by Alex Ingram in Politics

Bill Gates has publicly criticized Elon Musk for significant cuts to US government spending, particularly targeting the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Gates claims that Musk's actions, described as "gutting" USAID and likened by Musk to "feeding it to a woodchipper," will lead to millions of deaths worldwide. The cuts have resulted in canceled contracts and sporadic payments for numerous non-profits. Gates acknowledges the need for government efficiency but condemns the drastic nature of the cuts, calling them a "mistake" that will cause "millions of deaths." He points to Musk's false claims about US aid spending and his negative characterizations of USAID workers as further evidence of poor judgment. Gates contrasts Musk's actions with the Gates Foundation's $200 billion commitment to global health initiatives, highlighting the importance of continued funding for such programs. The feud between Gates and Musk is not new; a previous meeting aimed at encouraging increased philanthropy from Musk ended poorly. Gates also expressed broader concerns about the Trump administration's economic policies, particularly tariffs, creating uncertainty for businesses and potentially hindering economic growth.