On Tuesday’s episode of *The View*, Microsoft founder Bill Gates raised alarm about the potential consequences of scaling back the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID),
suggesting that such cuts could lead to “literally millions of deaths.”
Gates, a philanthropist who has worked closely with global health organizations through his Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation,
expressed concern over the future of vital foreign aid programs, particularly in the wake of statements made by billionaire Elon Musk.
During the conversation, co-host Sara Haines asked Gates about Elon Musk’s involvement with the U.S. government,
and how private sector leaders like Musk might impact organizations like USAID.
Gates responded with apprehension, highlighting the importance of USAID’s work and the risks of reducing its operations. “Well, Elon, his private sector work, you know, has been very innovative, really fantastic,” Gates began. “A lot of private sector people, when they get into government they don’t take the time necessarily to see what the good work is or why it’s structured the way it is, so I’m a little worried, particularly with this USAID stuff.”
Gates, who has long been an advocate for global health and humanitarian efforts, emphasized that his foundation partners with USAID on initiatives such as nutrition programs and vaccine distribution, noting that the agency’s work has saved countless lives. “My foundation partners with USAID on nutrition and getting vaccines out, and you know, there’s incredible people. They’re not actually worms that work there,” Gates continued, clearly frustrated by criticisms of the agency. He made it clear that the loss of such crucial efforts could have severe consequences, particularly for people in the most vulnerable regions of the world. “If we don’t, you could have literally millions of deaths,” Gates warned.
The billionaire philanthropist’s comments come at a time of increasing scrutiny over foreign aid budgets. There have been ongoing discussions about reducing U.S. foreign aid spending, with some political figures arguing that the country should prioritize its own citizens. Gates, however, pointed out that the amount spent on foreign aid is minimal compared to overall U.S. spending, stressing that it is “under 1%” of the federal budget, contrary to common misconceptions that it amounts to much more. “People think it’s 5%, and it should be 2%, but it’s actually under 1%,” Gates explained.
Meanwhile, USAID itself has been dealing with significant turmoil. Recent reports revealed that the agency’s Washington headquarters was closed to staff on February 3, and some employees faced difficulties accessing the agency’s computer systems. Sources confirmed that staff received instructions to stay away from the office, and some were reportedly locked out of their systems overnight. These developments have raised concerns about the agency’s future, especially as it faces potential budget cuts or restructuring.
Elon Musk has been a vocal critic of USAID, using his social media platform X to accuse the agency of being a “criminal organization.” Musk’s tweet, which read “Time for it to die,” has added to the growing tension between private sector figures and government-run organizations like USAID. Gates, however, disagreed with Musk’s harsh assessment, highlighting that such agencies play an essential role in addressing global challenges, from poverty to health crises.
Gates’ warning comes amid broader discussions on the role of the private sector in government, a topic that has gained increasing attention in recent years. While Musk’s ventures in space exploration and electric vehicles have garnered worldwide praise, Gates pointed out that some private sector leaders, once involved in government, may not fully grasp the complexities of the work being done by established agencies like USAID. “I always thought of Silicon Valley as being left of center,” Gates remarked in a separate interview with *The New York Times*, expressing surprise at the growing right-wing influence within the tech industry.
Despite these challenges, Gates emphasized that his foundation will continue its collaboration with USAID, particularly in areas like health and nutrition, where they have seen positive impacts. As the debate continues over U.S. foreign aid and the future of organizations like USAID, Gates remains committed to working alongside governments and global institutions to tackle the world’s most pressing problems, from disease prevention to hunger relief.
With tensions surrounding foreign aid escalating, it’s clear that Gates’ concerns about the potential repercussions of scaling back USAID are not just about numbers—they’re about real lives. The coming months may reveal whether his warnings are heeded or if the future of U.S. foreign aid will shift dramatically in the wake of these ongoing debates.
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