Bill Gates Slams Elon Musk Over Foreign Aid Cuts Impacting Vulnerable Children
A Billionaire Showdown with Global Stakes
In a sharp rebuke, philanthropist Bill Gates has criticized Elon Musk for allegedly dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) through his new initiative, the Department of Government Efficiency ($DOGE )—a move Gates says puts millions of impoverished children at risk.
Aid Withdrawal Sparks Humanitarian Crisis
According to Gates, Musk’s abrupt rollback of USAID programs has led to a dangerous lapse in critical food and medical aid, accelerating the spread of preventable diseases like HIV, measles, and polio in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions. Essential hospital grants—such as those in Mozambique’s Gaza Province—have reportedly been pulled, halting key health initiatives including HIV prevention.
“The image of the world’s wealthiest man contributing to the suffering of the world’s poorest children is profoundly disturbing,” Gates remarked.
Global Health Infrastructure in Jeopardy
Gates warned of rising child mortality rates and the resurgence of preventable illnesses as healthcare systems in Africa and Southeast Asia—heavily dependent on USAID—struggle to operate without support.
Gates Foundation Doubles Down
In contrast, Gates reaffirmed the mission of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, pledging to fully spend down its funds by 2045. Over the next 20 years, the foundation plans to invest $200 billion in global health, education, and development.
“We don’t aim to exist forever—we aim to make the greatest possible impact while we’re here,” Gates said.
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