Bill Gates was interviewed by CNN’s Fareed Zakaria on May 9, 2025, where he expressed his concerns about fellow tech billionaire Elon Musk’s cuts to US government spending. Gates warned that the dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) under Musk’s watch could result in millions of deaths worldwide. He criticized Musk’s actions and emphasized the importance of reinstating funding for vital programs.
Gates highlighted the urgent global health crisis resulting from cuts to health programs by the US and European governments. He announced plans to give away $200 billion through the Gates Foundation over the next 20 years in response to the stagnating progress in improving global health.
Gates criticized Musk for his drastic cuts and false claims, including mischaracterizing USAID workers. He praised the dedication of these individuals and emphasized their crucial role in representing America to the world. Gates emphasized the importance of supporting health systems and addressing potential pandemics.
The Gates Foundation has been at the forefront of global health initiatives, partnering with various organizations to combat diseases and develop innovative health solutions. Gates acknowledged Musk’s expertise in certain areas but expressed concerns about his approach to global health issues, warning that significant funding cuts could have devastating consequences.
The interview shed light on Gates’ commitment to global health and his stance against detrimental cuts to essential programs.
Recently, there was a clash between Musk and Gates reported by the Wall Street Journal. Gates accused Musk of harming the world’s poorest children through government spending cuts. A spokesperson for Musk has not yet responded to these claims. This is not the first time the two billionaires have disagreed on philanthropic matters. In 2022, Gates met with Musk to persuade him to increase his charitable contributions, but the meeting did not go well, and Musk later criticized Gates in public. Gates also expressed concerns about President Trump’s tariff policies, which could lead to higher costs for consumers and disrupt businesses, especially as artificial intelligence is already causing changes in the job market and economy. Gates emphasized the importance of long-term policy stability for businesses looking to invest in new ventures. To stay updated on the latest news and newsletters from CNN, sign up for an account at CNN.com.
