In a recent interview with The New York Times, Bill Gates expressed significant concern over President Donald Trump’s proposed cuts to USAID funding, warning that these reductions could lead to an increase in childhood mortality rates. “The projections for childhood deaths were expected to decline from five million to four million, but now, barring significant changes, we’re likely to see an increase to six million,” Gates stated.
Earlier in the year, Gates had shared with The Wall Street Journal that he found Trump’s interest in philanthropic discussions during their dinner last December to be “frankly impressive.” However, subsequent actions taken by Trump and business magnate Elon Musk regarding federal funding have left the Gates Foundation unsettled, according to a report from the Times.
“The cuts to U.S.A.I.D. are incredible,” Gates remarked in the interview. “I anticipated a reduction of about 20 percent, but what we’re seeing is closer to an 80 percent cut. This was unexpected, both for me and, I believe, for anyone else.”
The discussion coincided with Gates’ disclosure of his intention to gradually dissolve the Gates Foundation over the next two decades. He indicated that Musk’s actions were pivotal in the funding cuts, stating, “He [Musk] essentially dismantled the budget because he chose not to attend a particular gathering that weekend.”
Times reporter David Wallace-Wells then mentioned Musk’s affiliation with the Giving Pledge, prompting Gates to note, “A unique aspect of that pledge is that individuals can wait until their death to fulfill it.” He continued, “It’s possible he could become an influential philanthropist in the future. Meanwhile, the world’s wealthiest person has contributed to the suffering of the most impoverished children.”
Gates reiterated his commitment to donating his wealth through his foundation with the goal of “saving and improving lives globally” over the next twenty years. The foundation is slated to officially close its doors on December 31, 2045, at which point Gates’ net worth is expected to have decreased by 99 percent.
