Bill Gates Reportedly Donates $50 Million to Pro-Harris Group, Marking a Political Shift
After years of avoiding significant political donations, Bill Gates has reportedly made a $50 million contribution to Future Forward, a nonprofit backing Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign, according to sources familiar with the matter. This move represents a notable shift for the Microsoft co-founder, who has typically maintained a nonpartisan stance in politics.
The donation, intended to remain private, reflects Gates’s growing concern about the implications of a potential second term for Donald Trump. While Gates has not publicly endorsed Harris, he has privately praised the Biden-Harris administration’s climate initiatives and voiced concerns over possible funding cuts to global health programs under a Trump administration, sources said.
Future Forward’s nonprofit arm, Future Forward USA Action, which is not required to disclose its donors, received Gates’s contribution. This ensures the donation remains off public records. Gates has reportedly discussed his support for Harris with influential peers, including former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, who is also a significant backer of Future Forward.
Gates’s philanthropic work has often required collaboration with leaders across the political spectrum, leading him to historically avoid direct involvement in U.S. elections. In a 2019 interview, Gates reiterated his preference to steer clear of partisan politics, stating, “I don’t want to grab that gigantic megaphone.”
Despite his reticence, Gates has acknowledged that this election poses unique challenges. In recent conversations, he highlighted the importance of leadership that understands critical issues like climate change and artificial intelligence.
The donation surprised many within the Gates Foundation, as Gates has long prioritized maintaining neutrality to protect the foundation’s mission. However, the stakes of the 2024 election appear to have influenced his decision to step into the political arena, albeit quietly.
Neither Gates nor representatives from Future Forward have commented directly on the reported donation. However, Gates emphasized his bipartisan approach, remarking, “This election is different.”