According to reports, billionaire and Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates donated approximately $50 million to Future Forward, a nonprofit organization that supports Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. According to the New York Times, this has been a discreet contribution, as Bill Gates himself has not gone out publicly to make statements for the Democratic candidate competing against Republican Donald Trump in the November 5 election.
He has privately expressed to the NYT his misgivings about the implications of a second Trump presidency. His foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is particularly worried that Trump will cut family planning and global health programs if he returns to office.
Despite those concerns, Gates has said he can work with either candidate. In response to the report, he emphasized his commitment to bipartisanship but conceded the singular importance 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 worldwide,” said Gates. “This election is different, with unprecedented significance for Americans and the most vulnerable globally.”
Harris was nominated as the new Democratic candidate following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal. Gates expressed optimism about having a younger leader who could address issues such as artificial intelligence. Harris has just celebrated her 60th birthday, but Trump, at 78, is the oldest nominee ever in U.S. presidential history.
His ex-wife, philanthropist Melinda French Gates, has publicly backed Harris. Forbes reported that at least 81 billionaires have backed Harris in her candidacy against Trump. However, some high-profile billionaires, like Elon Musk, have pledged their loyalty to the Republican candidate.
