In a move that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates has secretly donated $50 million to support Kamala Harris’s bid for the US presidency. The revelation, reported by the New York Times, cites sources familiar with the matter, stating that Gates channeled his contribution to Future Forward, the primary external fundraising arm backing Harris’s campaign.
This substantial donation places Gates amongst a roster of over 80 billionaires who have publicly thrown their weight behind Harris’s bid to unseat incumbent President Donald Trump. Conversely, Trump has garnered support from a smaller group of 50 billionaires, though this includes the world’s richest man, Elon Musk.
The secrecy surrounding Gates’s donation is noteworthy. Despite the considerable financial commitment, Gates has refrained from publicly endorsing Harris, opting to keep his support under wraps. However, his actions speak louder than words.
The New York Times report further reveals that Gates has expressed deep concerns about the potential ramifications of a second Trump term, particularly for the global health and family planning initiatives championed by his philanthropic organization, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Sources close to the foundation have indicated that they are deeply apprehensive about potential cuts to these critical programs under a Trump administration.
While acknowledging the possibility of working collaboratively with either candidate, Gates has privately expressed trepidation about the potential consequences of a Trump victory.
In a statement responding to the New York Times report, Gates avoided explicitly mentioning the donation or offering an endorsement of Harris. Instead, he emphasized his commitment to bipartisanship, but also stressed the unprecedented significance of this election.
“I support candidates who demonstrate a clear commitment to improving health care, reducing poverty and fighting climate change in the US and around the world,” 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.”
Gates’s actions and pronouncements mark a notable shift in his political engagement, highlighting the high stakes of the upcoming US election. The implications of his $50 million donation extend far beyond the immediate campaign, signifying a potential turning point in his philanthropic and political endeavors.
This election, as Gates aptly observes, is different. The stakes are high, and the decisions made by voters will have profound implications for the future of the United States and the world.
