Bill Gates Hopes Elon Musk Will Rethink Slashing USAID. Their Work Is Stuff 'Every Taxpayer Would Be Proud Of', Says Gates - Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA)

Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates in an interview on Monday, expressed optimism that Elon Musk will rethink slashing USAID programs.

What Happened: On Monday, Gates in an interview with noted biographer and journalist Walter Isaacson, talked about his contributions to global health, advancements in AI, and his newly released memoir, Source Code.

In this discussion aired on Amanpour and Company‘s YouTube channel, Bill Gates voiced his hope for Tesla CEO, Elon Musk to reconsider and preserve the USAID program. He said their work is something “Every Taxpayer Would Be Proud Of.”

He also highlighted the significant work done by the agency’s employees, particularly those working in challenging overseas conditions. Gates praised their efforts in providing assistance in areas such as famine relief and HIV medication distribution, including the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program.

Why It Matters: Musk’s reconsideration of USAID funding arises in the context of his public criticism of government spending, especially in response to documents exposing what he viewed as wasteful USAID projects. Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has previously branded USAID as “evil” and “a vipers nest of radical left marxists”.

The future of USAID has been a contentious issue recently, with Gates challenging Musk’s approach to the agency. Gates has previously expressed concern about the potential dismantling of USAID, questioning whether such a move aligns with American values. He has also noted his significant financial contributions to USAID programs.