By: Manoah kikekon
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates accuses Elon Musk of causing HIV infections in children due to slashed funding for global aid programs.
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| Elon Musk and Bill Gates |
In a shocking escalation of tensions between two of the world’s wealthiest men, philanthropist Bill Gates has publicly accused Elon Musk of contributing to the deaths of impoverished children by advocating for cuts to international aid.
Gates, the Microsoft co-founder turned global health advocate, made the explosive claim in an interview with the Financial Times, stating that Musk’s push for reduced funding to developing nations has had deadly consequences.
Speaking to the FT, Gates did not mince words: “The picture of the world’s richest man killing the world’s poorest children is not a pretty one.”
The criticism stems from Musk’s role in the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency, where he has championed budget cuts affecting global health initiatives. Gates argued that reduced funding has directly led to setbacks in fighting diseases like HIV, leaving vulnerable children at risk.
“I’d love for him to go in and meet the children that have now been infected with HIV because he cut that money,” Gates said, challenging Musk to witness the real-world impact of his policies.
As of now, Elon Musk has not publicly addressed Gates’ accusations. Known for his combative social media presence, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO could soon fire backpotentially reigniting a long-standing rivalry between the two billionaires.
The clash highlights a growing divide between tech titans over global aid priorities. While Gates has dedicated billions to health and development through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Musk has taken a more fiscally conservative approach, advocating for efficiency-driven spending cuts.
Experts warn that reductions in foreign aid could reverse decades of progress in eradicating diseases and improving living conditions in the world’s poorest regions.