Bill Gates Reportedly Donates $50 Million to Support Kamala Harris in 2024 Election

Billionaire Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates, who has traditionally stayed out of the political spotlight, is reportedly stepping into the 2024 election with a significant contribution aimed at helping elect Vice President Kamala Harris. According to The New York Times, Gates has quietly funneled $50 million into a “dark money” political nonprofit, Future Forward USA Action, which is supporting Harris’ campaign.

While Gates has typically kept his political preferences private and has not made a public endorsement, this contribution suggests a shift in his political involvement as the stakes of the 2024 election rise. Gates reportedly intended for the donation to remain out of the public eye, with his involvement only recently coming to light.

“In private calls this year to friends and others, Mr. Gates has expressed concern about what a second Donald Trump presidency would look like,” The New York Times reporter Theodore Schleifer noted. However, Gates has also emphasized his ability to work with either candidate, although his contribution indicates a clear preference for the Biden-Harris administration, particularly their policies on climate change.

Concerns Over a Trump Presidency

Gates’ concern about a potential second Trump term appears to center around global issues and domestic policies related to health, climate change, and poverty. According to sources close to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the organization is particularly worried about potential cuts to family planning and global health programs under another Trump administration.

“Mr. Gates does not have a deep relationship with Ms. Harris,” Schleifer reported, “but he has celebrated the Biden-Harris administration’s work on climate change.” Gates’ foundation has long been committed to addressing global challenges, and he fears that a Trump presidency could reverse progress on issues like healthcare access and climate initiatives.

In response to inquiries from The Times, Gates stated, “I support candidates who demonstrate a clear commitment to improving health care, reducing poverty, and fighting climate change in the U.S. and around the world. 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.”

Wealthy Donors Aligning with Candidates

Gates is not the only billionaire getting involved in the 2024 election. As campaign finance laws have loosened in recent years, thanks in part to Supreme Court decisions protecting unlimited independent campaign contributions, ultra-wealthy individuals have increasingly funneled significant resources into supporting their preferred candidates.

While Gates has thrown his weight behind Harris, other billionaires are backing former President Donald Trump. Reclusive railroad heir Timothy Mellon and tech tycoon Elon Musk are among those who have aligned with Trump. Musk, in particular, is heavily funding America PAC, which is handling much of the Trump campaign’s voter canvassing efforts.

As the 2024 election approaches, the influence of billionaires like Gates and Musk highlights the growing role of private wealth in shaping political outcomes, with both sides relying on massive financial backing to fuel their campaigns.