Bill Gates has accused Elon Musk of “killing the world’s poorest children” by shutting down US development aid programs that support global health.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Gates blamed Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for abruptly dismantling USAID, leading to the expiration of life-saving food and medicine and a potential resurgence of measles, HIV, and polio.
“The picture of the world’s richest man killing the world’s poorest children is not a pretty one,” Gates said.
He specifically cited Musk’s cancellation of funding for an HIV-prevention hospital in Gaza Province, Mozambique, based on a mistaken belief that the funds were aiding Hamas. Musk later admitted confusing the region with Gaza in the Middle East.
“I’d love for him to meet the children that have now been infected with HIV because he cut that money,” Gates added.
Gates also announced that the Gates Foundation will shut down by 2045, as he plans to spend nearly all his wealth — over $200 billion in 20 years — on health, education, and development.
He warned that private philanthropy cannot replace the $44 billion in aid lost from USAID cuts, and accused Musk of acting “through ignorance.”
Their feud dates back years, with Musk previously mocking Gates and calling philanthropy “bullshit” while promoting market-driven solutions like Tesla and SpaceX
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