acceleration in the organization's work. With Gates' substantial financial backing, the foundation aims to make even greater strides in achieving its mission.

References:
[1] https://mynorthwest.com/local/bill-gates-wealth-gates-foundation/4085136
[2] https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/05/08/gates-foundation-commits-200-billion-2045-shutdown/83510794007/
[3] https://www.cryptopolitan.com/bill-gates-accuses-elon-musk-and-doge-usaid/