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Bill Gates pledges to donate $200 billion by 2045, slams Elon Musk for US aid cuts

Written by Roberta Souza
Published 08/05/2025 às 17:37
bill gates - elon musk - usa - donald trump - microsoft
photo/reproduction: CNN

Billionaire announces donations amid growing international aid cuts and defends the importance of supporting vulnerable populations

Last Thursday, May 08, Bill Gates announced that he plans to give away nearly all of his personal fortune, totaling around US $ 200 billion, through its foundation, until 2045.

This commitment comes at a time when many governments, including the EUA, are reducing their international aid, raising concerns about the future of humanitarian initiatives.

Gates did not hesitate to criticize Elon Musk, the richest man in the world and an influential figure in the government of Donald Trump, claiming that the policies implemented by Musk are harming the most vulnerable children.

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photo/reproduction: Chesnot/Getty Images

He said that budget cuts to humanitarian aid promoted by Musk, who heads the Office of Government Efficiency, have resulted in a drastic reduction in funding for United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which has historically provided billions of dollars for childhood vaccines and food assistance.

“The image of the richest man in the world killing the poorest children in the world is not a pretty one,” Gates told Financial Times.

This statement highlights the philanthropist's concern about the consequences of current policies.

Bill Gates' Commitment to Philanthropy

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and philanthropist, expressed his desire to accelerate plans to liquidate his fortune and end the Gates Foundation to December 31, 2045.

He emphasized, “People will say many things about me when I die, but I am determined that ‘he died rich’ will not be one of them.” This reflects his commitment to using his wealth to solve critical problems such as infant mortality and preventable diseases.

Gates' focus is to help prevent deaths of newborns, children and mothers from preventable causes, as well as eradicating diseases such as polio, malaria and measles.

He also expressed concern that richer countries may not continue to support poorer ones, especially in the face of cuts in donations from countries like United Kingdom e France.

Since its creation in 2000, the foundation donated approximately US $ 100 billion, positively impacting millions of lives and supporting initiatives such as Gavi, vaccine group, and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

The foundation is already a major player in the global health sector, with a budget expected to reach US $ 9 billion annually until 2026.

Gates revealed that the foundation will spend around 99% of his personal fortune before it was shut down, a move that was not initially in the plans, as the founders expected the institution to close in the decades following his death.

The importance of humanitarian aid

Humanitarian aid is essential for the survival of millions of people around the world, especially in regions affected by conflict, natural disasters and economic crises.

A Use and other aid agencies play a crucial role in delivering food assistance, vaccines and health services.

With budget cuts, organizations that rely on government funding face significant challenges in maintaining their operations.

Gates emphasized that eradicating diseases like polio will not be possible without the continued commitment of EUA. He highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in the fight against poverty and disease, acknowledging that while the foundation has contributed substantially, government support is essential to achieving long-term goals.

Call to Action for Other Billionaires

Gates encouraged other billionaires to consider the impact their giving can have on the lives of the poor.

He hopes more wealthy people will increase the pace and scale of their contributions, saying it is a profoundly effective way to give back to society.

His hope is that by sharing his story and commitment, he will inspire others to get involved in social and humanitarian causes.

In addition, he talked to Donald Trump on several occasions on the importance of continued investment in global health, highlighting how collaboration between the private sector and government is essential to address global challenges.

During these conversations, Gates reiterated the need for a renewed focus on public health, especially in times of pandemic, when the vulnerabilities of the poorest populations are exacerbated.

Criticism of the foundation and conspiracy theories

Despite its positive impact, the Gates Foundation has faced criticism and conspiracy theories, especially during the pandemic Covid-19.

The influence and power the foundation wields in global health has sparked debate about the need for greater transparency and accountability.

Critics argue that the foundation wields a disproportionate amount of power in public health decisions, without proper accountability.

Bill Gates, by taking a stand against humanitarian aid policies that harm the most vulnerable, reaffirms his commitment to using his wealth to promote meaningful change and improve the lives of millions of people. With his pledge to donate, he seeks to foster a movement of generosity among the wealthiest, emphasizing that solidarity is essential to address the persistent global challenges.

Bill Gates' Legacy

bill gates - elon musk - usa - donald trump - microsoft
photo/reproduction: Disclosure

Over the course of his career, Bill Gates has transformed himself from a tech mogul into one of the world's most influential philanthropists.

His vision of a future where health and well-being are within everyone's reach is a reflection of his experiences and challenges faced throughout his life.

As the closing of the Gates Foundation, his hope is that the legacy of his contributions will inspire future generations to get involved in social causes and use their wealth for the common good.

Gates' approach to philanthropy, focusing on data and results, can serve as a model for others who want to make a difference.

He believes that the combination of financial resources, innovation and social commitment can lead to lasting and meaningful changes in the world, especially for those who need it most.

SOURCE: ISTOEDINHEIRO

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Roberta Souza

Petroleum Engineer, postgraduate in Commissioning of Industrial Units, specialist in Industrial Corrosion. Get in touch to suggest an agenda, advertise job vacancies or advertise on our portal. We do not receive resumes

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