Microsoft founder Bill Gates is backing Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. Sources indicate that Gates, who typically avoids public political involvement, has donated approximately $50 million to a nonprofit organization supporting Harris’s campaign.
While Bill Gates did not confirm or deny the donation in his statement to the Times, he emphasized that “this election is different.”
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Bill Gates is reportedly worried about former President Donald Trump’s economic policies and potential cuts to family planning and global health initiatives. The news of Gates’ contribution comes as recent sentiment has shifted regarding Harris’s ability to defeat Trump, with the crypto prediction platform Polymarket showing Trump as the favorite with a 64% likelihood of victory. PredictIt reflects similar odds favoring Trump.
Billionaire investor Stanley Druckenmiller noted in a Bloomberg interview that market insiders are anticipating a Trump win, predicting a potential “red sweep” of Republican candidates. He suggested that those who vote for Trump are unlikely to switch to a Democratic candidate in congressional races.
Despite the challenges, Harris has continued to garner support from wealthy backers. Melinda French Gates, another billionaire philanthropist, endorsed Harris in July and made a significant donation to her campaign, stating she believes Harris understands the societal issues that need addressing.
Laurene Powell Jobs, a close friend of Harris, has also contributed to her campaign, with Powell Jobs and her firm, Emerson Collective, having donated over $3.4 million to Democratic candidates and causes since 2020.
