Billionaire and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates recently made a significant donation to support Kamala Harris’s U.S. presidential run, contributing around $50 million to Future Forward, a nonprofit organization backing Harris. New York Times reported on Tuesday that Gates’s donation was meant to remain private, as he has not publicly endorsed Harris, the Democratic candidate challenging Republican Donald Trump in the upcoming U.S. presidential election on November 5. Future Forward serves as the primary outside fundraising group for Kamala Harris’s campaign.
According to the New York Times, Gates has expressed concerns in private conversations this year about what a second Trump presidency might entail. His anxieties primarily revolve around potential policy changes that could have far-reaching implications for global health and family planning programs. Gates’s philanthropic organization, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is particularly worried that a Trump victory might lead to cuts in funding for critical health initiatives. Given the Foundation’s focus on reducing global poverty and improving healthcare, the potential risks associated with a Trump re-election have weighed heavily on Gates’s mind.
Despite his concerns, Bill Gates emphasized that he remains willing to work with either political candidate. In response to the New York Times report, Gates underscored his bipartisan approach to politics but pointed out the unique significance of this election. “I support candidates who demonstrate a clear commitment to improving health care, reducing poverty, and fighting climate change in the U.S. and around the world,” Gates stated. He highlighted the unprecedented importance of this election for both Americans and vulnerable communities globally. While he has a long history of working across party lines, Gates’s remarks make it clear that he views the stakes of the 2024 election as especially high.
In an earlier interview with FRANCE 24 in July, Bill Gates welcomed Kamala Harris’s nomination after President Joe Biden decided not to pursue re-election. He noted that Harris, who is younger and has a forward-looking perspective, might be more adept at navigating modern challenges like artificial intelligence. At 60 years old, Kamala Harris presents a contrast to her rival, Donald Trump, who is 78, making him the oldest presidential nominee in U.S. history. Gates’s comments seemed to reflect an appreciation for Harris’s ability to connect with emerging technological issues that are poised to shape the future.
Interestingly, Gates’s ex-wife, philanthropist Melinda French Gates, has also publicly endorsed Kamala Harris. Melinda’s endorsement underscores her shared values with Harris on issues like women’s rights, healthcare access, and global equity—all key areas that have been central to the Gates Foundation’s philanthropic initiatives.
The Harris campaign has seen a notable level of support from wealthy individuals. Forbes reported that at least 81 billionaires have backed Harris in her race against Trump, suggesting a significant divide among influential donors. Many of these billionaires appear to be concerned about the policy direction that a Trump administration would take. Gates’s donation, in particular, adds to the growing financial support Harris is receiving from high-profile figures across various sectors.
However, not all billionaires share the same view. One of the world’s wealthiest men, Elon Musk, has publicly supported Donald Trump. Musk’s endorsement of Trump reflects a broader ideological split within the billionaire class, highlighting differing perspectives on key issues such as economic policy, climate change, and technological innovation.
Bill Gates’s contribution to Kamala Harris’s campaign, albeit discreet, is an important indicator of the concerns held by influential leaders about the outcome of the upcoming election. Gates’s focus on global health, climate action, and poverty reduction is deeply tied to his philanthropic mission. While he emphasizes bipartisanship and collaboration across political lines, his donation and comments indicate a clear preference for a leader whose policies align more closely with these pressing global challenges. As the election approaches, the support from figures like Gates and others in the billionaire community will likely play a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of the race.