Bill Gates Criticizes Elon Musk's DOGE Cuts, Warns of 'Millions of Deaths'

 

Bill Gates Criticizes Elon Musk's DOGE Cuts, Warns of 'Millions of Deaths'

A Billionaire Clash Over Aid: Gates Calls Out Musk

Elon Musk's drastic cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have drawn a harsh warning from Bill Gates, who claims that the action could result in the lives of millions of people worldwide. Reducing foreign aid is a risky and shortsighted move that might undo years of achievement, according to Gates, who has funded global health initiatives through the Gates Foundation for decades.

After Musk, who took the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency during the Trump administration, relentlessly dismantled USAID and boasted about "feeding the agency to the wood chipper," the remarks were made. Nonprofits have struggled to survive since the downsizing, with many facing canceled or postponed contracts and stopped payments.

“This Should Be Reversed” – Gates Calls the Cuts a Mistake

Gates stated in an interview with CNN's Fareed Zakaria that although simplifying government is a commendable objective, Musk's combative strategy went too far.

"It would be commendable if Elon's objective was efficiency or the use of AI to enhance systems," Gates stated. "However, some of that should be reinstated because this escalated into slashing entire teams."

Gates stressed that there is a "global health emergency" as an outcome of the funding cuts in the United States and Europe. He warned that crucial USAID-funded campaigns, such as those of HIV, maternal health, and avoiding a pandemic, are now at risk.

Global Health Programs at Risk

Gates highlighted the impact's magnitude. Programs that are vital for avoiding disease and preparing for outbreaks are being canceled or greatly pulled back. Life-saving operations frequently come to a halt in areas such as the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa.

Gates stated, "You're talking about millions of deaths when you cut funding like this." "It's an 80% reduction, not a small one. Efficiency has nothing to do with that. That is an error.

Additionally, he chastised Musk for his public remarks, which included inaccurate assertions that the United States was paying $50 billion on condoms for Gaza—an exaggeration Musk subsequently acknowledged was untrue. Gates described such claims as damaging and deceptive, particularly when they result in the demonization of assistance workers.

"These individuals are heroes," Gates declared. "They represent America to the rest of the world,

Gates Vows More Philanthropy as Global Challenges Grow

Last Monday, Gates revealed that he will use the Gates Foundation to donate $200 billion, or almost all of his money, over the next 20 years.

He claimed that his worry that advancements in world health are stalling or even reversing was a contributing factor in the decision.

According to Gates, "philanthropy needs to step up in this moment." "However, the ability of governments like the United States to act at scale cannot be replaced by even $200 billion in philanthropy."

Tariffs and Economic Uncertainty Add to the Risk

Gates voiced concerns over White House economic policy in addition to global health. He stated that the Trump administration's trade war approach, especially its broad tariffs, has left American companies in a state of long-term uncertainty.

"You need a stable outlook if you're planning to build a factory or make investments," Gates stated. "Too much instability has been brought about by the policies of the past few years.

A Deepening Rift Between Billionaires

The rivalry between Gates and Musk is not new. For years, the two tech behemoths have been at odds over policy and philanthropy. According to reports, Gates made an unsuccessful attempt to persuade Musk to increase his charity contributions in 2022. According to Walter Isaacson's biography, Musk later referred to Gates as "a–hole."

Now that USAID programs have been cut and international health experts are raising concerns, Gates has made it apparent that he thinks Musk's strategy is more detrimental than beneficial.

Gates stated, "Efficiency is important." However, we cannot improve the government by reducing the programs that aid the world's poorest citizens. It's how we deteriorate the globe.