In a recent interview, sources revealed that Bill Gates, a prominent figure in the tech world and co-founder of Microsoft, has privately donated $50 million to support Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign. He reportedly remarked, “This election is different,” reflecting a significant shift in his typically cautious approach to political involvement.
According to three individuals familiar with the situation, the donation was intended to remain confidential, marking a departure from Gates’s usual practice of steering clear of overt political endorsements. While Gates has not publicly backed Harris, he has expressed concerns to friends about the implications of a potential second term for Donald Trump. Sources indicated that he solicited their opinions during private conversations this year.
Concerns stemming from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation suggest apprehension over the potential impact on family planning and global health initiatives should Trump reclaim the presidency. Gates, whose fortune is estimated at $162 billion, reportedly contributed to Future Forward, the primary fundraising group backing Harris, which does not disclose its donors, ensuring that this substantial donation may not publicly surface.
In a statement, Gates refrained from addressing the donation directly or endorsing Harris, emphasizing his commitment to bipartisanship. However, he noted that “this election is different,” underscoring its unprecedented significance for Americans and vulnerable populations globally. “I support candidates who demonstrate a clear commitment to improving healthcare, reducing poverty, and fighting climate change,” he added.
Historically, Gates has sought to maintain a neutral stance in political affairs to preserve his credibility among diverse political factions involved in humanitarian efforts. “I choose not to participate in large political donations,” he explained in 2019, acknowledging the temptation but rejecting the notion of wielding a “gigantic megaphone.”
Interestingly, Gates’s children, Rory and Phoebe, both in their twenties, have reportedly shown enthusiasm for Democratic contributions and encouraged their parents to engage more actively in political philanthropy.
Across the political landscape, from Wall Street to Silicon Valley, an increasing number of billionaires are publicly backing candidates. Many have pledged their support for Trump, such as Stephen Schwarzman, chair of Blackstone. Conversely, some individuals, like Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, have privately expressed support for Harris but are hesitant to reveal their positions publicly due to potential backlash in the event of a Trump victory. Dimon acknowledged that while the likelihood of being invited to a government role under a Harris administration is “almost nil,” he retains the right to reevaluate his stance.
