Elon Musk recently took aim at Bill Gates during an interview at the Bloomberg Qatar Economic Forum. This exchange came after Gates criticized Musk for cutting funding to USAID, which he claimed could endanger children worldwide. Musk responded sharply, questioning Gates’ credibility on child welfare due to his past connections with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
Musk’s comments were clear and direct. He expressed disbelief at Gates’ concerns, saying, “Who does Bill Gates think he is to make comments about the welfare of children?” He emphasized his lack of trust in Gates, stating, “I wouldn’t trust that guy to babysit my kids.” This remark drew applause from the audience.
Gates had previously stated that cuts to USAID funding, which Musk has been involved in, could lead to dire consequences, including increased rates of HIV among children. He called the situation “killing” children and painted a stark picture of the world’s richest man harming the world’s poorest. Gates urged Musk to meet the children affected by these funding cuts.
The tension between the two tech giants highlights a broader debate about philanthropy and responsibility. Gates has faced scrutiny for his past meetings with Epstein, which he has described as a “huge mistake.” These meetings reportedly strained his marriage, leading to his divorce in 2021.
As the conversation around funding and child welfare continues, Musk’s comments add another layer to the ongoing discourse about the roles of influential figures in global issues.