On May 8, 2025, Bill Gates announced a staggering $200 billion pledge to the Gates Foundation, aiming to exhaust his wealth by 2045. The Microsoft co-founder’s plan, detailed in interviews with Reuters and CNBC, targets global health crises like polio and malaria, poverty reduction, and climate change mitigation. But the announcement carried a sharp edge: Gates accused a fellow billionaire—widely understood to be Elon Musk—of undermining progress, particularly through cuts to humanitarian programs. “Some are killing the world’s poorest children,” Gates said, per Newsweek, pointing to Musk’s influence without naming him outright in some contexts.
The pledge doubles the Gates Foundation’s current $100 billion endowment, promising an unprecedented $18 billion annually in grants. Gates aims to eradicate preventable diseases and bolster climate initiatives, though some reports note his climate efforts may take a backseat to health priorities. This move, praised as historic by supporters, has drawn skepticism on X, where users like @MarioNawfal call it a “control grab” akin to Carnegie’s philanthropy playbook. Others, like @Benzinga, frame it as a clash of visions: Gates’ structured giving versus Musk’s disruptive efficiency.
Musk’s actions—slashing U.S. Agency for International Development programs and pushing deregulation—have been criticized for destabilizing global aid, per Gates. X posts amplify this divide, with @Planetes360 accusing Gates of hypocrisy, citing his vaccine initiatives as “soft power” while Musk faces backlash for prioritizing AI and space over immediate humanitarian needs. The feud highlights contrasting approaches: Gates’ data-driven, institutional philanthropy versus Musk’s high-risk, tech-first bets. A 2024 report shows 60% of Americans view billionaire philanthropy skeptically, fueling debate over Gates’ motives.
Is this historic altruism or a calculated power play? Gates’ foundation, a global health titan, could cement his legacy as a savior of the vulnerable. Yet critics argue it’s a strategic move to counter Musk’s growing influence in AI and policy, especially as Musk’s xAI and Tesla shape tech’s future. The world is splitting: some hail Gates as a humanitarian hero, others see a billionaire flexing control. As climate and AI challenges loom, Gates’ $200 billion bet—whether noble or tactical—promises to reshape the global stage.
