Usually Neutral Bill Gates Has Pitched In $50 Million For Harris Campaign

India-West News Desk

NEW YORK, NY – Bill Gates, one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, has privately disclosed that he recently donated approximately $50 million to a nonprofit organization supporting Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign, according to a report by The New York Times. Although Gates has not publicly endorsed Harris, this donation marks a notable shift from his long-standing practice of staying out of direct political contributions.

Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, has traditionally maintained a neutral stance in politics, avoiding contributions that could align him with specific candidates. While he does not have a close relationship with Harris, Gates has praised the Biden-Harris administration for its efforts in combating climate change. Sources told The New York Times that Gates and his philanthropic foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, are concerned about potential cuts to family planning and global health programs if Donald Trump were to return to the presidency.

In response to the NYT report, Gates did not directly confirm the donation or offer an explicit endorsement of Harris. However, he acknowledged the unique stakes of the 2024 election, emphasizing his bipartisan efforts over the years but stating that “this election is different.”

Gates, who has resisted political involvement despite encouragement from Democratic allies, is reportedly facing internal pressure from his children, Rory and Phoebe Gates. Both have become Democratic donors and have urged their father to engage more actively in political giving.

Some wealthy donors backing Harris remain wary of being publicly identified with her campaign, fearing retaliation from Trump, who has threatened to target her most prominent supporters. (Courtesy: https://indiawest.com/)