New Delhi: With just two weeks remaining for the US presidential elections, a report from The New York Times has revealed that Microsoft founder Bill Gates is supporting Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in her 2024 presidential campaign. Gates, who has largely remained neutral in political matters for decades, reportedly donated about $50 million to a nonprofit organization backing Harris.
This contribution was meant to stay confidential, signaling a notable shift in Gates’s approach to political donations. As a co-founder of Microsoft, he has not publicly endorsed Harris, and this marks a major change from his past strategy of steering clear of large political gifts.
As per the report, sources close to Gates shared that he has expressed concerns about the implications of a second Donald Trump presidency during private discussions. Although he believes he could collaborate with either candidate, Gates has highlighted the potential impact of Trump’s policies on global health programs and family planning initiatives. The Gates Foundation is particularly apprehensive about possible funding cuts in these areas if Trump is elected.
Gates’s donation was made to Future Forward, the primary organisation raising funds for Harris’s campaign. Specifically, the contribution went to Future Forward USA Action, a 501(c)(4) “dark money” organisation that does not disclose its donors. As a result, Gates’s support will not be publicly recorded.
In a statement to The New York Times, Gates emphasised his bipartisan approach but acknowledged the unique significance of this election. He stated, “I support candidates who demonstrate a clear commitment to improving health care, reducing poverty and fighting climate change in the US and around the world.” He also mentioned the importance of the current election, calling it “different” due to its unprecedented implications for Americans and vulnerable populations globally. He said, “I have a long history of working with leaders across the political spectrum, but this election is different, with unprecedented significance for Americans and the most vulnerable people around the world.”
Gates has distanced himself from large political donations to maintain credibility across party lines, especially with leaders involved in developing nations. In 2019, he said, “There are times it might feel tempting to do so, and there are other people who choose to do so, but I just don’t want to grab that gigantic megaphone.” This new involvement is surprising to those familiar with the Gates Foundation’s operations, particularly after Gates suggested he was not a political influencer.
He further said to The New York Times, “I don’t tell other people how to vote because I’m so associated with the foundation that works with any administration. I think it’s great to have somebody who’s younger and can think about things like A.I. and how to shape that the right way.”
Gates’s children, Rory and Phoebe, have recently become active Democratic donors, encouraging their father to engage more seriously in political contributions. Melinda French Gates, his ex-wife, has also made political donations, including to Future Forward.
As the election approaches, recent sentiment indicates a shift in Harris’ chances against Trump. Betting platforms like Polymarket and PredictIt show a significant advantage for Trump, with predictions leaning towards his victory. Gates’s contribution may help fund anti-Trump advertising, though the nonprofit arm faces limitations on its spending for explicitly anti-Trump messaging. However, it has previously donated over $170 million to the Future Forward super PAC, which does not have such restrictions.
The “dark money” nature of the donation provides some anonymity for Gates and other wealthy donors supporting Harris, many of whom are wary of potential backlash from Trump. The former president has previously threatened to target Harris’s supporters.
Gates’s influence in philanthropy remains significant, particularly among the Giving Pledge community, which he co-founded with Melinda. He is set to meet with members of this group and other health-focused philanthropists in December, following the election.
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