Bill Gates Donated $50 Million To Nonprofit Supporting Kamala Harris, Report Says
by Antonio Pequeño IV · ForbesTopline
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates recently provided around $50 million to a nonprofit backing Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, according to The New York Times, as Harris leads former President Donald Trump in terms of the number of billionaires backing her campaign.
Key Facts
Gates told peers privately he made the $50 million donation, according to the Times, which cited three people briefed on the matter.
The Times noted the donation was specifically discussed among peers like former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg and was supposed to be kept confidential.
The Microsoft co-founder reportedly expressed concern about a second presidency under former President Donald Trump, even though he emphasized his ability to work with either candidate, the Times reported, noting Gates made the remarks in private conversations.
Gates did not address the donation or endorse Harris in a response to the Times and told the outlet he supports candidates with commitments to health care, climate change and poverty, adding that despite his history of working various leaders throughout the political spectrum, “this election is different.”
The donation was made to Future Forward USA Action, which does not publicly disclose the identities of its donors.
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What Billionaires Are Backing Harris?
A Forbes analysis found 81 billionaires are backing Harris, including Bloomberg, LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman and Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank.
What Billionaires Are Backing Trump?
Trump has the support of 50 billionaires, which notably includes world’s wealthiest person Elon Musk, who has recently joined Trump on the campaign trail. Trump also boasts support from the likes of hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, casino magnate Miriam Adelson and New York Jets owner Woody Johnson.
Forbes Valuation
We estimate Gates’ net worth at $105.6 billion, making him the 13th-wealthiest person in the world.
Key Background
Gates, who is not an outwardly political billionaire, reflected on Harris positively this summer, telling France 24 it is “great to have somebody who's younger, who can think about things like AI and how we shape that in the right way.” However, Gates noted he does not tell other people how to vote, citing his work with his nonprofit Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Gates’ ex-wife, Melinda, has taken a different approach than the Microsoft co-founder, becoming a Democratic megadonor and providing more than $13 million to groups backing Harris
Further Reading
Bill Gates Privately Says He Has Backed Harris With $50 Million Donation (NYT)