In a surprising turn of events, tech mogul and philanthropist Bill Gates has reportedly made a substantial donation to a non-profit organization supporting Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. This move, a departure from his usual avoidance of political contributions, signals a significant shift in Gates’ political stance.
According to The New York Times, citing sources briefed on the matter, Gates privately pledged around $50 million to Future Forward, a non-profit group backing Harris’ presidential bid. This significant financial commitment is attributed to Gates’ concerns about the potential repercussions of a second term for former President Donald Trump.
Although Gates has not publicly endorsed Harris, he has expressed his willingness to work with either candidate. His decision to support Harris is likely influenced by the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to combat climate change, a cause that aligns with the philanthropic focus of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Gates’ donation to Future Forward’s non-profit arm, a “dark money” organization, is a discreet move, ensuring its confidentiality and non-disclosure in public filings.
In response to reports of the donation, Gates stated, “I have a long history of working with leaders across the political spectrum, but this election is different, with unprecedented significance for Americans and the most vulnerable people around the world.” He emphasized his support for candidates committed to tackling crucial issues such as healthcare, poverty reduction, and climate change.
This move follows a similar donation made by Gates’ ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, who in September disclosed substantial contributions to both Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz (D-Minn.) campaign.
Furthermore, Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk, earlier in October, suggested that billionaires supporting Harris are apprehensive about a potential Trump win due to the possibility of a public release of the Epstein client list.
The political race remains tight, with Harris holding a slim lead over Trump in election polls, despite losing momentum in key demographics.
Gates’ unprecedented foray into political donations highlights the significant stakes involved in the upcoming election and underscores the importance of the issues at hand for individuals like Gates who prioritize global well-being and societal progress.
