Melinda Gates calls out billionaires like Elon Musk, Bill Ackman & more for lack of philanthropy

Melinda French Gates, ex-wife of Bill Gates, recently expressed her skepticism towards a new breed of billionaire activists, including Elon Musk, Jack Dorsey, Bill Ackman, and Peter Thiel. In an interview with The New York Times, she questioned their philanthropic commitment despite their vocal advocacy for various causes.   

French Gates, who co-founded the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, argued that these individuals haven't made significant contributions to society compared to traditional philanthropists like herself, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffet. She emphasized the importance of actual monetary donations as opposed to merely using their platforms for advocacy.   

"They use their voice and they use their megaphones, but I would not call those men philanthropists," French Gates stated, highlighting the disparity between their public persona and actual philanthropic impact.   

The interview also touched upon French Gates' recent political endorsements, which marked a departure from her previous non-partisan stance. She explained that the Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, motivated her to speak out in favor of women's rights and endorse candidates who align with those values.

When asked about Elon Musk's critical response to her endorsement of President Biden, French Gates dismissed it as "silly," highlighting the differing perspectives on philanthropy and political engagement among billionaires.