Bill Gates Accuses Elon Musk of ‘Killing the World’s Poorest Children’

Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has recently made headlines following comments directed at fellow tech mogul Elon Musk. The remarks, though controversial, have sparked debate across social media and global news outlets.

Bill Gates has openly criticized Elon Musk, accusing him of putting the lives of the world’s most vulnerable children at risk by backing the shutdown of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). In an interview with the Financial Times, Gates said Musk’s support for cutting foreign aid was having devastating consequences, especially in low-income countries that rely on such programs for basic health services.

Newsweek reported that Musk had not responded to requests for comment. As the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, Musk played a key role in driving major federal budget cuts, including the elimination of USAID. He argued the agency was poorly managed and wasteful. However, critics argue these cuts disproportionately harm the poorest communities by stripping away vital services like medical care and nutrition.

Gates specifically mentioned a program in Mozambique aimed at preventing HIV transmission from mothers to newborns. He said it was shut down based on false claims Musk had circulated, mistakenly linking the aid to Gaza. “I’d love for him to go and meet the children now infected with HIV because he cut that money,” Gates said. Musk later admitted the geographic error.

This clash is part of a long-standing difference in philosophy between the two billionaires. Musk believes in using business ventures to solve global problems, while Gates continues to invest heavily in charitable work. Recently, Gates announced that the Gates Foundation will wind down by 2045, accelerating its efforts to spend his wealth on public health, education, and global development.

The foundation, which has already spent $100 billion, is expected to invest another $200 billion over the next 20 years. Gates’s pledge to donate 99 percent of his fortune makes it one of the largest philanthropic efforts in history, supported significantly by Warren Buffett. Their goals include eradicating diseases like polio, fighting malnutrition, and improving health systems in impoverished areas.

Gates believes spending the money now can save countless lives and encourage future generations of donors. He told the Associated Press the foundation’s timeline allows enough time to ensure its funds are used wisely and its mission is fulfilled effectively.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that most USAID programs—about 83 percent—had been terminated due to concerns over inefficiency and misalignment with national goals. Musk responded by saying essential aid work should fall under the State Department, not a separate agency.

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