Bill Gates vs. Elon Musk: The 2025 Feud Over DOGE Cuts and Philanthropy

In May 2025, a public feud between billionaires Bill Gates and Elon Musk has captivated the U.S., centering on Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its controversial cuts to foreign aid. Gates has accused Musk of endangering millions of children, while Musk, the world’s richest man, defends his efficiency drive under President Donald Trump. This article explores the clash, its implications, and what it reveals about their contrasting visions.

Why Is Bill Gates Criticizing Elon Musk?

Bill Gates, with a net worth of $169 billion, has sharply criticized Elon Musk, whose wealth stands at $359 billion, for DOGE’s drastic reductions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). In interviews with The New York Times and Financial Times, Gates claimed Musk’s cuts could increase child mortality by 2 million annually, accusing him of “killing the world’s poorest children” by halting aid like HIV prevention grants in Mozambique. Gates highlighted Musk’s error in confusing Mozambique’s Gaza province with the Middle East’s Gaza, calling DOGE “geographically illiterate.” For more on global tech trends, see our RCS Messaging Guide.

[](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/05/09/gates-musk-killing-poorest-children/)[](https://www.businessinsider.com/bill-gates-doge-geographically-illiterate-musk-usaid-cuts-deaths-2025-5)

Musk’s Role in DOGE and Trump’s Administration

Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO and a key Trump advisor, has led DOGE to slash federal spending, including USAID’s budget, which Gates says has left food and medicine expiring in warehouses. Musk, who has called USAID a “criminal organization,” announced in April 2025 that he would reduce his DOGE involvement to focus on Tesla, amid a 9% revenue drop. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some praising Musk’s efficiency efforts and others criticizing his wealth concentration. Learn about tech-driven efficiency in our RCS for Business Guide.

[](https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/2025/05/13/what-is-elon-musk-net-worth-tesla-stock-china-tariff-news-who-is-top-10-richest-person-in-world-list/83597136007/)[](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/bill-gates-accuses-elon-musk-killing-poor-children-says-s-giving-away-rcna205566)

Gates’ Philanthropic Response

In response, Gates announced that his foundation will donate $200 billion by 2045, closing operations sooner than planned. He aims to combat diseases like polio and reduce poverty, countering the aid cuts. Gates has questioned Musk’s commitment to the Giving Pledge, which Musk signed in 2012 but later dismissed as “bullshit,” per Walter Isaacson’s biography. This clash underscores their divergent views on wealth and responsibility. Explore secure tech solutions in our RCS Security Guide.

[](https://www.reuters.com/business/bill-gates-give-away-fortune-by-2045-200bn-worlds-poorest-2025-05-08/)[](https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/05/bill-gates-accuses-elon-musk-of-killing-children-with-doge-led-usaid-cuts/)

Conclusion

The Gates-Musk feud highlights tensions between efficiency-driven policy and humanitarian priorities. As Musk navigates his role with Trump and Tesla, and Gates accelerates his philanthropy, their rivalry shapes global discourse. Stay informed with our Internet section.