Bill Gates' McDonald's Gold Card Sparks Backlash

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, holds a McDonald's Gold Card, granting him lifetime free meals at any McDonald's location worldwide. The card, which dates back to the 1980s or 1990s, was signed by former McDonald's CEO Michael R. Quinlan and has been a subject of controversy, with many questioning why a billionaire needs a discount on fries. Despite this, Gates rarely uses the card, preferring to buy his own food.

Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, has made significant strides in philanthropy, particularly in the realm of global health. In a recent announcement, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation committed $2.5 billion over the next five years to fund women's health research and development [1]. This substantial investment aims to improve health outcomes for the majority of women living in low- and middle-income countries.

The foundation, which was established in 2000, has a long-standing commitment to global health and development. The latest funding announcement follows a trend of increasing philanthropic spending, with the foundation's annual outlays projected to reach $9 billion by 2026 [1]. The funding will be used to support over 300 global partners and grantees in advancing research and development of products to improve maternal health, gynecological and menstrual health, and other underfunded care areas.

One of the key innovations being funded by the Gates Foundation is AI-enabled ultrasound technology. This portable and affordable device can be plugged into a mobile phone and used by trained health workers to identify potential dangers to mothers and babies, even without a radiologist or obstetrician on-site [1]. Another AI-enabled tool being developed is a fetal monitoring system to help healthcare providers determine when to deliver a baby, addressing the issue of unnecessary caesarean sections [1].

The announcement comes at a time of uncertainty for women's health research, with the Trump administration previously threatening to cut funding for certain programs. The Gates Foundation's commitment seeks to motivate investment from governments, the private sector, and philanthropy, underscoring the importance of collective action to address global health challenges [1].

Bill Gates' philanthropic efforts extend beyond health, including his plan to donate 99% of his wealth through the foundation over the next 20 years [1]. Despite his vast wealth, Gates is also known for his practical approach to life, such as holding a McDonald's Gold Card that grants him lifetime free meals at any McDonald's location worldwide. However, Gates rarely uses the card and prefers to buy his own food, reflecting his down-to-earth nature [2].

References:
[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasgallagher/2025/08/04/bill-gates-foundation-announces-25-billion-to-bolster-womens-health/
[2] https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14960149/Michelle-Pfeiffer-APOLOGIZES-attacking-Bill-Gates-contaminate-food-supply.html%3Fico%3Dauthors_pagination_desktop?ico=tim_mobile_moneymarkets